Back in 2012, when Doug Martin was a rookie, he looked like a rising star at the running back position.
That season, Martin rushed for nearly 1500 yards and was clearly one of the most explosive players in the league. Unfortunately, he suffered a torn labrum last season, putting him out for a majority of the campaign, and although he’s back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this season, he hasn’t looked the same.
That said, Martin still has the talent to be one of the best running backs in the league, and because of that, he’s the Buccaneers’ X-factor in Week 9.
Despite averaging just 2.9 yards per carry this season, Martin remains a focal point of Tampa Bay’s offense because the coaching staff sees just how talented he really is. Martin has always been a hard worker, and by all accounts that hasn’t changed this season. Even if the results aren’t quite there yet, Martin’s work ethic is very promising, and that’s why he seems like a breakout candidate every week. He works too hard and is way too talented to remain a non-factor in Tampa Bay’s offense.
Martin is primed for a breakout game. Forget the 2.9 yard per run average — Martin is ready to return to form this week against an inconsistent Cleveland Browns‘ run defense. He has been a big disappointment for Tampa Bay so far this season, but this could be the week he puts it all together and plays up to his potential.
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