This kid def appears to be everything LeGarrette Blount is not, and unlike Blount he has his head screwed on right.
Rookie RB Doug Martin already impressing Tampa Bay Buccaneers By Rick Stroud, Times staff writer In Print: Tuesday, July 31, 2012
TAMPA — The conversation about Doug Martin always begins with the same question. Can he survive? But after only four days of NFL training camp, players and coaches are giddy wondering this: how much will he thrive?
"He made some explosive runs (Sunday) where you really see why they drafted him so high," guard Davin Joseph said. "He reminds you of a Ray Rice or Maurice Jones-Drew. He's very crafty and he really understands the run game."
Martin, the 31st overall pick from Boise State, has quickly established himself as the Bucs' most complete back. He makes sharp cuts and explodes through the hole. He can power through arm tackles, he is stout in pass protection, runs great routes and has soft hands.
"I feel like I'm a complete back," Martin said. "That's why they drafted me. They felt I was a complete back. I'm trying to show them out here and hopefully it translates to the games."
Martin had highlight reel games at Boise State, where he finished with 3,431 rushing yards and 43 touchdowns. He also recorded 67 catches for 715 yards and four scores.
Very happy to hear so much positive news on Martin. Have in my dynasty team, and were I to have a chance to draft him in a redraft, I would be tempted to over pay a bit for him.
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moochman
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Bucs coach Greg Schiano says running back battle is fluid, could go into season By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer In Print: Sunday, August 12, 2012
TAMPA — Shedding tacklers never has been an issue for LeGarrette Blount. What took a little more effort was making the pounds fall off him.
"I feel faster. I feel a lot quicker," Blount said after the Bucs' 20-7 preseason win Friday over the Dolphins in Miami.
He claims to have lost 5-10 pounds and is in obviously better condition than 2011: "I feel a lot lighter on my feet."
Perhaps, but Blount might not be fast enough to run away from rookie Doug Martin in the battle for the No. 1 running back spot. Just as the elusive Martin might not be able to shake Blount.
Coach Greg Schiano would prefer to ride one back throughout the season. But what Blount and Martin proved Friday is both deserve an opportunity to split touches until one clearly wins the job.
In the meantime, the Bucs believe they have enough footballs to go around for both of them.
Sadly that is what the league has come to. The Bucs are doing what they have to do. Float stories around about how Martin is a go to handle the load. Hope that it wakes up sleepyhead Blount so you get some production from him. Then if he does seem to be getting the message, you announce that both will be very important members of the run game. One can assume that Blount will get all short yardage stuff, but I could see Martin getting middle field stuff and lots of 3rd down work. Think of how well that worked for Sproles, then factor in far less competition and the probability that Blount will blow it as some point.
I think, therefore I am. I think fantasy, therefore I am unreal?
moochman
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Sadly that is what the league has come to. The Bucs are doing what they have to do. Float stories around about how Martin is a go to handle the load. Hope that it wakes up sleepyhead Blount so you get some production from him. Then if he does seem to be getting the message, you announce that both will be very important members of the run game. One can assume that Blount will get all short yardage stuff, but I could see Martin getting middle field stuff and lots of 3rd down work. Think of how well that worked for Sproles, then factor in far less competition and the probability that Blount will blow it as some point.
Somehow I think Schiano is much more direct and in-your-face than that - that may be other coaches M.O. but I think he would tell Blount to his face, no mincing of words, no need to float stories. Witness Winslow's quick exit outta town. I don't see Schiano as the type to play games.
Fantasy Football: "Luck is where preparation meets opportunity"
Sadly that is what the league has come to. The Bucs are doing what they have to do. Float stories around about how Martin is a go to handle the load. Hope that it wakes up sleepyhead Blount so you get some production from him. Then if he does seem to be getting the message, you announce that both will be very important members of the run game. One can assume that Blount will get all short yardage stuff, but I could see Martin getting middle field stuff and lots of 3rd down work. Think of how well that worked for Sproles, then factor in far less competition and the probability that Blount will blow it as some point.
Somehow I think Schiano is much more direct and in-your-face than that - that may be other coaches M.O. but I think he would tell Blount to his face, no mincing of words, no need to float stories. Witness Winslow's quick exit outta town. I don't see Schiano as the type to play games.
It's not a game, its motivation. Winslow was an easy out, gets attention of the team. Threat of Martin taking Blount's job has much more impact now. Heck, I bet he even gets to meetings on time and stays awake thru them. for now
I think, therefore I am. I think fantasy, therefore I am unreal?
moochman
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