Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 5 Takeaways from 42-14 loss to Tennessee Titans

Sep 13, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin (22) runs the the ball during the second half against the Tennessee Titans at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports

There were a few positives

You may think I’m reaching on this one, but I promise I’m not. Even though the Bucs were dreadful at almost every position, RB Doug Martin actually played like a man on a mission.

Martin only finished with 52 yards on 11 carries, but that is 4.7 yards per carry. Once the Titans knew Jameis Winston was struggling they loaded the box and Martin was fairly ineffective after that.

What impressed me, though, were his bursts through the line and second efforts after being hit. He showed great energy and looked more like the 2012 rookie RB we were hoping to see.

One instance in particular was 4th & 1 at midfield. Even though the refs changed their initial call and didn’t give Martin the first down, he made a great second effort after getting hit behind the line of scrimmage. 2014 Doug Martin would have laid down without a fight, but yesterday I saw a completely player.

If the Bucs can not get blown out in the first quarter and defenses respect Winston a little more, I think Martin can have a successful year.

Sep 13, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins (87) scores a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Another player who had a good performance was TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins. Although his second TD came in garbage time, he did catch a crucial TD pass from Winston on third down in the first half.

Seferian-Jenkins finished the day with 5 receptions for 110 yards and 2 TDs. Those stats were inflated in the 4th quarter but he did play well throughout most of the day.

If he can stay healthy then Winston will definitely keep looking Seferian-Jenkins’ way this season.