Five Bold Predictions for the Buccaneers’ 2016 Season

Doug Martin Leads the NFL in Rushing

If we are going to make “bold” predictions, they are going to be big ones.

This one almost already happened in 2015.  Martin finished the 2015 season with 1,402 rushing yards, behind only Adrian Peterson and showing the NFL world that he was healthy and back to the form from earlier in his career.  The nearest competitor to Martin and Peterson was Todd Gurley, but he was nearly 300 yards behind the pack.

Sure, Gurley’s numbers came in only thirteen games and twelve starts, but defenses will be ready for Gurley.  Whether the quarterback for the Rams is Jared Goff or anyone else, the running attack will be the main focus of opposing defenses, forcing the passing game to win ball games.  It’s very reasonable to believe that Gurley has a sophomore slump in his future.

For Martin, the holes will be there once again.  Jameis Winston will have Vincent Jackson back at his disposal, serving as another weapon to take the focus off of the running game.  Even with a focus on the run, there will have to be a healthy enough respect for the Bucs’ passing attack that Martin won’t have to face a stacked box.

Martin will be teaching the league how to “Dougie” to the tune of a rushing title in 2016.

Next: Prediction Number Two