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Five Best Running Backs the Buccaneers Will Face in 2016

By Alan Schechter

Nov 1, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin (22) runs against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Buccaneers defeated the Falcons 23-20 in over time. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin (22) runs against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Buccaneers defeated the Falcons 23-20 in over time. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 14, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running backs Darrin Reaves (24) and Jamaal Charles (25) take a break in between drills during the mini camp at University of Kansas Hospital Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 14, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running backs Darrin Reaves (24) and Jamaal Charles (25) take a break in between drills during the mini camp at University of Kansas Hospital Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Jamaal Charles

The next man up, when on the field, is one of the most explosive players in the game.

Since entering the league in 2008, Charles has never finished a season with a yards per carry of less than five yards.  Think of the enormity of that.  A lead running back, in a league where four yards per carry is standard, and 4.5 is excellent, is consistently over five yards.  For his career, his average is 5.5 yards per carry.  That’s about as good as you are ever going to see, folks.

Not only does he get the job on a carry by carry basis, Charles is a threat to score at any time from anywhere.  In all of his years, he has never gone a full year without posting a touchdown from at least 24 yards out.  Charles has been selected to the Pro Bowl four times, and has eclipsed the 1,000 rushing yard plateau in five out of his eight career seasons.

In two previous appearances against the Bucs, he has been slightly below his career average, rushing at a clip of 4.87 yards per carry, but even so, his explosiveness cannot be denied.  He isn’t higher on the list because of his recent injuries.  But the Bucs better have their eye on this guy, or their trip to Arrowhead might be a long one.

Next: Number Three

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