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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 1, 2016; Oxnard, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley (30) and quarterback Jared Goff (16) at organized team activities at the River Ridge Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 1, 2016; Oxnard, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley (30) and quarterback Jared Goff (16) at organized team activities at the River Ridge Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Todd Gurley

Was there really any doubt about our number one choice?

Despite a great career as a Georgia Bulldog, coming off of knee surgery, there were questions about how good Todd Gurley was going to be?  Would he be as explosive as he was prior to injury?  Will he look like the same player?

Oh, did he ever.

In only 13 games and 12 starts, Gurley ran the ball 229 times for 1,106 yards, a 4.8 yards per carry average.  He added ten touchdowns and earned a Pro Bowl selection, a solid accomplishment for a rookie.  The Offensive Rookie of the Year proved himself to be every bit as explosive as he had been while spending time in Georgia.

Next: Has Jamaal Charles Lost a Step?

He went over 100 yards five different times, including four straight after earning his place in the starting lineup.  Now, the Bucs kept him in check last year in the “Color Rush” game, allowing him only 48 yards on 21 carries.  Remember though, that with Goff behind center, Gurley will be a guy leaned on a lot, and he showed last year that he was more than capable of carrying a team.

Watch out for Gurley now and for the forseeable future.

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