Buccaneers at Falcons: Five Game-Changing Players

Doug Martin

One of the biggest moves of the offseason for Tampa Bay was signing Doug Martin to a contract extension.  The 27-year-old running back is coming off of a huge year in which he rushed for 1,402 yards and six touchdowns on 288 carries.  His resurgence certainly helped the development of rookie quarterback Jameis Winston as it kept the offense balanced.

That’s why he is such a key player in Sunday’s game against the Falcons.  Whether or not the Bucs can get their ground game going will decide how they run the offense.  Martin’s success can open things up for the passing game, which provides the balance that can make the Buccaneer offense successful.

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Atlanta’s run defense was nothing special last year, allowing an average of four yards per carry and 105 rushing yards per game.  Those marks left them in the middle of the pack compared to the rest of the league.  In two matchups with the Falcons last year, Martin rushed for 71 yards in one and 95 in the other.  He should be able to put up a solid game on Sunday, which Tampa Bay needs if it wants a season-opening win.

Next: Julio Jones