Buccaneers: Can They Get on Track with Doug Martin and Clinton McDonald Back?
Main Issues Won’t Change
Do I think the return of Doug Martin and Clinton McDonald will help get this team back on track, my short answer is no. Doug Martin returning this week will be a boost for the offense but honestly how much more productive would he have been in the three games that Jacquizz started? Rodgers put up 324 yards in his three starts without Doug playing. Yes, they weren’t stacking the box and yes they ran it 75 times but I feel that Doug couldn’t have put up better numbers than that. The offense will have a better option than the Thursday Night game but with the limited other options at the other skill positions, the offense will remain relatively similar.
The addition of Clinton McDonald is huge because Gerald McCoy can actually get some rest without losing a ton of quality on the field. Also in the pass game, not being known for an elite rusher, McDonald will take up space. Offensive linemen will have to focus on him allowing other speedier guys like Spence and Ayers to get after the passer. This will greatly assist their defense but it still won’t fix the main issue. The secondary is the issue, and when you can’t cover receivers even when the quarterback is hurried you will give up 300 plus passing yards per game. The Bucs aren’t adding a game changer in the secondary and a speedy playmaker on offense and while they will be a little better overall, it won’t make them a playoff contender.