Buccaneers: Can They Get on Track with Doug Martin and Clinton McDonald Back?

Jan 3, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin (22) stiff arms Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman (24) during the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin (22) stiff arms Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman (24) during the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
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Nov 6, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) leaves the field after the win against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi
Nov 6, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) leaves the field after the win against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi

Strong Passing Offenses Coming Up

With Doug Martin and Clinton McDonald nearing their return to the field for the Bucs this team needs a spark more than ever.

Will it be enough to get the team back on track? Unfortunately, it will not.

Four of this team’s eight remaining games are against teams in the top half of the NFL in passing including two against Saints who are second in yards and touchdowns.

McDonald’s return may help shore up the front, but it won’t stop these quarterbacks from taking advantage of suspect secondary play.

Martin’s return may make a bigger impact, but with hamstrings, you never know. It took Mike Evans more than a year to be the same as he was before his hamstring problems, and even longer to look better.

I think Martin is two or three weeks away from carrying a full workload, and when he does he’ll find five teams in the top half of the league against RBs.

This year has been disappointing, not because of the record alone, but how they’ve gotten there.

Martin and McDonald will be welcome returns, but this ship’s course is set and doesn’t look like it’s changing routes this year.

David Harrison

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