Week 10 Grades for Buccaneers Win Over Chicago Bears
RUNNING BACKS: C
Doug Martin made his triumphant return to action after being sidelined with a hamstring injury since the Buccaneers played the Cardinals in Week 2.
Like Winston, the Buccaneers’ running backs were subjected to playing behind a patchwork offensive line against a defense looking to make a statement to the rest of the league.
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Martin got the start, but Peyton Barber got plenty of work as the undrafted rookie continues to show steady play carrying a dramatically larger workload than expected when the year began.
As a team, Tampa averaged just 2.6 yards per carry on 31 tries. Martin had 33 of those yards and the lone rushing touchdown of the game on what can be described only as a “feel good” short yard series where the returning star got three carries from inside the five-yard line to get a late touchdown.
Martin’s score capped off a drive which ate up nearly 10 minutes of game clock, and during which Barber carried the ball seven times for 23-yards.
Two Buccaneers’ running backs also brought in receptions as Martin brought in one for 13-yards and Mike James had another for five yards.
Overall it was a serviceable and average day for the Bucs running backs. Nothing stands out to get overly upset about, but there’s nothing to sound the trumpets for either.
It’s the best “C” this team will ever get though, as seeing Martin back healthy and running hard is a win in itself.