The Pewter Plank
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How Do the Buccaneers Keep Up With the Saints?

By Alan Schechter

Dec 4, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) reacts as he comes off the field after a 28-21 win over the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) reacts as he comes off the field after a 28-21 win over the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 27, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin (22) runs for a first down between Seattle Seahawks outside linebacker K.J. Wright (50) and fullback Will Tukuafu (46) during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin (22) runs for a first down between Seattle Seahawks outside linebacker K.J. Wright (50) and fullback Will Tukuafu (46) during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

A Steady Dose of Dougie

During the current four-game winning streak, the Tampa Bay offense hasn’t been at its best. A lot of pressure has been put on Jameis Winston. His receiving corps continues to fall apart, while the run game can’t seem to consistently produce. If Tampa Bay wants to keep up with a high-powered Saints offense week, then Doug Martin, Jacquizz Rodgers and Charles Sims will need to pick it up.

Since returning from injury, Martin hasn’t been able to break out. Rodgers returned last week and appeared to be easing back into things, while Sims appears to be coming back this Sunday. The Bucs need some production from their group of running backs to take some of the pressure off of Winston. The fact is, the depleted receiving corps would be much easier to deal with if there was any sort of consistency in the backfield. 

If Martin returns to his 2015 form on Sunday, Tampa Bay could have a better chance of keeping up with Drew Brees and his talented offense. Any secondary productivity from Rodgers and Sims will help too, but no. 22 needs to be the workhorse that everyone knows he can be.

–Bailey Adams

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