Buccaneers: Five Reasons Sitting Doug Martin is Not a Bad Idea

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Dec 11, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin (22) runs past New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Nick Fairley (90) during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the New Orleans Saints 16-11. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

May the Best Man Play

Remember 2012, when Russell Wilson was drafted in the third round of the draft by Seattle? They had just signed Matt Flynn to a mega contract and everyone expected him to be the starter while Wilson waited in the wings. What happened? Pete Carroll had an open competition during training camp and Wilson won the job.

The play on the field dictated the playing time, not the paycheck the player is receiving.

Why is Dirk Koetter wrong for employing the same strategy? Like it or not, Martin has not been the same player in 2016. He has been slower into the holes than in the past, and hasn’t made anywhere near the impact he did in 2015. He’s averaging 2.9 yards per carry, from before he was injured, and after he came back. The most yards he has put up in a game all year was 87, and it took him 23 carries to get there.

Some of the blame can be put on the offensive line, no doubt. But, Jacquizz Rodgers has been running behind the same line and posted more yards than Doug on less carries. Peyton Barber is nearly halfway to Martin’s total on just 50 carries.

The fact that he made big money shouldn’t matter. Rodgers has been the best back on the team all year. Why shouldn’t he be active as the lead back?

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