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

By Alan Schechter

Dec 18, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin (22) runs the ball against Dallas Cowboys strong safety Barry Church (42) in the first quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin (22) runs the ball against Dallas Cowboys strong safety Barry Church (42) in the first quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 4, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Jacquizz Rodgers (32) runs the ball during the second half against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Tampa Bay won 28-21. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Jacquizz Rodgers (32) runs the ball during the second half against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Tampa Bay won 28-21. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

Evaluation Time

Let’s be honest folks, the season is essentially over as far as the playoffs are concerned. The Bucs are still “alive” but the scenario is nearly impossible. Does anyone really think that San Francisco is going to beat Seattle and that the Giants will tie the Redskins? Even if every other element of the long shot happens in the Bucs favor, these two are highly unlikely.

The Bucs are not making the playoffs.

With that, Dirk Koetter has to start to look into the future as well. Jacquizz Rodgers was signed off the streets and leads the team in rushing. He posted back-to-back 100 yard games in the middle of the year. Yes he wants to win the game on Sunday, but he must have an eye to the future as well. He knows what Doug Martin is. He has been injured for a significant portion of the year. Why not rest Doug and give Rodgers one more week of full evaluation?

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