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Buccaneers training camp battle breakdowns: Third running back

By Alan Schechter

ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 18: Doug Martin #22 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers carries the ball during the first half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on December 18, 2016 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 18: Doug Martin #22 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers carries the ball during the first half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on December 18, 2016 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 18: Head coach Dirk Koetter of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the sideline during the first quarter of the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 18, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 18: Head coach Dirk Koetter of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the sideline during the first quarter of the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 18, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

The Prediction

Experience versus youth. What is Dirk Koetter to do? Charles Sims is the known entity in the equation. Koetter knows his skillset. When healthy Sims gets the job done. He can catch the football and is a perfect change of pace back.

Jeremy McNichols is a back with similar skills. He can make a play in the receiving game as well as the running game. To run the ball over 300 times and still average over five yards per carry is an accomplishment, I don’t care what level of football it is. He was also clearly durable, which gives him a leg up on the incumbent. How will he look when the pads come on. McNichols is going to see a level of competition far beyond his current experience. How will he respond?

Granted, there will be the comfort factor with Sims. But ultimately I see this battle ending with an upset victory. That’s right, McNichols will beat out Sims for the job. Why? It will come down to their ability when all things are equal. In a head to head battle, McNichols will do what Sims does, but just do it a bit better.

Next: Ranking the secondary within the division

What do you think, Bucs fans? How will this battle play out? Whether you think it will be Charles Sims, Jeremy McNichols, or someone else, let us know on social media and in the comments. Debate away!

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