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Buccaneers game grades: 2017 Week 5 loss to New England

By David Harrison

TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 5: Quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers makes his way off the field following the Bucs' loss to the New England Patriots at an NFL football game on October 5, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 5: Quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers makes his way off the field following the Bucs' loss to the New England Patriots at an NFL football game on October 5, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – OCTOBER 5: Running back Doug Martin #22 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates in the end zone following a 1-yard rush for a touchdown during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots on October 5, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – OCTOBER 5: Running back Doug Martin #22 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates in the end zone following a 1-yard rush for a touchdown during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots on October 5, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /

The Buccaneers welcomed back star running back Doug Martin.

He didn’t play the whole game. In fact, he ended the contest with just 13 carries, which isn’t very much considering how well he was running.

His first touch back from his suspension went for seven impressive yards, and it was a sign of more things to come.

Leaving Week 5, Martin has 74-yards in his season and one touchdown. He had a long run of 17-yards, and averaged 5.7 yards per carry.

Jacquizz Rodgers got three carries, and gained two yards. Charles Sims had one carry for three yards.

Sims also brought in five catches for 31-yards, and was missed on a wheel route early in the game which – theoretically – could have changed the course of the entire game.

Rodgers also brought in a catch for 13-yards, and Martin had one even though he should have had one, if not two, more.

Ultimately, the running backs didn’t hurt the team, but they weren’t allowed to put the team on their backs either.

Who is to blame, is a debate for another time and medium, but for now let’s just close this slide with the celebration of Martin’s return.

GRADE: B

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