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Buccaneers Week 5: Winners and Losers vs the Patriots

By Marc Magana

TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 5: Head coach Dirk Koetter of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers makes his way through the tunnel on his way to the field at the start 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: Head coach Dirk Koetter of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers makes his way through the tunnel on his way to the field at the start 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) /
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TAMPA, FL – OCTOBER 5: Running back Doug Martin #22 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers goes over the top on a one-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 goes over the top on a one-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) /

Doug Martin

Man, we missed you Doug. Martin played really well in his return and looked a lot more like the 2015 version we hoped to see. When he touched the ball it usually resulted in positive yardage.

He did have a few drops, but overall, he brought a spark to the running game the Bucs severely missed. He makes plays when there shouldn’t be any room.

His ability to create something out of nothing is far and away the best on the Bucs offense. He was pretty much all the Bucs had to offer on offense all night.

Must Read: Week 5 Immediate Reactions

Justin Evans

Evans struggled in the pre-season and some fans were wondering why he was taken so early. Tonight, Evans showed us what the coaches saw in him.

With one interception early, he almost had another one in the 2nd quarter, he played well. In the absence of T.J. Ward and Keith Tandy, many were concerned with the starting duo of Chris Conte and the rookie. While Conte had a few missteps, Evans looked solid.

The rookie showed up big in prime time. Koetter talked earlier in the week about Evans being close to breaking out that was proven to be true.

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