The last two years have been rough ones for running back Doug Martin and the Buccaneers.
The team has won just six games after winning seven in 2012 and Martin has played in only 17 thanks to injuries that have made his 1,454 rushing yards as a rookie seem like they happened a lot more than three years ago. The Bucs aren’t turning away from Martin, however.
Coach Lovie Smith called him “the lead guy” in the backfield and Martin’s earned good reviews for his work in practice over the offseason. Some of that is surely due to the fact that he feels as healthy as he did in his rookie season and he knows staying that way is essential to a return to form this season.
“I’ve got to take care of my body. If I take care of my body and stay in my playbook, I’ll be just fine,” Martin said, via the Tampa Bay Times. "[Spending] more time in the training room, even if I’m not injured. It’s all about injury prevention. That’s something I’m going to do better.”
Martin sees “a lot of potential” in an offense featuring first overall pick Jameis Winston at quarterback and new offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter calling the plays. If Martin’s healthy, the chances of fulfilling that potential will go up considerably.
