He has run back from mediocrity. For Doug Martin, that might be the best carry of his life.
Last year, he was 40th among running backs in the NFL. This year, he’s fourth. Last year, the Bucs running game was 29th. Last year, the Bucs were 30th in the NFL in league in total offense. This year, they are fifth.
Anyone have any questions about the effect of Martin?
Martin has made himself an early contender for the NFL Comeback Player of the Year. The past two years, he gained fewer than 500 yards for the entire season. This year, he’s had 612 in seven games going into Sunday’s game against the Giants.
“As a running back you want to get in the flow of things and the earlier the better,” Martin said. “Once you get the feel for the game and get a feel of how you can keep getting yards is good for a running back.”
Martin suggested that this is the most cohesive offensive line he has played behind in his years as a Buc.
“They work really well together,” Martin said. “We had injuries, people filling in for each other and they are carrying the flag very well. Everybody is consistent across the line.”
It is more than the players, however. Martin credits offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter with the team’s improvement.
“[He is doing] an awesome job,” Martin said. “I love the guy. He is very hands on. He is very detailed-oriented and he wants us all to be detailed-oriented. He’s just a great coach, a great coach to have and we’re lucky to have him.”
The Giants are only 19th in the NFL against the run, which will make the Bucs’ running game important Sunday. The Giants are last in the NFL on defense.
