Doug Martin Fantasy News

Bucs offense on same page, expects big things
Tuesday, June 18, 2013, 12:30pm

The Bucs say they are about to reap the benefits of stability.

With offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan back for a second season, the NFL’s No. 9 attack is gearing up for a more dynamic year.

“We know this offense,’’ says WR Mike Williams. “We know when to break off routes and what zone to read. It’s a knowing instead of reacting to something. QB Josh Freeman’s got this offense down pat."

WR Vincent Jackson said the difference in Freeman is apparent, well before the start of training camp.

“He’s way more comfortable this year with the language,’’ Jackson said. “You can see it in his confidence, the way he’s directing the field. It’s fun to watch his physical tools take shape. We’ve got some new faces out here and it’s fun because we spread the ball around. Once we’re clicking, we’re going to be hard to stop."

Jamaal Charles will "stack Pro Bowls on Pro Bowls" in new offense
Sunday, June 9, 2013, 6:40pm

“This offense might be the best thing that ever happened to me,” Chiefs RB Jamaal Charles said. “I think this offense will get me open. They’re going to throw me the ball more. I think I’ll continue to stack Pro Bowls on Pro Bowls if I can stay healthy.

“I definitely know my role. I’ve got a lot of stuff to program in my mind right now. There’s a lot of stuff in the Andy Reid offense, the same stuff he did with [Brian Westbrook] and [LeSean McCoy], and I think I fit his scheme as well as they did. Definitely more studying and definitely more knowing the scheme of the defense, especially when I go out there and play another position like wide receiver. I go in there and try to read the defense. I feel like this year it will be more than I catch out of the backfield.”

In drafting Knile Davis, the Chiefs may be preparing for the eventual end of Charles’ career. But judging by how they used Charles in offseason practice, they don’t see that time coming soon.

OC Gruden: Gio Bernard will compete "for the third-down spot"
Saturday, May 4, 2013, 10:03am

OC Jay Gruden loves the pick of North Carolina running back Giovani Bernard in the second round. He's a three-down back, Gruden says, who upgrades the Cincinnati passing game with an exciting sizzle.

"We had a need and we filled it with two guys. Bernard and [Rex Burkhead] are both good in that role," Gruden says. "They'll be competing for the third-down spot."

Gruden covets Bernard's versatility, and his size, 5-9, 205 pounds, he says, is no different than three-down backs coming into the league. Like Tampa Bay's 5-9, 220-pound Doug Martin in the last draft: "(Bernard) ran the ball in and outside zones and caught it as well. A lot of guys his size are doing it."

Saturday, March 9, 2013, 11:42am

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed potential restricted free agent LeGarrette Blount to a one-year contract extension.

The team has announced the move. But a source said Blount will receive $1.25 million in base salary. He also can earn a $350,000 reporting bonus and a $150,000 workout bonus.

Tuesday, December 4, 2012, 1:17pm

Since gaining 138 yards Nov. 18 against the Panthers, Bucs RB Doug Martin has 106 yards on 39 carries in two games.

His 56 yards on 18 carries against the Broncos included just 8 yards on three carries in the second half. But Schiano said Martin, whose 1,106 rushing yards are third in the league, is not wearing down. Against Denver it was only game circumstances.

"I thought he was right on stride to have a really good rushing production day, but then we go down the three scores," head coach Greg Schiano said. "From 18 minutes left in the game on it was purely passing. So, you take away, really, the prime real estate for rushing the football and that's in the forth quarter when people are worn out. Overall, I thought Doug ran the ball well."

Monday, October 29, 2012, 12:30pm

RB Doug Martin is on pace to become the most productive rookie ball carrier in team history. That honor is currently held by Cadillac Williams, who ran for 1,178 yards in 2005. With 543 yards through seven games Martin is on pace to finish with 1,241 yards.

Monday, October 29, 2012, 8:19am

Execs said they would not be surprised if little-used back-up running back LeGarrette Blount of the Bucs was dealt by 4 p.m. Tuesday.

Tuesday, October 23, 2012, 2:27pm

Running back LeGarrette Blount may have lost his job as the goal-line back after failing to score on three tries from the 1-yard line in the loss to the Saints. The Bucs will have to consider using Doug Martin from here on. They can’t afford to waste scoring opportunities.

Doug Martin expects to break out
Tuesday, October 2, 2012, 11:12am

Doug Martin has an average of 3.5 yards per carry on his 71 totes, which is actually a bit more impressive than it looks.

He has run hard between the tackles and generally managed to get positive yards, with a lot of three and four-yard gains. His average has simply not been spiked by long runs; his longest carry so far is 17 yards, though he’s had a 19 and a 20-yarder erased by penalty.

Given his quick moves and his demonstrated tackle-breaking ability, one would expect Martin to eventually break out for some bigger gains. He believes that is right around the corner.

Sunday, September 30, 2012, 9:42pm

Bucs HC Greg Schiano says there is no set percentage of handoffs he is looking to give either Doug Martin or LeGarrette Blount; rather, he describes it is a “perfect-feel” type of thing. Ideally, Blount’s insertion into the game would give the offense a dynamic and bruising changeup, and that would in turn help Martin when he comes back into the game, rested and ready to provide a different look.

“One week it could be 50-50 and the next week it could be 80-20 – whatever fits the situation perfectly,” said Schiano. “But you’ve got to be careful because when you go totally by feel you can look up and it’s the fourth quarter and he’s only got one carry. So it’s a delicate balance.”

LeGarrette Blount diagnosed with a stinger
Wednesday, September 12, 2012, 5:56pm

Update on Buccaneers RB LeGarrette Blount: His injury has been diagnosed as a stinger. GM Mark Dominik says Blount is fine & will be available to practice Thurs.

Doug Martin officially named RB1 in Tampa
Tuesday, August 28, 2012, 12:26pm

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have updated their depth chart to reflect that Doug Martin has passed LeGarrette Blount as the team's RB1.

Sunday, August 26, 2012, 1:40pm

It would appear as though Bucs RB Doug Martin has secured the starting job in Tampa Bay.

"Martin moved into the starting lineup Friday against the Patriots, and he won't be replaced any time soon.

With starters expected to rest in Wednesday's preseason finale at Washington, it appears Martin has won the tailback job over incumbent LeGarrette Blount.

Friday, Martin ran 13 times for 53 yards and a touchdown and caught three passes for 12 yards. Blount ran seven times for 22 yards and didn't catch a pass."

Friday, August 24, 2012, 11:05pm

Buccaneers RB Doug Martin played extensively on six of the team's first seven possessions, while LeGarrette Blount was relegated to only early down duty on one of those positions. Martin also got a goal and carry and managed to score.