Redskins vs Bucs Week 7 Player Spotlight: Doug Martin

Doug Martin

Running Back

Age: 26

Height: 5'9"

Weight: 212 lbs.

College: Boise State

NFL Draft: 2012 - Round: 1 - Pick: 31

Form

The video above is from Martin' rookie year.  Pretty impressive, wasn't he?  Well after 2012, Martin was injured and kind of fell off the map a little bit.  The Redskins (and you the fans) need to be aware of something: Doug Martin has recaptured his rookie-season form.  What you should know about Martin's rookie form is that it also happened to be Pro Bowl form.  He's finally healthy and rejuvenated and looking great this season coming into the match-up with the Redskins.  It's the first time he's truly been healthy since 2012.  Coincidentally (or perhaps not), the Bucs are also off to their best start as a team since 2012 at 2-3.

The Bucs are coming off of their bye week, but in the two games prior, Martin topped 100 rushing yards in both.  He also managed a  combined 4 TDs in the two games!  Unlike the Redskins, the Bucs rushing attack is getting better iwth each passing week.  They recorded their single-game high rushing mark of the season (183 yards) in week five (their last game) against the Jags.  After five games, Martin was tied for second in the NFL (with Devonta Freeman and Chris Johnson) in rushing behind only Matt Forte.  He's sixth in the league in total yards from scrimmage.

It should be noted that the Bucs elected to not pick up Martin's 2016 option, so he's in a contract-year.  Players playing for a new contract are always dangerous and extra motivated.

Skills

Martin is an all-around type of RB.  He's a reliable runner who values the football and doesn't turn it over a ton.  He's patient and strong between the tackles but has the speed and athleticism to bounce it outside with ease.  While he's not the most explosive player in the league, Martin is incredibly well-rounded and excels as a receiver out of the backfield as well as a blocker in pass protection.  He's a true three-down back.  A word that might best describe Martin's skill-set is "elusive."  He can stop and start on a dime and is quick to hit the hole after exerting patience to set it up.  He's got a prototypical NFL RB build, too (aside from being maybe an inch or two on the short side).

Potential Against the Redskins

I eluded to it earlier, but after watching the Redskins (and more specifically Freeman and Ivory) over the past two weeks, I think we all know what Martin's potential is for this week.  The guy is dynamite and our run defense has been absolutely horrid.  The DL is going to need to be more patient and disciplined at the line and our LBs are going to have to step up.  Robinson and Riley haven't been great lately and this is a match-up where they'll desperately need to be on their A-game.  I expect Dashon Goldson to have eyes on Martin a lot, but he'll also have to worry about one of the biggest WR tandems in the NFL.

The Bucs are a team with a rookie QB and a conservative, run-first HC.  They're going to run the ball and give it to Martin... a lot.  And it's been working quite well for them.  He's picking up 4.5 ypc even with a suspect OL and a QB who really isn't threatening people right now.  In a lot of ways, the Redskins need to look at the Bucs and figure out what they're doing to allow their running game to have success with a lot of the same factors going against them (poor QB play, so-so OL, etc.) as us.

Interesting Facts

Doug is one of the more charitable young men in Florida.  He's incredibly active in the Bucs' community.  Some examples:

• Sponsors 'Doug's Avengers' Front Row Fans.  Basically a section of seats at Raymond James Stadium for charities.
• Hosted pediatric cancer patients for a ceremonial event to raise awareness for the Pediatric Cancer Foundation.
• Served dinner to breast cancer patients and families at the American Cancer Society's Hope Lodge in Tampa.
• Hosted a lunch for service members at Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater and has visited with injured veterans at Bay Pines VA Hospital.
• Visited youth at All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg.
• Sang Christmas carols to residents at Westminster Palms retirement home.

He used to be nicknamed the "Muscle Hamster," but didn't like it and has asked for people to stop using it.  A new name that's kind of catching on... "Dougernaut."  Check him out @DougMartin22.