Doug Martin Will Be X-Factor For Tampa Bay Buccaneers In Week 6
By Kristen Fazio
@Kristen_Fazio
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers‘ Doug Martin has been massively underwhelming and disappointing so far this season, but they will need him to have a breakout game against the Baltimore Ravens in week 6 to keep from dropping to 1-5.
The Ravens rank eighth against the run, allowing only 91.4 yards a game and 3.5 yards per carry. In fact, no single running back has rushed for more than 68 yards against the Ravens defense this season. Martin has rushed for 94 total yards on the season (three games) and is averaging just 2.5 yards per carry.
Martin has been a shadow of himself since his rookie season where he rushed for 1,454 yards and 11 touchdowns. The Buccaneers have not lost faith in him yet as he continues to be the lead back ahead of Bobby Rainey. Tampa Bay ranks 24th in rushing, averaging just 90.4 yards a game and because of the poor rushing attack, the Bucs have been very one-dimensional this season.
Quarterback Mike Glennon has played well since taking over for Josh McCown and will have his work cut out for him against a defense that only allows 16 points per game. If Martin can get the run game going against Haloti Ngata and the Ravens linebackers, it will make life much easier for Glennon. If not, the Ravens will be able to key in on Glennon and pressure him into making bad decisions with Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil getting after him.
For Martin to succeed, the Buccaneers’ offensive line must open up holes for him — something they have failed to do so far this season. If Martin can find some room to run, the Buccaneers will have a chance to steal a game from the 3-2 Ravens.
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