APThe Buccaneers opened the preseason rotating running backs LeGarrette Blount and Doug Martin with the first-team offense. In Thursday night’s regular-season tuneup against New England, however, Martin started the game for the first time.
The rookie was in the game for Tampa Bay’s entire first possession, operating as an every-down back, and punched it in from a yard out to give the Bucs an early 7-0 lead.
Stephen Holder of the Tampa Bay Times confirms Martin was promoted ahead of Blount based on performance, not due to injury.
Martin played tailback for the Bucs’ entire second possession, as well. Blount was on the sideline.
Barring something unforeseen, Martin will be the Buccaneers’ starting running back on opening day.
And Blount will be a backup.
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Oh, that’s gonna make him happy.
Trade demand coming up….
Is it too late to hold out? Who’s his agent?
I do not think “passes Blount” is appropiate for this headline. It may give off the wrong impression. How about “Doug Martin becomes Bucs starting running back.” That is safer for our viewing audience.
I live in Florida so I get all the Bucs games by default (pre-season included). Doug Martin has done everything to win the job: blocks well, catches passes, scores near the goal-line. Blount does none of those things and gets injured.
Every other rookie is getting a shot to start. Why not?
Granted I haven’t watched him this preseason, but he’s barely averaging 3 yards a carry. How has he been impressive?
Martin might get a punch to the jaw soon…
He had better watch out for that “right cross”
Looks like the longer Martin is in the better he runs! Blount has not been able to find the crease! Good choice! Go Bucs!
trbowman: He doesn’t have to be impressive. He just has to be better than Blount.
Holder is talking out his butt.
The one & only thing that happened which would alter who starts is Blounts groin injury in the last game which limited him in practice.
Tampa media loves to report their version of events even if facts don’t back it up.
Of course he’s the starter. Browns fans thumb this down all you want but he’s going to be the best all around back in this draft.
LB still has the better over hand right!
Of course Blount is always injured- have you seen what their QB can do in games. Blount is a good back who get pounded on because he Buc’s front office is inept and can’t find talent to surround him.
Please Tampa, cut him. The Rams will claim him faster than you can say Donald Igwebuike.
Is Mark Dominik, the Bucs GM, on his way out?
Doug Martin looked solid and consistent in Friday’s preseason game against the Pats.
But announcers Randy Cross and Don Criqui still have some work to do this preseason. They kept referring to Martin as a “muscled hamster”.