Early Look at the Detroit Lions opponents: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
By Ash Thompson
Running Backs
Doug Martin is facing a three game suspension to start the year. This will give others an opportunity to take the job he clearly did not deserve in 2016. after missing 15 games in two years Martin roared back on to the scene in 2015, gaining 1673 yards from scrimmage. His 2016 was a disaster though. After signing a five-year extension Martin played in eight games and averaged 2.9 yards per carry. The Buccaneers have been very positive regarding Martin’s outlook for 2017, but they are effectively stuck with him, his salary is guaranteed.
The most likely player to take Martin’s job is rookie Jeremy McNichols. The problem with asking a rookie to step in early in their first season though is that they can not handle pass protection assignments. McNichols also had surgery to repair a torn labrum earlier in the off-season and may not be at full capacity.
Chris Sims is a passing down specialist who is very ineffective running between the tackles, and no threat to Martin as the lead back. Jaquizz Rogers is another smaller back that is unlikely to suddenly develop the ability to carry the load for three downs. Unless someone performs at a higher level than can be reasonably expected Martin will get his job back in week four. It is whether or not he has in in week 14 against the Lions that is questionable.
Offensive Line
Donovan Smith is a player that we just keep hearing coaches give rave reviews, but it has yet to show up on the field. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers need their young left tackle to be better than he has been or Jameis Winston’s life will be incredibly difficult.
The Buccaneers overpaid J.R. Sweezy at left guard in free agency in 2016. They overpaid right guard Evan Smith in 2014. If they have an NFL caliber starting right tackle on their roster I can not name him. Ali Marpet is the only player on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive line that I would call a good player. He was a rookie in 2016 and has plenty of time to make me eat those words.
The Buccaneers offense will be as effective as their line allows. If the Lions can not generate pressure against this offensive line, then they never will.