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Buccaneers looking for Doug Martin to have breakout game

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers want rookie running back Doug Martin to have the breakout game that he just hasn't quite had yet.

Anthony Gruppuso-US PRESSWIRE - Presswire

Despite winning a starting job in his first NFL training camp, Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin still hasn't exactly had breakout game yet. Martin is averaging just 3.5 yards per carry, just the second fewest (to Shonn Greene) among backs with at least 60 rush attempts.

Tampa is looking to amend that, and they want to set Martin up with an opportunity to break for a much bigger run than his season-high of 17 yards. There was a 20-yard run by Martin Sunday against the Redskins, but it was called back due to a holding penalty.

The Bucs wanted to be a strong running team under new head coach Greg Schiano, but with shake-ups to the offensive line, plans aren't exactly on course. Tampa's offensive line hasn't created many holes for Martin, but with his ability to make defenders miss, as well break tackles is what's allowed him to be somewhat effective.

Schiano said it's best to just let the offensive line settle down and get used to its personnel before expecting more from Martin.

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