Buccaneers vs. Saints: Running game can't get started in rout

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could not get their running game going on Sunday in a 41-0 loss to the New Orleans Saints, despite the Saints coming into the game with one of the league's worst rushing defenses.

As Stephen Holder from the Tampa Bay Times wrote, falling behind early dug a hole for Tampa Bay that prevented them from running the ball with rookie running back Doug Martin.

"When you quickly fall behind, I don't know if the running game ever gets a shot," head coach Greg Schiano said.

His nine carries were the second fewest touches Martin has had in a game all season. He picked up just 16 yards, far below his season average.

"The game just got away from us," Martin was quoted saying. "(The Saints) really made it a one-dimensional game for us. We had to pass instead of focus on the run and that led us to keep getting behind and not doing what we normally do on offense. That's not how we've played this year and it was really tough out there for us."

Coming into Sunday's contest, Martin had put together a strong rookie season, carrying 255 times for 1,228 yards and 10 touchdowns.

With the loss, the Buccaneers are now 6-8 on the season.