Bucs Will Have to Adapt With Martin Out

The Bucs running game took a hit today as the team learned it is going to be without starting running back Doug Martin for at least 3 weeks via Ian Rapport.

Following the results of his MRI, #Bucs RB Doug Martin is expected to be out about three weeks with a hamstring injury, source said.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 21, 2016

This sucks but the Bucs are just going to have to adapt their offense to fit their running backs in Charles Sims and Jacquizz Rodgers. If I was Dirk Koetter, I would try running out of more spread formation looks which should allow Sims and Rodgers to operate in space which is their strengths. Mix it up with zone runs out of singleback three wide formations which forces the defense to take defenders out of the box. Shotgun runs will help as well like inside zone runs and draws to keep the defense off balance.

Expect to see more usage of Sims and Rodgers in the passing game with designed screens and them split out wide to create mismatches. Koetter should put them both on the field at the same time to run some misdirection runs as well and get them out in the passing game to take advantage of the Rams linebacking unit. Bucs will need to be creative with Martin out at least till the bye week, and remember to stay balance on offense but play to your strengths of your team. This formation below is something we should see often with Sims in there and hopefully he can make plays like this.