Doug Martin’s long run comes up short
The Tampa Tribune, published 26 October 2015

As Doug Martin raced along the Buccaneers sideline, his cheering teamates sensed he was about to apply the decisive blow. But hustling Redskins cornerback Bashaud Breeland came all the way across the field and caught Martin at the 5-yard line after a 49-yard gain with four minutes remaining and Tampa Bay ahead 27-24.

It turned out to be a four-point tackle, because the Bucs settled for a field goal and the Redskins went on to cap the biggest comeback in franchise history. Martin thought his long run iced the game for Tampa Bay. “I wish I could have gotten into the end zone,” he said. “It kind of (stinks) that I didn’t.’’

Breeland, a second-year pro, injured his hamstring on the critical play, but it was the Bucs who were truly hurting. Martin gained 4 yards on the next two carries before Charles Sims lost 2 yards on third-and-goal from the 1-yard line.

Connor Barth kicked a 21-yard field goal that left the Redskins still within a touchdown. “At the end of the day, they score there and the game’s over,’’ Redskins coach Jay Gruden said. “I talk about Breeland being the ultimate competitor. If he takes that one play off, the game’s over, most likely.’’

Martin finished with 136 yards on 19 carries for his third consecutive 100-yard day, but lamented Tampa Bay’s offensive struggles in the second half, when the Bucs were limited to two field goals after building a 24-7 advantage.

“We were up in the first half and we didn’t come out swinging,’’ he said. “Lots of credit to the guys up front for opening up lanes for me. We have a lot of positives we can take from this game, but we have to eliminate all those penalties.’’