Rookie Watch: Bucs trust Martin

Doug Martin has really stepped up since Tampa Bay's Week 5 bye.

Last Thursday night in Minnesota, Martin was extremely impressive in all facets. What speaks volumes about the faith the Buccaneers have in Martin is that they gave him 32 touches in an extra short week on the road. They just kept feeding their young back, often sending him to the left side and especially up the middle, where Tampa's O-line controlled the game.

Although drops have been a problem for Martin, he did take a screen pass 64 yards for a touchdown against the Vikings.

To see the rest of Matt Williamson's rankings of the top NFL rookies, you must be an ESPN Insider.

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