Doug Martin will be the lead back in Tampa Bay in 2014, but new Buccaneers offensive coordinator Jeff Tedford is talking up a 1-2 punch in the backfield, according to the team's website. That could mean pairing Martin with Mike James or Bobby Rainey or someone else.
"I've been very fortunate to be around a lot of great backs – Michael Pittman, who played here; Maurice Morris, at Oregon," Tedford said. "And then through Cal we were really fortunate to always have two really good backs, whether it was J.J. Arrington and Marshawn Lynch who were together; and then Marshawn and Justin Forsett were together; and Marshawn and Jahvid Best; then Jahvid Best and Shane Vereen. We really always had a real good 1-2 punch in the backfield, and I think that's what you need.
"I think for one guy to carry the load the whole time, especially as physical as this level is, [is difficult]. [You need] to have two and probably three backs that are quality backs that can provide different things for you, as far as third-down backs are concerned, catching the ball out of the backfield, pass protection, all the things to be able to create some matchups.
"I think it's important to find guys that are versatile that can do those things, and then have great speed. When I say 'speed in space,' [I mean] to get out-flanked and get guys in the open field that can make guys miss and be explosive with big plays."