When the O*kland Raiders signed running back Doug Martin in the offseason, many wondered how the “Muscle Hamster” would fit into a backfield led by Marshawn Lynch. With Lynch on injured reserve for the foreseeable future, the former Tampa Bay Buccaneer takes over the lead back duties for the Raiders heading into Sunday’s game vs the Indianapolis Colts.
After signing a one-year, $1.475 million free-agent contract (base salary of $850,000) with the Raiders, Martin left Tampa Bay after six seasons. The 29-year-old back rushed for 406 yards on 138 carries last year for the Bucs but has shown flashes of brilliance, especially against the Raiders.
As a rookie, Muscle Hamster tallied 1,454 yards with 12 total touchdowns, including a 251-yard clinic against the Raiders, which included four touchdowns. The running back grew up in the shadow of Oakland, hailing from Stockton, Calif., which is 80 miles east of Oakland.
Health has played a role in his failure to maintain that success, playing a full 16-game schedule only once since his rookie season. In that 2015 season, Martin racked up 1,402 rushing yards with seven TDs. One thing is for sure, Martin has shown he can be effective when healthy.
Raiders head coach Jon Gruden believes he has plenty of miles left on those wheels.
Jon Gruden remains high on Doug Martin. “Doug’s a feature back. He’s had 1,300 yards in this league twice. He’s practiced hard. He’s ready to go. I think you’ve all seen Jalen Richard has carved out a unique role. …We’ll try to get more out of him as we have in recent weeks.” pic.twitter.com/nq0gWEDORx
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) October 24, 2018
With the Raiders’ season in a free fall and Gruden’s total overhaul of the franchise underway, Martin could be a great story in the midst of such chaos. Martin never made a peep after being stuck behind “Beast Mode” all season.
“I’ve been a lead guy … so it was definitely something that was difficult for me,” Martin said three days after Marshawn Lynch was put on injured reserve because of a groin injury.
“But I’ve got people behind me, in my ear, telling me to keep working hard and keep pushing and your time will come. And, it’s this week. … There’s only one running back on the field, and as a running back, you want to have that rhythm. So this week, I hope we get a little more rhythm.”
At 1-5, Martin could be a valuable stop gap as Lynch mulls his future and Gruden continues to accrue draft picks via trades. Gruden recently sent former Pro Bowl wide receiver Amari Cooper to the Dallas Cowboys for a 2019 first round draft pick. He also made the first big wave when he sent arguably the greatest defensive player alive, Khalil Mack, to the Chicago Bears for two first round drafts picks, one in 2019 and the other in 2020.
Gruden took a ton of heat for both moves and has been the center of many Raiders’ fans ire since August. Quarterback Derek Carr has also been the focal point, after starting his 2018 season poorly as well.
Martin, on the other hand, is ready for the challenge.
"I've still got a lot of miles left on these wheels." #RaiderNation https://t.co/EAPH15rk1d pic.twitter.com/YnaGk7TL16
— NFL (@NFL) October 26, 2018
Despite being the feature back, Martin will split carries with fellow running backs Jalen Richard and DeAndré Washington. Richard is a third-down back, so Martin projects to take early down work while Richard handles passing downs. Of course Martin could become a three-down back, IF he can capture the magic of days passed.
The Raiders will need Martin to recapture the magic if they are to beat the Colts Sunday at home. Indianapolis (1-5) is also struggling but quarterback Andrew Luck has played well. With a much-maligned secondary, the Raiders are going to need to find the end zone to keep up with Luck and his passing attack. Colts running back Marlon Mack scorched the Buffalo Bills last week for 126 yards on 19 carries but missed practice Thursday with an ankle injury.
Not sure how much more failure Bay Area fans can take before they jump ship for good as the team heads to Vegas and out of Oakland, possibly before season’s end. Perhaps the Muscle Hamster can give the Raider Nation a boost.
The game will be broadcast locally on CBS (KLAS-TV, Channel 8) as well as on the Raiders Radio Network/KCYE-FM (102.7) and KDWN-AM (720).
