The Oakland Raiders' offense endured a disastrous year during the 2017 campaign. As a result, they bolstered their offense with a number of proven options in both the passing game and the run game.
Among the notable additions was the signing of former Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin. According to Levi Damien of Silver and Black Pride, head coach Jon Gruden has been impressed with Martin thus far in organized team activities:
“We’re also very pleased with Doug Martin,” said Gruden Wednesday over a conference call with season ticket holders.
There is certainly plenty of truth to Gruden's comments. Martin was once one of the more promising, young backs in the NFL with the Bucs. The six-year veteran has earned two trips to the Pro Bowl and was even named First-Team All-Pro for his efforts during the 2016 campaign. Unfortunately, injuries and some trouble with the NFL's substance abuse policy has derailed his career over the past couple of seasons. He took 138 carries for 406yards and three touchdowns last season.
Although Martin has been unable to mirror the production he enjoyed a few years ago, he has still shown flashes his past potential. That said, Gruden is hoping a change of scenery can help him channel that talent towards Oakland's backfield. Martin will likely start out serving as a complementary option to running back Marshawn Lynch.