Atlanta Falcons: Top five players to watch vs Tampa Bay

4) Doug Martin, RB

Oct 25, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin (22) carries the ball as Washington Redskins free safety Dashon Goldson (38) and defensive end Chris Baker (92) chase during the second half at FedEx Field. The Washington Redskins won 31 – 30. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

After rushing for 1,454 yards and 11 touchdowns as a rookie in 2012, Doug Martin has struggled mightily in his past two seasons due to both injury and a case of bad talent around him on offense in Tampa Bay.

However, in 2015 Martin is healthy, and is channeling his 2012 season en route to a terrific start to the season. Martin has rushed for 541 yards, three touchdowns and is averaging a career-high 5 yards a carry.

Unfortunately for Martin, he will be going up against the second best run stopping team in the league, the Atlanta Falcons. Atlanta is allowing just 79 yards per game and has allowed a total of 550 yards through seven games, good enough for fourth best in the NFL.

If the Falcons’ run defense continues to play the way they have, Martin will be a non-factor when rushing the ball, but something he could make a big impact at doing is catching the ball out of the backfield. Atlanta has struggled mightily when running backs catch the ball and have room to run.

Martin has 14 receptions on the year and will likely have several against the Falcons. If the Falcons are able to shut down Martin and put the game in rookie Jameis Winston’s hands, the Falcons stand a great shot at winning this game and improving to 7-1 on the year.