Can Doug Martin become an elite back next season?

07:39 PM ET 02.15 | When Doug Martin ran wild against the Oakland Raiders, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back was the focus of NFL fans across the nation. His performance brought back memories of Adrian Peterson's NFL record performance as a 22-year-old, as the 23-year-old Martin gained over 250 yards and scored four times against the Raiders. Martin would have a fantastic rookie season beyond that one outstanding performance, earning a Pro Bowl selection and finishing in the top five for Rookie of the Year. In fact, Martin had the second best season for a running back in team history, and the best season for a Buccaneer rookie runner. He contributed in all phases of the running back's duties, as an excellent runner, pass catcher, and pass blocker. But will there be a sophomore slump? As Bucs fans, we've seen the decline of promising rookies in recent years, as players like Michael Clayton and Cadillac Williams would fall victim to the unfortunate nature of being a professional football player. Potential is more often a precursor for disappointment than success, and injuries, inconsistencies, and other factors can sink a player's career just as quickly as talent and youthful ambition can make them rise to the top. So will Martin be the next Buccaneer to fall short of his potential and promise?

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