Lovie Smith: Doug Martin to be the Buccaneers' 'bell cow'

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers averaged a 18 points a game last season and were last in total offense, leading to a 4-12 record. New head coach Lovie Smith says the

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers averaged a 18 points a game last season and were last in total offense, leading to a 4-12 record. New head coach Lovie Smith says the team plans to use running back Doug Martin to change that. 

With backups Mike James and Charles Sims not fully healthy, Martin will be carrying most of the load. Martin missed the last 10 games of last season after suffering a torn labrum in his left shoulder. He finished the year with 456 yards and one touchdown. 

Love Smith praised Martin's performance at training camp: 

2014 NFL Preseason TV Schedule

"With Mike James going down with an injury and with Charles going down, those guys need to play at a certain level," Smith said to the Associated Press. "They're both good players, but Doug is our bell cow. He likes that role. He's had a good camp, hasn't missed a beat."

Martin has 30 yards rushing on nine carries and caught two passes for six yards in two preseason games. 

- Scooby Axson