Dec. 26--The assignment: Slowing Buccaneers running back Doug Martin
Martin's measurables: 5-foot-9, 223 pounds
Assigned: Bears defensive tackle Eddie Goldman and ends Jarvis Jenkins and Mitch Unrein
Notable numbers: Martin is battling Adrian Peterson for the NFL rushing title. His 1,305 yards are just 9 fewer than Peterson's total. ... Martin also has an NFL-best 13 carries of at least 20 yards. ... The Bears rank 26th in the NFL against the run, allowing 125.9 yards per game.
Scouting report: Martin's success starts up front behind a sturdy and cohesive line. And that means the Bears' defensive front will have to stabilize itself, with Goldman, Jenkins and Unrein needing to play with tenacity to free up the linebackers to make plays. That's not easy to do against Martin, a back who runs with power and explosion. Bucs quarterback Jameis Winston said he's most impressed with Martin's vision and ability to find open space. According to STATS, Martin is also the NFL's leader in yards after contact with 555, a testament to his toughness and lower-body strength.
Word from within: "He's got some big runs obviously. But he has some 3-, 4- and 5-yarders that are just as impressive in how he can weave his way in and out through the trash and find a seam and some softness for some positive yards. He's very good." -- Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio
