Minnesota: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers upset the Minnesota Vikings with an impressive 36-17 win at Mall of America Field in Minneapolis yesterday, their first road win since September 2011.
Having given up a big lead against the New Orleans Saints last week, the Buccaneers ensured there would be no repeat by keeping the foot on the gas after rushing out to an early 13-0 advantage.
Quarterback Josh Freeman completed 19 of 36 passes for 262 yards and three touchdowns but it was rookie running back Doug Martin who caught the eye, notching up two touchdowns with 135 yards on the ground and 79 yards from three pass receptions.
“It feels nice but I just did my job,” Martin told reporters.
“We just wanted to come out and play good Buc football and that includes running the ball.
“The line did a good job of opening holes and staying on blocks as well as the receivers staying on blocks. It opened up nicely for me.”
Freeman paid tribute to Martin but made sure to spread the love to all of his team-mates, to jump to second in the NFC South.
“Doug is a gamer, I mean he practices extremely hard and prepares extremely hard but when the game comes the moment is never to big for Doug. He is a tremendous addition to our team,” he said.
“I thought it was great how our guys rebounded after the tough loss last Sunday.” REUTERS
