Yes, the Bucs made it rain on their running back to the tune an eight-figure guaranteed contract, despite his emerging issues coughing up the rock.

Martin fumbled four times last year. He had a total of two fumbles combined through his previous three seasons.

Bucs head coach Dirk Koetter said there’s work to be done, so he noted to Joe and other scribes at the NFC Coaches Breakfast last week.

“That’s one thing about Doug; when he fights for extra yardage, sometimes a running back has to know when to cut his losses,” Koetter said. “You know, the first guy’s got you or the second guy’s got you wrapped up, the ball can get exposed. I think we have to just keep coaching it, keep showing him.”

Joe doesn’t want to see Martin fumble, but Joe also doesn’t want to see Bucs coaches get in Martin’s head too much and get him thinking about cutting his losses. Martin ran so hard and angry last year, Joe will take a few fumbles if that’s the trade-off.

That written, Greg Schiano was a lunatic about fumble prevention, forcing players to “bite the football” and screaming “chin” constantly to emphasize where the ball should be tucked.

In 2012, Martin fumbled just once with a lot more touches than last year. Also, in 2012, the Bucs no player on the Bucs who caught a pass fumbled the ball after the reception, a stunning accomplishment.

The point is ball security can be coached effectively.