Bucs defeat mars Rainey day as fill-in rushes for 144 yards The Tampa Tribune, published 15 September 2014 Nobody in the Buccaneer locker room was more demoralized than Bobby Rainey after last week’s season-opening loss to Carolina. On Sunday, the third-year running back did something about it. Rainey, who led the Bucs in rushing last year, filled in for injured Doug Martin and ran for 144 yards in 22 carries before the Rams rallied for a 19-17 triumph. It was Rainey’s late fumble against the Panthers last week that ended Tampa Bay’s final legitimate drive, with the Bucs trailing 17-14 in an eventual 20-14 setback. Rainey stood silently at his locker after that game as a procession of teammates came by to offer encouragement. No condolences were needed Sunday as Rainey ran hard between the tackles and capitalized on some nice holes up front. When there wasn’t much breathing room, the 5-foot-8 back made St. Louis defenders miss. “It means nothing because at the end of the day, it’s about team,’’ said Rainey, who added 30 yards on three receptions. “My goal was to get better every game and make up for that mistake I had last week.’’ Claimed off waivers from the Browns last October, Rainey posted a pair of 100-yard games last year, including a 163-yard effort against Atlanta. His 80-yard touchdown run against Buffalo marked the longest run in franchise history as Martin was sidelined with a torn labrum. Martin hurt his knee against Carolina and was inactive Sunday, leading to a start by Rainey, who carried four times for 12 yards a week ago. “None of those yards I got today matter one bit when you lose,’’ Rainey said.