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There was a faction of the Bucs fan base – a small one, hopefully – that got its wish Sunday. Brian Griese lay on the Raymond James turf, victimized by what Derrick Brooks and others considered a late hit supplied by the Dolphins defense. Thus, by necessity (or divine intervention, some might suggest), backup quarterback Chris Simms was forced into the game with the outcome still in reasonable doubt.
The reaction among those on hand was interesting – the aforementioned Griese bashers seemed almost gleeful; but most fans pulling for the home team seemed to turn ambivalent at best. Was this what we really needed? The Bucs’ fast start seemed almost to happen in spite of the starting quarterback, but was a 4-1 start best maintained by a virtual NFL rookie?
No one can say at the moment how long – if at all – Simms will be in charge by default. The upcoming week, of course, should help the health of both Griese and franchise-in-the-making Cadillac Williams. But what should be beyond question is that whoever’s in the pocket drawing the wrath of fans frustrated with what Tampa Bay chooses to call an ‘’offense,’’ the job of Bucs quarterback will be more defined by what it’s not than what it is.
The reasons for this evident against the Dolphins, just as they are against virtually every opponent. If the Bucs don’t give a game away – as Griese essentially did against the Jets – their defense will almost certainly take it for themselves. And if Williams makes use of what will basically be a three-week layoff by the time the Bucs play again, the expectations on either Simms or Griese will be what they usually are when things are going well. Namely, take this funny-shaped thing, more often that not give it to the big guy behind you, and if all else fails just hang on to it.
It’s true that Simms looked unusually poised when forced into the game against Miami. It’s equally true, however, that he had the advantage of a sizeable lead and a snarling defense on his side. Regardless, Jon Gruden knows more than a little about NFL quarterbacks, and Griese didn’t win the starting job because of his dad.
Gruden, like any quality coach, knows to play to his strengths. And with this current cast, he surely realizes that neither option at quarterback is ready for a leading role.
Posted by Justin, Waycross, GA on 10/16 at 09:57 PM
Are Tampa fans the most pessimistic in the entire NFL? It sure sounds that way. WE ARE 5-1!! Coach Gruden is not perfect and misses some calls, but do we have to question his every move?? What a great job today after all of the injuries! Caddy will be fine after his nice 3 week rest to finish the season and go into the postseason. How many of you Buc fans thought we would be 5-1 into the bye? Lighten up a little! GO BUCS!!!
Posted by JOHN RINDOSH, RIVERVIEW on 10/16 at 09:46 PM
Being a closet Pittman hater I have to admit he has stepped it up. I was actually cheering for him today......I thought though the Miami tackler was going to get him. I wish they would run Earnest Graham more.....I think I am one of the few people who believe we are a pretty decient team without Cadillac...The guy is explosive but our other guys can do it too. Go BUCS
Posted by Joe Cole, Miami on 10/16 at 09:00 PM
I must admit Simms seemed pretty poised. I like the zip he puts on the ball and the fact he’s mobile. Greise looks heavy and slow. Sorry, just my opinion. I still cannot understand why Gruden doesn’t use Alstott more. Everytime he touches the ball he gets big yardage. But no! Gruden insists on using Pittman. He’s not a smart running back, despite having a good day against a mediocre Dolphins defense. I’m glad the Bucs won, but there’s something missing. Cadillac is one thing, I think passion and power are two more. Simms could bring that, maybe. Hey Brad Johnson, we miss ya, man.
Posted by Mindi, on 10/16 at 08:32 PM
This week’s talk was about the quarterback play and making decisions. Ironic how things work out. I don’t want to see anyone player injured in this game, but maybe it was a sign. Simms seemed poised and calm to run the offense and definitely can throw the ball downfield. We have some play makers - Galloway, Williams (if healthy), Clayton, Hillard, Alsott (if used) and Pittman. Subs are stepping up and if we could get our playmakers healthy, this team could be potent. Our record looks good now, but the second half of the season is not easy and will tell the true depth of this team.
Posted by Daniel Esposito, Tampa on 10/16 at 07:50 PM
Brian Griese won his starting job when Chris Simms, the starting QB at the time, was injured. Brian Griese is one of the most accurate passers in the game, but he makes no apologies for taking chances when a play breaks down and has also been known to throw into coverage. Chris Simms has a cannon left arm, is quick on his feet and has 3 years of Gruden’s offense under his belt. Simms is a free agent at the end of the year - play him. Simms spread the ball around to more recievers and looked comfortable facing the #2 defense in the NFL. He also lead the first TD drive since Caddy went to the garage. I would like to see Simms play action to Caddy, bomb to Joey, Ike or Mike. Speaking of Mikes, where’s Alstott?
Posted by J. Fitzhenry, Valrico, FL on 10/16 at 07:16 PM
What a game! The Bucs offense had some life against a mediocre Dolphin defense. Finally after 5 games the Buc defense scored a TD. If this “D” trend contines the Bucs might have a chance for a winning season in spite of the offense and Gruden. However, the Bucs still have not defeated a team with a winning record yet or faced a quality QB. Apparently, the Dolphin QB, Frerotte, is more accurate hitting his head on the goalposts than hitting open receivers.
Sit tight. There are ten more chances for the real Bucs to stand-up.
What has M. Alstott done to Gruden to receive the forgotten man treatment?
Posted by Michael Clark, Tampa on 10/16 at 06:09 PM
One has to wonder if Simms had not gotten hurt last year in N.O. who would be the starting QB right now. After all Gruden gave him the start over Griese then. Does he really have that much confident in his starter? I doubt it. Frankly I hope Simms gets a shot at the job; they need to know if they want to keep him or not. As far as Carnell goes, he had an explosive start but can he handle the punishment of the NFL and the amount of games it demands? Hopefully Gruden realizes that this is not a Larry Csonka and 37 carries a game is crazy. Unfortunately I think Gruden talks out of both sides of his mouth and will burn this kid out if he can win one more game now.
Posted by Bob Lewis, Valrico, Fl on 10/16 at 05:55 PM
My problem was with the announcers on CBS. They were pro-Miami to the extreme. I can’t see how WTSP found these two. If I ever hear them again I will turn on the radio to listen and TV to watch. The Bucs management ought to see what happened. I even tried to call WTSP but they do not list a phone number in the telephone book or have a contact on the web page. Now I know why.
Posted by Al, Iowa on 10/16 at 10:14 PM
I would like to say I was a big critic of Griese last week. Today though, he made many good decisions and looked very good.
Chris Simms also looked very good. He is quite agile in the pocket and he was very calm and impressive. He also spread the ball around to multiple receivers.
It really helped that Pittman had a big game.
The defense continues to play awesome. The NFC South is looking like the toughest division in football. We will see how good the Bucs really are in a few weeks.
Hopefully Caddy plus all the other injured starters get well for their next game in 2 weeks.
Goooo Bucs!