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TAMPA - Bucs fans shouldn’t be surprised that Chris Simms landed on the injured reserve list this week. They should be shocked.
Haven’t the Bucs been telling their fans for months now that Simms is not injured; that while he’s not throwing the ball very well it’s not because he’s injured? I’m pretty sure that’s what they’ve been telling them.
I’m pretty sure that at one point during the whole Simms saga, Bucs coach Jon Gruden responded to a question about Simms possibly landing on injured reserve by saying that Simms can’t go on injured reserve because he’s not injured.
Well, if Simms is only struggling to regain his form, as Bucs general manager Bruce Allen suggested on Tuesday, and he’s not injured, then why is he on injured reserve?
The answer is simple. The Bucs needed a roster spot and they asked Simms to take another one for the team and give his up so they could sign a running back to replace Michael Pittman.
There’s nothing wrong with that. Simms probably wasn’t going to play this year anyway, and so the Bucs were finally able to use his slow recovery from last year’s splenectomy to good use.
You can’t help but wonder, though, if the Bucs couldn’t have gone about this whole thing a little bit differently, if maybe they could have been just a little more forthcoming through it all.
Even when Simms was telling anyone who wanted to listen that his elbow was sore, the Bucs were telling anyone who wanted to listen that he was fine and had no health issues.
Why? Did they want to create the impression Simms was fine so as not to diminish his trade value? Did they think someone would take Simms off their hands if they could just convince someone he’s healthy?
Or did someone have a plan to simply cut a ‘’healthy’’ Simms until that someone was told by a higher authority that Simms was in fact an asset to the team and under no circumstances would he be cut.
One of the aforementioned scenarios seems to have been the case. If not, then why not just say from the beginning that Simms was struggling to come back from his surgery and needed time to get his form back?
Had the Bucs taken that stance they could have placed Simms on either IR or the physically unable to perform list and kept the spare running back they eventually had to scramble to sign on Tuesday.
Not only that, but had the Bucs taken that stance their integrity would still be intact. As it is, it remains a little shaky.
MIKED UP: If you missed the ‘’miked-up’’ feature ESPN did with Gruden and quarterback Jeff Garcia last Sunday you missed four of the most entertaining minutes of television all year.
The segment was taped during the Bucs preseason game against Jacksonville, which was the second game they played after learning that FB Mike Alstott was going to miss the season with a neck injury.
During one segment Gruden addressed Alstott replacement Michael Pittman, saying ‘’You’re the fullback now and you’re breaking out of that huddle like me, like you don’t know what your doing.’’
Another highlight included Gruden telling an associate on the sideline, ‘’We look like the Bad News Bears out there right now.’’
The best, though, might have been when Gruden addressed WR Maurice Stovall, saying, ‘’You’re 6-foot-5 – er 6-foot-3. When I get done with you you’re going be 5-foot-9.’’ He then proceeded to punch Stovall in the chest.
Great stuff. Much better than what you get in most ‘’miked-up’’ segments. Really, a lot of those ‘’sounds of the game’’ things that are produced these days are just play silly.
You get lots of ‘’sounds’’ such as the sound of someone’s shoulder pads hitting someone else’s shoulder pads, lots of groans and a lot of insider comments such as ‘’C’mon boys.’’ This was different. This was entertaining.
ODDS AND ENDS: Last week’s effort at Indianapolis not withstanding, you have to like the way the Bucs offensive line is coming along. It’s still too early to tell how good it’s going to be in pass protection but in terms of run blocking these guys are solid. The interior, with left guard Arron Sears and right guard Davin Joseph, is exceptionally strong. Running behind those guys, a back such as Earnest Graham should have plenty of success. Graham is not exceptionally fast, but he’s got some power. Given their personnel, my guess is you’re going to see fewer sweeps and pitch-outs and more straight ahead running by the Bucs backs. ... While we’re on the subject of the running game, I wouldn’t be surprised to see B.J. Askew get a lot more work over the course of the next few weeks. And not just as a fullback either. Askew was a fairly effective runner during his college days at Michigan and he has the power a player needs to make some yards in the NFL. He doesn’t have great speed but he could be for the Bucs what Mike Alstott was – a guy who wears teams down late in games. ... This could be the kiss of death, but I get the felling rookie DE Gaines Adams is starting to come around. He’s practicing a lot harder and he’s starting to show up on game day a little more often. He’s still not the player the Bucs hoped he’d be but he’s slowly getting there.
Posted by Michael Harris, Oldsmar, FL on 10/13 at 09:35 AM
Oh and to s2jsbis2j from Brandon! Move back to Indianapolis so you can brown nose Dungy a little more. Here’s a wake up call for you: It took Dungy FIVE years with the BEST team in the NFL, (Colts), to win a Super Bowl. Gruden did it here, with Dungy’s team that chronically couldn’t beat Philiadelphia. Gruden goes IN to Philly in COLD weather where Dungy could NEVER win AND kicks the Eagles BUTT, in that OLD gawd forsaken Stadium with a worse rug than my hairpiece. K? If you hate the Bucs, then stay off the blog and join Dungy’s Brown Nose Blog.
Posted by Michael Harris, Oldsmar, FL on 10/13 at 09:27 AM
Regarding Simms, it really isn’t rocket science. The Bucs talked him up earlier, hoping some team outside of their division would bite on a trade. Then the ESPN rumor mill stated that Rich McKay was waiting for the Bucs to cut Simms, so the Falcons could snag him. The Bucs knowing that, on final cut, kept Simms as the fourth QB, surprising all the pundits. Why? They didn’t want him going to Atlanta, with his mental notes about the Bucs and proving the Bucs wrong by throwing deep on them. Now? They put him on IR, willing to pay his salary and keeping him away from the Panthers & Falcons. The only thing where you’re probably wrong Roy: I doubt seriously if Allen ASKED Simms if he would take IR. That’s funny.
Posted by wade krett, Clermont, FL on 10/12 at 10:30 PM
The NFL is a cut throat business. Players get released and put on IR all the time. I don’t really understand why Roy holds Gruden/Allen to a higher standard than any other HC/GM. You don’t signal your personel moves to the world. I happen to like the way they handle things. Enough of the bleeding heart stuff. Are Gruden’s actions any different than Roy’s stories? At least Gruden doesn’t act like he’s holier than thou. You are either a Buc or the enemy (that goes for all ex-players and ex-coaches on opposing teams). Looks like Roy is the enemy.
Posted by Shawn Golan, Los Angeles, CA on 10/12 at 07:21 PM
This is what it all comes down to...Chris Simms is NOT in the team’s plans - present or future. With that said, why not put him on IR to open up a spot for someone that we plan to play. Simms will likely be traded or cut in the off-season. With that said, I’d prefer to use his roster spot on a running back that might see the field vs. a QB that won’t take a snap.
As far as Roy bashing the front office...it’s his opinion - and he’s welcome to it. Lets just focus on the facts and ignore the peripheral stuff.
Posted by Marty Tallent, Central Florida on 10/12 at 04:16 PM
Roy, Roy, Roy. Your thinly veiled attempts at bashing the Bucs front office aren’t fooling anyone anymore. Why you still have a job is beyond me.
Posted by Nick Smith, Dallas on 10/12 at 12:36 PM
Bottom line on this; it is not important if Gruden or Allen completely or accurately disclosed Chris Simms status, rather the critical point is that they somehow value Simms as an asset.
Could any one imagine the Patriots (Belichick and Scot Pioli) sticking with a player like this?!?
They’ve outright cut a lot better and healthier players than Simms.
So who cares if they’ve been honest. They’re both just bad personnel managers.
Posted by Jeremy Edmund, Nixa, MO(Tampa Native Transplant!) on 10/12 at 12:29 PM
As a Life-long Buc fan...from the bad to the good to the bad again, to the Great, back to bad,Im sick of reading all the articles that come from The Tampa area media. The perpetual negativity is such crap! We are 3-2 & in first place!!! I miss Dungy as well, but Gruden IS a good football mind and can get us back to the Super Bowl! However, his handling of certain legendary players and their releases really disgusted me! They deserved better. But now is now and we have a young & improving offense line that will be our best strength soon.Our young defensive players look promising too!We are improving and the right way...draft well, develop them behind quality veteran starters who can mentor the Buc Ways. 10-6 and NFC South Champs!! Go Bucs!
Posted by Jeff Davenport, Hendersonville, NC on 10/12 at 09:46 AM
All the negtive writing is common sense stuff. Write about things we don’t know! Every team in every city in the NFL does the same stuff. Write about something that makes the Bucs unique. Something that makes the Bucs players special to us. No fan is proud of everything “their” teams does. Write about what does make us proud instead of YOUR OWN agends! We are fans, not the Bucs school teacher or parent. We want to learn about our Bucs on a personal level. We want to root for the good in each player. We do not want to waste our time dredging through mud of these type of articles.
Posted by Keith Austin, Bellefonte, PA on 10/12 at 08:59 AM
For all you Dungy Lovers out there, Just move to Indy, or at least Poston Indy’s papers. I am sick and tired of hearing the same old stuff, week in and week out. Grudens our Coach! The Bucs are Our Team. Support them totally or JUST SHUT UP!!!
Posted by s2jsbis2j, brandon on 10/12 at 12:25 AM
Calm it down!! Technically Gruden is the 3rd best coach we have ever had and believe it or not Garcia is the 3rd best quarterback we have ever had!! You new fans don’t know, the Bucs are the worst franchise in NFL history, we were only good for a couple of years with John M. and then we had to wait until Dungy came to have what we thought was the best team we ever had, but really it was just the best defense we ever had. We would have never won a Super Bowl if it wasn’t for Gruden’s tweek on our offense. Don’t get carried away, this is the first year Gruden has had HIS team. I’m not saying he is the second coming, but I would rather have him them Sam W.(yikes!!) or some newcommer.
Posted by George L Hicks, Dallas,Texas on 10/11 at 11:57 PM
I think everyone should stop complaining about this 3 & 2 team. I am just glad regardless of what happen in wk1 and last week. I think they should win the South Division, and with a little luck. They couls windup in the Championship game. Go Bucs
Posted by andrew, tampa on 10/11 at 11:26 PM
you know, i agree with roy..honestly..I think most of the bucs “fans” or “band-wagon” jumpers are just upset that the bucs aren’t the way they were when they jumped on the band wagon. How many seasons has gruden been here for? How many losing seasons have the bucs had since gruden has been here? People get excited that the bucs won three games...big deal..look at the teams that they beat. Nothing special. I am a buc fan. I have always been a buc fan. I will always be a buc fan. Im not a gruden fan, he has no integrity...i honestly just miss dungy.
Posted by Gregory Donoghue, Bradenton on 10/11 at 08:55 PM
I get the feeling that Chris just isn’t ready to jump into the saddle yet. PTS syndrom is my guest. Many people who have surgery do not come out of it the same as they went in. Either they are affected by the drugs and pain killers they receive or the experience leaves them as less than before their injury. Wish the kid luck.
Posted by Scott Pearce, Great Mills, MD on 10/11 at 08:26 PM
What is this, the Washington Post? I’m a fan. Don’t tell me how I feel. Report the news. Don’t try to create it. Roy Cummings, I think your integrity, as it is, “remains a little shaky”.
Posted by James R. Kinzer, 351 Winfield Ave. Winfield WV 25213 on 10/11 at 07:34 PM
After week #1, Henderson wrote the most negative article that I have ever seen about the Bucs or that I have read period!! Now,Cummings follows with this article. The words like “You cannot believe anything from the front office”. “Lack of integrity”, “Integrity still in tact"," Who can you believe” and “They are a bunch of liars”!!! I think that they both “Suck” and they should be in Atlanta or Cincy. where they could have something to write about!!
Posted by James, Seminole, Fla on 10/11 at 06:35 PM
Exactly Rob!
Posted by Andrew Prichard, St. Pete on 10/11 at 05:55 PM
I am a Gruden fan, an Allen fan and a Buc fan. what’s a matter with you bozos. We’ve won three games, we lead our division!
What do you expect the coach to do throw and catch the ball himself? The players have to give it 100% to win.
I’m glad they did the best they could by Simms. This team has spirit, they like and respect each other. And the Coach and General Manager and yes the Glazers make that happen by being fair with their players and giving them every benefit of the doubt. I hope we can keep this management team together forever. We have great cap room to continue to build this team with next year. The cup is way more than half full. GOOOOO BUUUUCCCCS!
Posted by Rob Berube, PLANET EARTH on 10/11 at 05:30 PM
Hey hem-Roy-ed, when you sign the checks you can call the shots!
Posted by Michael Duggan, Naples, Fl. on 10/11 at 04:59 PM
I never expect an organization to tell us (the fans) exactly everything thing that’s going on a day by day basis. This has nothing to do with them being evasive to us the fans, it’s all about certain reporters in the area that have a vendetta against this organization and the Bucs are playing a game with them. Why do they think that the Bucs have an obligation to share everything that goes on with them totally everyday? As a fan I don’t feel cheated or lied too. This is more about the game that’s going on with the Bucs and certain reporters that have made it known that they would love no more then to run Gruden/Allen out of town. Even when the Bucs play good, they almost choke on the words of praise.
Posted by J Vand, Tampa transplant in Nashville on 10/11 at 04:55 PM
It took some time for Ruud to make me forget that Tatupu was in the same draft class. I’m hoping that one day Gaines Adams will make me forget Amobe Okoye was in the same draft class.
Posted by Michael F. Franklin, New Port Richey on 10/11 at 04:46 PM
Roy, why do you say the fans should be shocked, the Buc’s did right by sticking with Simms this long. You are the only so called expert that seems to shocked. Is it you hatred of Gruden and Allen that makes you so blind to the facts.
Posted by George Burns, Tampa, FL on 10/11 at 04:27 PM
Please fire Roy Cummings....
Posted by Oscar Pena, Land o Lakes fl on 10/11 at 02:35 PM
What should have been done, isn’t going to be done the right way. Because the wrong people are in the front office. Just look at the GM, being a politicians brother should tell you enough. They are all Liars.
Oscar Pena
Posted by jj jackson, atlanta, georgia on 10/11 at 02:11 PM
there’s something i don’t quite get. we’ve been told a person can live without a spleen, and in fact many folk have no idea what a spleen is for (functions as a blood filter and to store blood); but why is it taking a 6 foot, 5 inch, 230 pound football player so long to get his mechanics back? It wasn’t a broken hand, wrist, arm, or shoulder. What’s the deal?
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Posted by Duane Davis, Sarasota, Fl on 10/13 at 11:04 AM
Roy is entitled to his perspective in a column, no matter how naive they might be. Pro football is “business,” and when did any business in the United States worry about ethics and integrity. That doesn’t mean I approve of this philosophy, it just means I recognize just about every business operates this way. The Bucs are no different in how they handle their employees than just about any other NFL team or business. Roy just sounds like he has seen to many Disney movies when he writes like this.