Simms in for the most crucial game of his young career

By Connor Byrne  |   Wednesday, September 20, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Got something to say?

Sign Up and be the first to comment on this article!

So far in the two-week-old NFL regular season, arguably the biggest individual disappointment has been the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' highly talented quarterback, Chris Simms. Phil's son, which is what most know Chris as, has struggled mightily this year en route to an ugly 0-2 start for the Bucs, the defending NFC South champions.

Simms, in blowout losses to the Baltimore Ravens and Atlanta Falcons, has completed just 54.9 percent of his passes, which isn't even the main problem, though it is poor. Pathetically, Simms has tossed six interceptions compared to zero interceptions. For those who watched the 26-year-old last season, that's most certainly a far cry from where he was.

When veteran Brian Griese got hurt midway through last year, Simms came in and did a terrific job for Tampa, guiding the team to a division title and a near-miss in the NFC Wild Card Playoff Round. Simms played well, but his team lost, 17-10, to the Washington Redskins.

On the season the former third-round pick was efficient for the Buccaneers, throwing 10 touchdown passes, seven interceptions and racking up a respectable completion percentage of 61.

In Tampa Bay's third game this Sunday, it faces an equally desperate foe. The Carolina Panthers, who, at 0-2, might be the biggest team letdown in football, are stuck in a must-win situation against one of their biggest rivals, the Bucs.

Having said that, it means Simms must find a way to reach down deep and restore the magic of last season, when he and the Tampa offense was ticking along. Considering the Panthers' defense comes in frustrated and with a chip on its shoulder, the task might prove too great.

Should Simms struggle yet again and his team drops a third consecutive game, it's nearly impossible to believe head coach Jon Gruden wouldn't opt for another signal caller, no matter what he says. If there's one thing Gruden is, it's competitive. There's no way "Chucky," as he's nicknamed, would allow himself and his team to be further humiliated each week with Simms under center. That would mean either Tim Rattay or rookie Bruce Gradkowski would take the offensive reins, but you can guarantee Bucs fans don't even want to imagine that scenario.

Seeing the early-season collapse of Simms has certainly been surreal for Tampa fans, which had legitimate Super Bowl dreams entering the season. If the fourth-year man from the University of Texas comes up large against Carolina, however, he and the talented Buccaneers will be alive and ticking once again.

--Got feedback? E-mail Connor J. Byrne: cbyrne@realfootball365.com.

Get more on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at RealFootball365.com.
Got something to say?

Sign Up and be the first to comment on this article! (0)

About Connor Byrne

...Sorry, Connor Byrne's bio is currently not available. Please check back soon!
read more
Article Tools Share!   |  RSS  |  Bleacher Report About Bleacher Report