Under Hall of Fame regime, Sims is out of excuses

By Anthony Carroll  |   Wednesday, July 12, 2006  |  Comments( 18 )

Oakland Raiders
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"The way I look at it, we've got three O-line coaches with 50 years experience and two Hall of Fame busts, so there's really not a whole lot of back-talk and excuses that will work. Those guys have seen everything and done everything."

Barry Sims, who allowed 12 sacks last season, understands the value of having three knowledgeable coaches guiding him through the 2006 season.

Along with 59-year-old head coach Art Shell, offensive line coaches Irv Eatman and Jackie Slater are primed to make a much-needed impact in their first season coaching the front five in Oakland. Specifically, Shell ended his career as a 15-season vet of the NFL, while Eatman and Slater played for a combined 34 seasons of professional football.

"You block, block, block," said Shell in a recent interview.

Following a borderline 2005 campaign scattered with sporadic pass blocking and patchy run support, Barry Sims must "block, block, block" better in 2006.

Sims, who has appeared in 110 games with Oakland--starting 96--will be shifted inside from left tackle to left guard next season. Making way for the team's 2004 first-round draft choice, Robert Gallery, Sims will take on the responsibilities of a left guard for the '06 campaign.

Last season, Sims struggled mightily taking on defensive ends of the NFL. In all, he gave up 12 sacks for 105 yards worth of losses. In his seven-year career, the 2005 season was amongst his worst on the professional plane, with the 2002 season coming close--a season in which he gave up 13 1/2 sacks for 77 yards. Perhaps the only improvement came in the penalty department, as No. 65 surprisingly committed just three total penalties on the year, compared to 17 total in the previous two seasons. In 96 career starts with the Silver and Black, the Utah alumnus has surrendered 50 3/4 sacks for 313 yards, along with committing 39 penalties for 220 yards.

On paper, the 300-pounder's stat table appears a bit troublesome. Yet, Sims was a member of the Oakland Raiders' front five that prospered at the turn of the 21st century. From 2000-2002, boasting a record of 33-15, Sims started at left tackle in 38 of the team's 48 regular season appearances. With Sims anchoring the left front of Oakland's offense, the unit ranked third, fourth, and second in points, respectively, during those years, leading the NFL in rushing in 2000. Additionally, quarterback Rich Gannon flourished, throwing 81 touchdowns and 30 interceptions during the three-season span.

During those years, guard Steve Wisniewski, along with veterans Lincoln Kennedy and Mo Collins, headed one of the most aged lines in the NFL. At the time, Sims was developing as an up-and-coming force up front, exiting the early stages of his young career.

In the midst of a 2003 campaign in which the team jumped to a 2-7 start, Sims reflected, "We always look for the leadership of those guys and draw from their energy. I look for their feedback when they come off the field. Not having them, it's noticeable."

At the time, "those guys" were the veteran linemen that were noticeably missing from Oakland's sidelines.

However, heading into a critical rebound season, Barry Sims will no longer need to worry about a sideline vacant of potent leadership.

"We've got three O-line coaches with 50 years experience and two Hall of Fame busts."

And, with that now in mind, it's time for Sims to just "block, block, block."

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Anthony Carroll can be contacted at acarroll@realfootball365.com
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About Anthony Carroll

Anthony Carroll began writing for RealFootball365.com on Sept. 26, 2005, making him one of the longest tenured contributors to the “365” team. As a senior writer, Anthony has taken on the task of delivering original content to the silver and black faithful year round, despite having to deal...
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