Chris Simms lovers... (1 Viewer)

[Warpig]

According to Aaron Brooks, it would seem that the Bucs still aren't sold on Simms. This quote is taken from the USAToday's sports page (with a link to each teams website for their team reports):

Quarterback Aaron Brooks spoke with only one other team — the Tampa Bay Buccaneers — and came away with mixed signals before signing with the Raiders.

"It was funny, because they said, `Well, we promised Chris Simms this and that, but we really want you,'" Brooks said. "Right now Chris is going to start, but it could change by training camp. And I'm like, `What the hell is that?' They weren't really trying to give me a decent salary to work for. I'm not content, I'm not ready to be a backup."

Jump on the Gradkowski bandwagon now before it's too late.

Oh...and let me get the post of the month out of the way...

"FLUFF PIECE"

Now, proceed.

 

[Capella]

I highly doubt Aaron Brooks has any insight as to the QB situation for the Bucs.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

I'm surprised that Aaron Brooks can form complete sentences.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

According to Aaron Brooks, it would seem that the Bucs still aren't sold on Simms. This quote is taken from the USAToday's sports page (with a link to each teams website for their team reports):

Quarterback Aaron Brooks spoke with only one other team — the Tampa Bay Buccaneers — and came away with mixed signals before signing with the Raiders.

"It was funny, because they said, `Well, we promised Chris Simms this and that, but we really want you,'" Brooks said. "Right now Chris is going to start, but it could change by training camp. And I'm like, `What the hell is that?' They weren't really trying to give me a decent salary to work for. I'm not content, I'm not ready to be a backup."

Jump on the Gradkowski bandwagon now before it's too late.

Try readinging the quote again and concentrate on what Brooks was told the Bucs were trying to get him for, hint, not to start.

 

[Big Score]

I highly doubt Aaron Brooks has any insight as to the QB situation for the Bucs.

Brooks is quoted as saying this..."I'm not content, I'm not ready to be a backup."...regarding the Buc QB job.So with you saying you doubt Brooks has any insight on the Bucs QB situation, does that mean you think Brooks was wrong on them wanting him as a back up and instead, the Bucs really wanted him for the starting QB position?

 

[Jason Wood]

I'm guessing in Aaron Brooks distorted world view he heard Jon Gruden suggest that, although Chris Simms it the starter, everyone has to compete for their jobs in training camp. Implying to Brooks that, while he wouldn't have the edge on Simms if he signed, anything was possible. Brooks, despite being offered backup money (by his own admission) came away thinking they really wanted him.

In any event, why SHOULD Gruden be 100% sold on Simms? Very few NFL QBs have earned the right to not have to re-take their job each and every camp IMHO; and Simms has done precious little to suggest he's above replacement.

 

[Warpig]

According to Aaron Brooks, it would seem that the Bucs still aren't sold on Simms.  This quote is taken from the USAToday's sports page (with a link to each teams website for their team reports):

Quarterback Aaron Brooks spoke with only one other team — the Tampa Bay Buccaneers — and came away with mixed signals before signing with the Raiders.

"It was funny, because they said, `Well, we promised Chris Simms this and that, but we really want you,'" Brooks said. "Right now Chris is going to start, but it could change by training camp. And I'm like, `What the hell is that?' They weren't really trying to give me a decent salary to work for. I'm not content, I'm not ready to be a backup."

Jump on the Gradkowski bandwagon now before it's too late.

Try readinging the quote again and concentrate on what Brooks was told the Bucs were trying to get him for, hint, not to start.

I'm not saying Brooks wouldn't have been #2...he even states that's what they mentioned at first. But read this line where Brooks is quoting TB brass:"Right now Chris is going to start, but it could change by training camp.

Sounds to me like they wanted Brooks there and were saying he could end up being the starter by the time the season starts. I'm just saying I think it's funny because everyone is so high on Simms because he is in a Gruden style offense. Yet it appears the Buccs don't have that warm fuzzy with him. I'm liking Gradkowski more and more.

 

[Capella]

I highly doubt Aaron Brooks has any insight as to the QB situation for the Bucs.

Brooks is quoted as saying this..."I'm not content, I'm not ready to be a backup."...regarding the Buc QB job.So with you saying you doubt Brooks has any insight on the Bucs QB situation, does that mean you think Brooks was wrong on them wanting him as a back up and instead, the Bucs really wanted him for the starting QB position?

All I'm saying is Brooks has no idea what's going to happen now or in the future other than the BS spin Chucky sold him in an attempt to sign him cheap.

 

[Capella]

I'm liking Gradkowski more and more.

Other than being a contrarian, why on earth would you like Gradowski right now?-He's short

-He lacks arm strength

-Simms has more playing experience (including a playoff chase)

-Simms is now in his 4th year in the offense. Grads is in his 4th week.

There's no point even comparing the two right now.

 

[Hawk]

As a Texas fan, I think Simms is a good person and a good QB. That being said, I never had complete confidence in him. It would not surprise me if the Bucs don't either (though there is no chance of anyone else starting the season for TB unless Simms is hurt).

Simms was always too hard on himself and thus tended to compound his mistakes in high pressure games instead of overcoming them. When it came to playoff time last year, I put money on Washington because I doubted Simms' ability to pull out the playoff win.

But let's be realistic, A.Brooks inspires even less confidence than Simms. Who is he kidding?

 

[Bracie Smathers]

I'm not saying Brooks wouldn't have been #2...he even states that's what they mentioned at first. But read this line where Brooks is quoting TB brass:

"Right now Chris is going to start, but it could change by training camp.

Sounds to me like they wanted Brooks there and were saying he could end up being the starter by the time the season starts. I'm just saying I think it's funny because everyone is so high on Simms because he is in a Gruden style offense. Yet it appears the Buccs don't have that warm fuzzy with him. I'm liking Gradkowski more and more.

The Bucs lost Brian Griese who takes the Tampa Bay ALL-TIME passer rating with him to Chicago. Oddly enough Bob's kid also took the Denver Bronco ALL-TIME passer rating with him to Tampa Bay, yeah even higher than Elroy. So the Bucs lost a very talented and 'proven capable' QB when they lost Griese. They have no safety net with Simms. I've seen Luke McCowan and the thought that Gradkowski is going to challenge, let alone beat out Chris Simms is not very realistic. Per comfort level with starting QBs, look around the league. You think, Detroit, Chicago, Cleveland, San Deigo, San Francisco, Minnesota, NYJ, Buffalo, etc et al are completey comfortable with their QB positions? You think any of those teams wouldn't jump all over Chris Simms with both feet? Their simply aren't enough studly QBs to man 32 teams but Simms is three years into it and has the tools and has performed 'OK' and is surrounded by a capable offense and a stellar defense so his role isn't to hitch the cart to his yoke and pull it but to drive the wagon. Bucs shouldn't feel comfortable till Simms steps up but to put his situation into context, just look around the league.

 

[houndirish]

According to Aaron Brooks, it would seem that the Bucs still aren't sold on Simms.  This quote is taken from the USAToday's sports page (with a link to each teams website for their team reports):

Quarterback Aaron Brooks spoke with only one other team — the Tampa Bay Buccaneers — and came away with mixed signals before signing with the Raiders.

"It was funny, because they said, `Well, we promised Chris Simms this and that, but we really want you,'" Brooks said. "Right now Chris is going to start, but it could change by training camp. And I'm like, `What the hell is that?' They weren't really trying to give me a decent salary to work for. I'm not content, I'm not ready to be a backup."

Jump on the Gradkowski bandwagon now before it's too late.

Try readinging the quote again and concentrate on what Brooks was told the Bucs were trying to get him for, hint, not to start.

I'm not saying Brooks wouldn't have been #2...he even states that's what they mentioned at first. But read this line where Brooks is quoting TB brass:"Right now Chris is going to start, but it could change by training camp.

Sounds to me like they wanted Brooks there and were saying he could end up being the starter by the time the season starts. I'm just saying I think it's funny because everyone is so high on Simms because he is in a Gruden style offense. Yet it appears the Buccs don't have that warm fuzzy with him. I'm liking Gradkowski more and more.

Reading this board, I've never gotten the impression the masses are high on Chris Simms.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

  I'm liking Gradkowski more and more.

Other than being a contrarian, why on earth would you like Gradowski right now?-He's short

-He lacks arm strength

-Simms has more playing experience (including a playoff chase)

-Simms is now in his 4th year in the offense. Grads is in his 4th week.

There's no point even comparing the two right now.

Right now, no. Give it a year. Simms was adequate last year. He didn't make the big mistake, and he ran the plays as designed. I don't think he did much on his own and for the most part took what the defense gave him. He was not a threat to do much of anything once the play as designed was not there. Gradkowski lacks Simms stature and arm, but he's similar in style to Rich Gannon and Jeff Garcia, scrappy, smart QBs who keep plays alive and are good decision makers. I think Gruden can get more out of Gradkowski than he's gotten out of Simms...

 

[vinwinephans]

Well, we promised Chris Simms this and that, but we really want you.

At the end of this comment you could either insert the word 'instead' or the phrase 'as a backup' - both could have been left out based on the context of the conversation and what was understood. You could hardly draw conclusion from this comment.

Right now Chris is going to start, but it could change by training camp.

This sounds like TB was pitching the idea it would be given the oppurtunity to compete for the position, but deepending on the true meaning of the previous statement, either says he had a decent shot or no real shot.

And I'm like, `What the hell is that?' They weren't really trying to give me a decent salary to work for. I'm not content, I'm not ready to be a backup.

Sounds like Aaron came to the conclusion based on the moneyoffered TB really wanted him to be there as a backup - aka what Jeff Garcia has become.

 

[T Man]

Tampa is a contender. A veteran backup is almost a necessity since Simms is still somewhat unproven, and McCown is not ready. Gradkowski is far from ready.

What coaches or the front office tell players to get them to sign is not necessarily 100% the truth.

The Bucs were offering Brooks backup money. THe Bucs therefore felt Brooks was the backup. If he played well and Simms tanks, he could be the starter.

Simms played ok last year, but he is not untouchable.

 

[nygiants56]

I'm surprised that Aaron Brooks can form complete sentences.

 

[nygiants56]

I highly doubt Aaron Brooks has any insight as to the QB situation for the Bucs.

Brooks is quoted as saying this..."I'm not content, I'm not ready to be a backup."...regarding the Buc QB job.So with you saying you doubt Brooks has any insight on the Bucs QB situation, does that mean you think Brooks was wrong on them wanting him as a back up and instead, the Bucs really wanted him for the starting QB position?

All I'm saying is Brooks has no idea what's going to happen now or in the future other than the BS spin Chucky sold him in an attempt to sign him cheap.

Circle gets a Square!!!

chucky knows what he's doing..the fact that they let Griese go means they have all the confidence in the world in Chris Simms...the Buc brass thought they got Simms for a steal with a 4th round pick a few years ago..

they just might have!

If Rich Gannon can become the NFL MVP under Gruden, after some 30 years of backup duty on 44 different teams ( lol), I think Chucky can get Simms motivated to become a highly productive QB, too...

 

[Warpig]

  I'm liking Gradkowski more and more.

Other than being a contrarian, why on earth would you like Gradowski right now?-He's short

-He lacks arm strength

-Simms has more playing experience (including a playoff chase)

-Simms is now in his 4th year in the offense. Grads is in his 4th week.

There's no point even comparing the two right now.

Right now, no. Give it a year. Simms was adequate last year. He didn't make the big mistake, and he ran the plays as designed. I don't think he did much on his own and for the most part took what the defense gave him. He was not a threat to do much of anything once the play as designed was not there. Gradkowski lacks Simms stature and arm, but he's similar in style to Rich Gannon and Jeff Garcia, scrappy, smart QBs who keep plays alive and are good decision makers. I think Gruden can get more out of Gradkowski than he's gotten out of Simms...

Exactly! That is the point I'm trying to make. All I've heard is the Bucs aren't totally satisfied with Simms but they can't exactly give up on him since he's still young. However, Gruden has gushed about this Gradkowski guy and has repeatedly compared him to Gannon...and Gruden loved Gannon. As far as arm strength, probably 60% of the QB's in the league don't have the "desired arm strength". Hell, Brady doesn't have the arm strength coaches desire. Do you want guys with cannon arms, or guys that can run your team and be an extension of your coach? I've been trying to trade a guy in my league to get Simms from him (since I have Gradkowski) and the guy refuses to let go of Simms because he's in a "Gruden offense". He won't be doing him much good next year when Gradkowski is running the show.

 

[NorvilleBarnes]

I've been a little skeptical of Simms ever since they told him to go in and he was running around the sidelines looking for his helmet. He was wearing it.

 

[massraider]

Funny, no one seems to be considering the possibility that Brooks heard exactly what he said he heard, and that it is telling about how the Bucs feel about Simms.

 

[gump]

Funny, no one seems to be considering the possibility that Brooks heard exactly what he said he heard, and that it is telling about how the Bucs feel about Simms.

If someone is not considering the possibility of what Brooks thinks being true, it may be because they watched Buc games last year.Or watched a Saint game.

 

[QUEZILLA]

McNown > Gradkowski IMO

Sure we have heard plenty of positive things about Gradkowski, accurate, Grudens style QB, etc. Does anybody really expect to hear anything but positive words about players drafted less than 2 months ago? Of course the Buc's love the guy, they wouldn't have drafted him if they didn't. Even if they didn't love the guy there is no chance in hell they are going to actually say that.

This is going to be one of the battles I watch closest in TC, Gradkowski vs McNown. I was one of the guys who actually thought McNown looked better than Simms last year in pre-season. He has better foot work, and is much more mobile. There is no doubt that Simms has the best canon on the team.

If you want to get an advantage on the Buc's passing game, watch which WR's certain QB's do better with. Simms has a great arm, so more than likely burners like Galloway and Edell Shepard will benefit more with him starting than with someone like Gradkowski who doesn't have the strength.

 

[Boone22]

No thoughts on Rattay? An entire thread discussing Tampa's QB situation and not one mention of Rattay. Does that mean everyone thinks he's trade bait or do you all really think that Gradkowski & McNown are THAT much better than him?

 

[by_the_sea_wannabe]

Funny, no one seems to be considering the possibility that Brooks heard exactly what he said he heard, and that it is telling about how the Bucs feel about Simms.

what was the topic starters point again ?

 

[T Man]

I seriously doubt Chucky hands the reins of this contender to a rookie. As the seasoned veteran for whom he just parted with a 4th rounder, I would guess that Rattay is #2 unless it is clear McCown is much better. Chucky loves his vets.

Gradkowski played well, and he is the next QB in a now long line from the MAC, but there seems to be an awful lot of love for a late round draft pick who has not played a down in the NFL.

I don't see Gradkowski as the starter in either his first or second year. I think he'll be fine in a few years, after learning more about what it takes to be an NFL QB.

BUT for a differing view of his worth, I have attached an excerpt of a footballoutsiders.com article which is posted on Fox Sports (the article deals with the NFL South's draft):

"Tampa got excellent value in the middle of their draft. Maurice Stovall was considered a late-second/early-third prospect. He doesn't have a lot of pure foot speed, but Jon Gruden's attack doesn't require it. The Bucs didn't get much production from their tight ends down in the red zone last year, and the 6'5" Stovall will give Chris Simms a quality receiving option when the field shortens up. Alan Zematis was the more highly rated of the two Nittany Lion corners, and his style translates well into Monte Kiffen's scheme. Zematis will have to unlearn the Penn State side-pedal before he sees much action, but he has the talent to challenge for a starting spot down the road. Stanford defensive end Julian Jenkins was a bit less regarded than his teammate Babatunde Oshinowo, but he still represented good value in the fifth round. Jenkins is a solid two-way defensive end who shows good strength at the point of attack. He's currently listed behind Simeon Rice on the depth chart, but Jenkins doesn't have the explosiveness to develop into an edge rusher, so his future is probably on the strong side. Toledo quarterback Bruce Gradowski was considered a minor steal on the two boards that went past 100, but with Tampa's depth at the position he'll have a tough time making the active roster. Gradowski is probably destined for NFL Europe and the practice squad."