Keeping The One-Trick Pony
February 18th, 2018
He can catch. (Photo courtesy of Buccaneers.com)
As a running back, Charles Sims is a helluva lot more Bruno Mars than Warrick Dunn — who coveted JoeBucsFan.com columnist Ira Kaufman seems to think Sims is.
But as a pass catcher, Sims can be dangerous. You know, good enough for four or five plays a year off the bench.
And it is for that reason, so long as Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht can get the free agent to sign at a good price, Sims is worth keeping.
But Sims sure as hell isn’t worth building an offense around. And that’s why Dallas Robinson of Pro Football Rumors believes the Bucs will wash their hands of Sims.
Charles Sims — the club’s main receiving back — is a free agent and seems unlikely to be re-signed.
Joe has heard no word that the Bucs are turning their backs on Sims. One thing Sims has working in his favor is Bucs coach Dirk Koetter likes him.
No, Sims is not a starter.
No, Sims is not a dependable running back.
But catch the ball? He can do that. A reasonable asking price would mean it’s reasonable to conclude he should return to the Bucs.
February 18th, 2018 at 12:18 am
I’d try to keep him. Reality is that if he’s used correctly he’s a matchup problem. You enhance that by using him against base defenses (early downs) vice nickel and dime packages. I’d sprinkle in some option routes for him (a few less wheel routes) as the 2nd look in the progression. Go Bucs!
February 18th, 2018 at 12:34 am
RE-SIGN HIM!
February 18th, 2018 at 1:16 am
Simms is not the problem. Coaching is the problem.
February 18th, 2018 at 1:35 am
I mean since the one thing he’s somewhat reliable at it catching the football I don’t know why they don’t just have him convert to WR.
February 18th, 2018 at 1:48 am
Reliable backup\ specialist, above average sp teamer, shouldn’t cost to much.
February 18th, 2018 at 1:54 am
Sims sure isn’t the answer… Barber is the only NFL back on the roster, but he’s not a game changer…JuiceGerbel & SlotBackSims really offer no value, going forward…& if Rodger’s isn’t worried, he should be…Not with this Coaching Staff/FO on a thin ice & a truck load of Cap space to fill voids…There’s a pretty good chance the Bucs find a better FA than any RB on the current roster, in a month (Crowell/Hyde)…Plus add 2 RB from the 2018 Draft/UDFA class.
February 18th, 2018 at 2:03 am
Simms is a matchup nightmare, this coaching staff is just too stupid to use him.
Also I just read that Buffalo is shopping the #21 + 22 + Shady McCoy to move up for Josh Rosen. If he is there @7 and Chubb is off the board I say we bite on that deal
February 18th, 2018 at 2:37 am
He can block, catch and play Special Teams. I would keep him till training camp and see what he’s got left.
February 18th, 2018 at 2:38 am
Joe, why in the hell-o do we need to keep a rb that cannot run and may catch it OK like what 1 time a game when we have any number of guys we can throw to.. Time to cut this 3rd round back along with drug Martin and go after a guy that can do both in the 2nd frigging round of this coming draft.. Also pick up what like Hyde and or mckennon in fa and our one dimensional offence is no more!
February 18th, 2018 at 3:59 am
Our three backs have career averages of 4 YPC. That’s not awesome like a 5 yard average but it’s far better than three and adequate for a team built on passing and certainly better than Doug’s 2.9. If we build a good to great line and found another 4 YPC rusher for depth we could get by.
Let’s see…this team is clearly built for passing. In terms of sheer talent the one group that stands out on the entire team are our targets. We drafted a franchise QB with the top pick in the draft. We drafted ME13 high in the first round…OJ 19 overall…Godwin 3rd rounder and our top FA signing was DJAX. Mix in two successful UDFA’s like Brate and Hump and #3 has six targets right there and we’re not even talking Sims.
This team has talent built to throw the ball…we are the old AFL like Darryl “Mad Bomber” Lamonica or Dan Fouts.
I’m not saying the run game is unimportant…but if we solidify the OL we’re OK with one more “decent’ back like Barber…doesn’t need to be a superstar.
February 18th, 2018 at 4:38 am
I’ve liked Charles Sims since we first drafted him & hope that we keep him. He’s never been a stud when it comes to running between the tackles (even in college), but that’s OK in my book because not every RB excels at that. But where he has excelled in the past is runs outside, overall pass catching, special teams, and pass blocking (probably our best there). That’s a pretty good skillset IMO, considering that the Bucs will surely keep a stable of 4 RBs once again this year. Right now we’ve got ONE ‘keeper’ IMO (Barber), with Jacquizz as a ‘possible’. Our problem is that our OC hasn’t used him very effectively since 2015 (when Sims had over 500 yds rushing AND over 500 yds receiving). His average rushing that year? 4.9 Yds/run. His average receiving? Right at 11 yds/catch. Sure as anything, if Bucs don’t re-sign him, Charles will find a home with New Orleans or Atlanta and run rampant through our defense twice a year.
February 18th, 2018 at 4:41 am
Stpetebucsfan , get a clue! Barber is a second rate back up back that also shows he fumbles at the wrong time.. All our backs we have cannot create for themselves and makes our offence one dimensional.. They have for 2 years now! We need to get a back high in this draft and James needs to pass less… Also helps our crappy defence stay off the field and plays keep away from the other 3 qb’s in our division. You and anyone else with your opinion on this is sadly mistaken
February 18th, 2018 at 5:44 am
Last time I checked we keep more than 1 RB….keep Sims
February 18th, 2018 at 5:49 am
Hate to say it but Charles Sims has turned into Kregg Lumpkin.
Both solid blockers & receivers on 3rd down – but provide nothing in the ground game.
February 18th, 2018 at 5:49 am
@Jarod
So when is the “right” time to fumble?
February 18th, 2018 at 6:12 am
test
February 18th, 2018 at 6:13 am
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2016-2017)
Rushing First Downs per Game: 2017: 4.8 – 26th | 2016: 5.0 – 24th
Rushing Yards per Game: 2017: 90.5 – 27th | 2016: 101.0 – 24th
Rushing Touchdowns per Game: 2017: 0.5 – 27th | 2016: 0.5 – 31th
February 18th, 2018 at 6:15 am
One of the Biggest Differences Between us and Atlanta – Is that when Devonte Freeman needs a breather or sits because of an injury. Tevin Coleman (their designated 3rd down back) actually can run the ball – outside of being a great receiver out the backfield.
February 18th, 2018 at 6:17 am
But hey here an Tampa – we just want more of the same Ol’ B.S
Mediocrity At Its Finest
February 18th, 2018 at 6:19 am
Rushing Touchdowns per Game: 2017: 0.5 – 27th | 2016: 0.5 – 31st
February 18th, 2018 at 6:26 am
Lol
February 18th, 2018 at 6:39 am
If all these in house players are so valuable and keepers you would think bucs would not have lived in nfc south basement for a decade straight….
February 18th, 2018 at 6:40 am
Luvmybucs your posts are spot on! And to answer the other posters question , never! But he still picks spots to fumble where it can hurt most. Just like Martin. And if we had more than .5 rushing td’s a game Jameis would fumble less too! And can we get a back that when he gets to the second level has the ability to take it to the house without getting caught from behind. Barber=no , martin=no , Sims can’t get past the first line and quizz=laughable….
February 18th, 2018 at 6:51 am
I tell you who he reminds me of if he was used properly: “Kevin Faulk.” BB in NE would love to have a guy like this on his roster.
February 18th, 2018 at 7:05 am
Keep him and give him more playes as a wide-out! CONTINUE TO BUILD A WALL!!..
February 18th, 2018 at 7:23 am
Easy
Kevin Faulk – smh hell nah brotha – more like Patrick Pass lol
February 18th, 2018 at 7:23 am
Jarod
Amen Brotha
February 18th, 2018 at 7:51 am
Fix the trenches!
I wouldn’t want Sims back either. Damn y’all stop settling for mediocrity. Licht has to fix these lines by any means. Sign a proven RB to take pressure off #3.
February 18th, 2018 at 8:06 am
I would keep Simms and I would not use a high pick on a rb. Barber wasn’t spectraclar but his up average was very consistent. I would love marpet back to guard, sign the fa center from Baltimore and draft oline and dline .
But first, if fire Mike Smith
February 18th, 2018 at 8:07 am
No more than a 1 year deal.
February 18th, 2018 at 8:09 am
so other teams get backs that can run, block and catch. Also score. But you want to keep a one trick pony that can catch. No thanks. Time to get backs in here that can do it all on a basis.
February 18th, 2018 at 8:15 am
^ regular
February 18th, 2018 at 8:22 am
More importantly, when can we cut Doug Martin?
Can’t win with an ineffective, overrated, suspended-twice RB.
Best of luck to Martin, just please don’t let him be on the Bucs next fall. 🤢 🤮
February 18th, 2018 at 8:36 am
There is like 8 backs in this draft and 7 free agents that are better than him so see ya!
February 18th, 2018 at 8:38 am
re sign him he could actually be real effective in a 3rd down back role but dirk koetter just doesn’t know how to use him. motioning him out of the back field just to throw a quick screen to him is not creative … i swear dirk ran that play on at least 2 3rd downs per game … but i 100% believe he could have a role that mirrors what he did in 2015 if used correctly
February 18th, 2018 at 8:40 am
re sign him to go with peyton barber add a back in free agency and another one in the draft , pick up a udfa to compete in training camp and that’s a pretty good upgrade over what they had this past season , depending on who they bring in in FA and the draft of course
February 18th, 2018 at 8:43 am
Everyone has their niche and can play their part (Team game) to help us win games. Check the numbers…he can run, block and catch as well as play special teams. For the right price you keep him IMO. You incorporate him in your offense and fix the problems easier to exploit (defensive line, defensive game calling). Not saying offensive line or running back can’t improve (they can and should be) but with 31 other teams making moves to get better and virtually every (EVERY) non restricted free agent having a choice of where they play, you have to focus on first decreasing your weaknesses THEN sustaining or improving your strengths. Only way to win consistently in the league. BL: priorities. Go Bucs!
February 18th, 2018 at 9:32 am
They have no choice to resign him….He knows the system, has value on multiple units….Another less then brilliant roster situation by Licht….Right there with d-line…CB….o-line….possibly kicker.
February 18th, 2018 at 10:45 am
Sure – fine – bring back Chuck Sims. But only if its for $2M per year or less.
February 18th, 2018 at 11:41 am
To be honest, I would not be upset if they replaced the entire running back group. Cannot do any worse.
But…I would also understand keeping Sims.
February 18th, 2018 at 11:57 am
When he is used properly and put in positions to succeed he had a very successful season. 1,000 yards from scrimmage, healthy ypc etc… Not utilizing him correctly and everyone cries! Then he’ll go to another team, have a good year then skewer the Bucs for letting him go. Re-sign for what he’s worth do not over pay add a RB in FA and the draft and we are good to go.
February 18th, 2018 at 12:39 pm
Jarod
I’m no fan of Doug Martin but he has an excellent career record for ball security.
Having said that Barber gets a bad rap.
He did not fumble ONCE during his first year…he fumbled a whopping two times last year. He does NOT have fumbilitis.
As far as Barber’s talent what more can he do than produce. He averaged 3.9 last year and 4.1 his rookie season for as I’ve pointed out a 4.0 YPC average.
And so Jarod and Luv I leave you guys to defend this remark…
“Barber is a second rate back up back”
At best or worst the jury is still very much out on that. He’s done NOTHING to indicate it though. Running behind the Bucs OL let’s see how he compares.
Who are the OTHER second rate backs.
In 2017 Barber basically matched losers like Leveon Bell and LeSean McCoy who each averaged 4 yards per carry. Bell was running behind the Steeler line are they better than ours? Just a joke there to lighten it up. LOL And no I’m not comparing Barber to Bell…he clearly doesn’t have game breaking ability but he is still a solid runner.
In 2016 Barber exceeded players like Legarrette Blount…Melvin Gordon and Frank Gore and plenty of others….and so did Quizz for that matter.
3 YPC is bad for an NFL back…5 YPC is considered great….4 YPC is considered adequate. If you can produce that 4 yards consistently you’d have a lot of 3 and 2’s which in itself is less than 4yds but I concede 3 rd down changes it up.
So I am NOT saying that I expect Barber to have a breakout year or that he can walk on Tampa Bay. I am saying he’s a big bruising back with a 4 YPC average over two years behind at best a mediocre OL. I am saying that three backs that are so complementary average 4ydsPC are enough if augmented by one more for depth.
February 18th, 2018 at 12:43 pm
BTW One thing that D.R. and others have brought up is we seem to have no identity right now. We have #3 and great targets…are we an offensive team?
We’re trying to build a solid defense. Are we a defensive team?
We have poured the VAST MAJORITY of our resources into a passing game for #3.
Our top FA signing last year…two first round draft choices..ME and OJ…and a 3rd rounder for Godwin which is looking like the steal of that draft.
We’ve poured NOTHING into our running game. Yet now we talk about Barkley and other top shelf RB’s. Are we changing identity? Do we now plan to pound the rock? Do we run to set up the pass…or pass to set up the run?
If it’s the first then this team is totally constructed with the wrong talent.
February 18th, 2018 at 1:52 pm
I would dangle D Jack as trade bait. See if anyone bites. Who knows.
February 18th, 2018 at 2:15 pm
Stpetebucsfan you are grabbing at straws , barber is good from a yard out. Which one of his fumbles accured then. I go by eye test. I would like to keep barber and barber only. Good BACKUP! we need an every down back with game changing ability. And to answer your question, we need to run to set up the pass particularly the play action which Jameis excells at and in turn we can pass to set up the run. Scoring less than 20 points a game the last 2 years will not cut it.. So in getting Nelson at 7 and Sony second round and ravens center in FA that helps considerably in scoring more than 20..we need a miracle on d and I don’t see it happening in just drafting bra and or Davenport
February 18th, 2018 at 8:38 pm
Jarod,
We actually think totally alike for offensive moves…IF Nelson drops from his current projection at 5…then I like your plan.
I do not care what you call Barber as long as we keep him, Sims and Quizz and then go out and get Sony or Guice, or whomever. The carries can be spread properly if Koetter calls good plays and utilizes them properly or perhaps better still if OC Moncken starts calling the plays.
February 19th, 2018 at 1:55 am
Sims sucks. Keeping him over Rodgers would be stupid. Which is exactly why Sims and not Rodgers will be on the 2018 roster.
February 19th, 2018 at 9:36 am
Still need a really good offensive line without hold the backs will have nowhere to go but down to the ground.