Charles Sims Still In The Mix?
April 18th, 2018
The man who spent the most snaps on the field as a Buccaneers running back last year — by a wide margin — is unemployed.
But it might not be for long.
Joe’s talking about Charles Sims, a well-liked and respected Buccaneer during his four-season run after being selected by Tampa Bay in Round 3 of the 2014 NFL Draft.
Sims was rushed into the lineup after August surgery during his rookie season and it wasn’t pretty. Then he was a pure stud in 2015, nearly 1,100 yards from scrimmage. Run, catch, Sims did it all that season.
But in 2016, Sims caught the Doug Martin Flu (largely ineffective, injured and sometimes both). Last season he recovered, playing every game, running the ball reasonably well when he got a shot, pass blocking efficiently well and hauling in 35 balls.
Sims, 27, is a solid No. 4 running back in the NFL with enough talent to help you win a game.
However, he mysteriously remains unwanted in league circles. Perhaps it’s because Sims wants too much money, or teams desire running backs who, you know, can run well? Or maybe he’s holding out hope Tampa Bay will re-sign him after the NFL Draft.
The Bucs are desperate for running backs. There are only two legitimate ones on the roster right now.
Yesterday, Ali Marpet was asked about change at running back and appeared to reference that Sims might still be a Buccaneer this season.
“Losing those guys [Martin and Sims] is tough. They are great players. I don’t know what is going to happen with Chuck, but Peyton [Barber] is a great player and we are 100 percent confident in him,” Marpet said. “Whoever we add or if we add anyone, I am sure they will help us out.”
In Joe’s read-between-the-lines world, this is significant because Marpet is a very close friend of Donovan Smith. And Smith is close with Sims and was even lobbying for Sims on Twitter recently.
It smells like Marpet knows Sims is a possibility if the Bucs don’t find a couple of promising running backs next week.
Joe isn’t going to cry if Sims is back. The reality is the Bucs marched up and down the field last year and were second in the NFL in first downs. Their red zone failures weren’t on Sims’ back, though it certainly would be nice if they could find a red-zone running game.
April 18th, 2018 at 4:35 pm
been saying it since free agency started, Sims is a cheap 3rd down back option that can pass block and is a threat out of the backfield as a receiver. I’d be perfectly fine with a combo of drafted rookie, Barber, Sims and Rodgers but the key is this drafted rookie is our new feature back with Barber as the change of pace while Sims and Rodgers are special teams and insurance policies against injury to the rookie and Barber.
April 18th, 2018 at 4:36 pm
It would be a good idea if the Bucs draft Chubb, Guice, Penny or Michel in the 2nd and then sign Sims at the league minimum to compete with Rodgers for the third team running back spot.
April 18th, 2018 at 4:36 pm
He knows his role and he’s good at what he does. If he signs for cheap then I’m all for it. And he’s a classy guy
April 18th, 2018 at 4:54 pm
Second in the NFL in first downs with a 5-11 record???? Wow yeah Sims has a unique skill set especially for the passing game but lets not go crazy and think he was running up and down the field on running plays LOL. In any event I am for bringing Sims back as long as we draft one of the top RB’s too. After all the term is Running Back not Passing Back.
April 18th, 2018 at 4:56 pm
A running back that can’t run in between the tackles. Might as well put another nail in the coffin for Koetter.
April 18th, 2018 at 4:57 pm
Sims has a lot of talent. Maybe not as a pure runner but in today’s NFL there are a lot of schemes and playbooks that could get a ton of production from Sims.
Feels like Dirk wastes Sims ability. It’s a shame too because when Sims is in the backfield as a threat it puts linebackers out of position and opens up plays in the running game.
Last time Sims was a factor we had a top 5 offense. Haven’t been close since, despite adding more weapons for Winston.
April 18th, 2018 at 5:08 pm
Sims can be very good in the right role. He’ll obviously never be a lead back, but he can be a tremendous weapon if we are able to spread out the field a little and get him in open space. Of course in order for that to happen, we are going to have to hit the deep ball more, as well as run the ball better – both of which should improve this season. I would be fine with him coming back, but at this point you have to figure it’s less likely than likely.
April 18th, 2018 at 5:12 pm
He is one reason why licht is on the hot seat..
Wasted 3rd round draft choice and now we have to draft out of need, the fact that no other team wants him tells you enough.
April 18th, 2018 at 5:18 pm
One horrible trait JW has is waiting too long to get the ball out, always looking for the 20 yard play, which in turn causes fumbles, instead of flicking it to an RB and gaining 5 yards and keeping the drive on schedule, the DCs know this, fans know this, unfortunately our OC is oblivious to this always looking for “explosive plays”, sure you’ll hit a few a year, but at what cost is the key, that’s why Brees is always at 70 percent completion, it’s a lot easier to hit those explosive plays if the defense is worried about the short game too
April 18th, 2018 at 5:18 pm
Not blaming JW it’s Klueless Koetter
April 18th, 2018 at 5:34 pm
Just thinking out loud here, but what if he was converted a WR-only. Only thing he seems to bring to the table is the ability to catch the ball, so maybe he needs to switch over?
April 18th, 2018 at 6:03 pm
Please dont re-sign Twister champ Sims. The guy runs scared and is indecisive. And I believe they threw the ball 90% of the time sims was in. So the defense knows whats coming vs an indecisive back. Not a good formula. Need 2 backs. Get them in the draft or sign CJ and draft one.
April 18th, 2018 at 6:04 pm
Sims has similar skills sets and is a similar player as Christian McCaffrey. Look how McCaffrey transformes that offense. Sims is a weapon. A poorly used weapon, but a weapon.
April 18th, 2018 at 6:04 pm
I wished that Charles Sims had been moved to WR in 2017, alternating the slot with Humphries. He is a very good route runner and has great hands. Sims is indecisive and ineffective out of the backfield. I think maybe he has been playing out of position his entire NFL career.
April 18th, 2018 at 6:05 pm
Sims took a great deal of negativism from many Buc fans when he was drafted because he was a third round pick and we really didn’t need a running back at the time. He redeemed himself somewhat with that great year….but still takes a beating for the “dancing” around.
My opinion is that his dancing around isn’t a problem if the line would open up a hole for him.
We need 4 RBs & he is very talented if used properly….behind Djax, he’s the fastest Buc on offense.
I would be happy to have him back at the right price…..
But, we need a feature back……
April 18th, 2018 at 6:07 pm
Simms should be back imho
April 18th, 2018 at 6:10 pm
@Jason … “A running back that can’t run in between the tackles. Might as well put another nail in the coffin for Koetter.” I’d venture to say there are a lot of NFL RBs who who couldn’t run between the Bucs’ tackles in past years. Besides, that’s not who Charles Sims is. Excellent skillset for catching the ball out of the backfield, for runs to the outside, and for pass protection. Decent skillset as a slot receiver too IMO. When you’ve got 4 RBs on your team, they don’t all have to do exactly the same ‘stuff’. It’s up to the coaches to maximize their particular skillsets. I’d be glad to see Sims back in the Bucs’ uniform, at the right price of course. We can’t afford to be over-paying for any more RBs.
April 18th, 2018 at 6:34 pm
Sims a slot WR? Umm yeah, we put him in the slot several times last year and he did absolutely nothing.
How about we just put him in the position he played in 2015 when he produced 1100 yards for us? That’s where he needs to be, in a two back set. Dirk don’t like to run two back sets. That’s not his philosophy.
Just let Sims go somewhere where they can use him. Or tweek your offense to get Sims involved. He’s never going to do much in an offense that gives him 1 carry per game.
April 18th, 2018 at 6:41 pm
You could argue that Sims was drafted for Lovie Smiths Offense. He had a philosophy that utilized a guy with Sims skill set. Dirk does not run an offense that needs a guy like Sims.
This is what happens when you change coaches every two years. You have talented players who just don’t fit into the scheme. Dirk did get him involved on 3rd downs but we did not draft Sims to be a one down player.
Had Dirk been the coach in that draft we probably never get Sims. Sims is a good player but there is no reason to bring him back. Dirk want 2 TEs on the field not 2 RBs. Time to move on, get Dirk the players he can thrive with.
April 18th, 2018 at 6:52 pm
Last year I don’t quite remember the game but Sims was in on a 3rd and 1 and they actually gave him the rock to pick up the first down. Of course he didn’t though. Marshawn Lynch on 3rd and 1, yes. Charles Sims on 3rd and 1, uh no! Needs to be a 3rd and long back only.
April 18th, 2018 at 6:55 pm
I would rather not have him back. Draft a RB and sign Undrafted free agents to compete in camp. Maybe we’ll strike gold.
April 18th, 2018 at 6:57 pm
Dapostman Says
“Last year I don’t quite remember the game but Sims was in on a 3rd and 1 and they actually gave him the rock to pick up the first down. Of course he didn’t though. Marshawn Lynch on 3rd and 1, yes. Charles Sims on 3rd and 1, uh no! Needs to be a 3rd and long back only.”
None of our backs were built for short yardage situations. That’s why I want Dimitri Flowers in the 4th round. Go the ground and pound guy first, get the finesse guy next year.
Flowers can pass block and catch too.
April 18th, 2018 at 7:02 pm
Agree with D-Rome and TBBF
I think we’ll wait until after the draft though. I have always been a Sims fan.
Some of the critics here are absurd. It’s like criticizing Warrick Dunn because he wasn’t as powerful on 3rd and short as Alstott. Different backs for different roles.
BTW I like Sims but he’s not Dunn and I get that…just illustrating you can’t keep ripping Sims for dancing feet…when it was those very dancing feet that created a highlight run for the ages against Atlanta. The dancing feet are his talent!!!
If however through some magical stroke of fortune we get Saquan Barkley…Sims becomes a luxury for depth..because Barkley is faster…a LOT faster…has his own gifted “dancing feet” but is also more explosive and powerful.
IF we get Barkley he’s such a complete back that the only thing we’ll have to look at in another back will be for depth and maybe taking some of the load off of Barkley.
April 18th, 2018 at 8:42 pm
Give him a decent non-guaranteed 1year deal……bring in a late round draft pick or a couple of UDFAs to compete….(I wouldn’t want him to keep us from someone better)
With his hands & speed, he should be able to do kick returns….
I like Charles Sims….just because he’s a Buc doesn’t mean he’s bad….he proved he can run behind a decent line……I think he can do it again.
And I agree with using the two-back sets more often……
April 18th, 2018 at 9:09 pm
Ok, I had to reread the quote 3 times to try and see what Joe read into that. There was nothing in that quote to suggest that Marpet thinks Sims is coming back to Tampa. He said he doesn’t know what is going to happen with Sims. The dude is wandering the streets looking for work. It is legitimate to wonder what will happen with Sims. He was just saying he doesn’t know if or where Sims will end up. Joe, you neeed the draft to get here fast. You are reading between lines that don’t exist.
April 18th, 2018 at 9:14 pm
These are the type of players that Dirk “We were done by Halloween” Koetter should make better with coaching. Sims should not be moving to another team. Koetter has invested years with this guy to learn the system and to let him walk is basically saying that time was a waste. We should now be reaping the benefits of Sims’ ability. Instead, his production is half of what it once was even with a less than stellar RB group. Just another example of why the fans have had to endure the “Lost Decade”.
April 18th, 2018 at 10:04 pm
Vet Minimum, Bring him back.
He was a great compliment when we had a rushing attack. No reason that can’t happen again.
We can always cut him again.
April 18th, 2018 at 10:07 pm
Chris Sims is still available too. I don’t want him either.
April 18th, 2018 at 10:08 pm
I say no to Simms because he can’t run inside and when they bring him in,it absolutely tips the defense off.they know it’s gonna be a passing down!this must stop!hell no to sims!
April 18th, 2018 at 10:21 pm
Keep him
Run a two back set on first
A two TE set on second
Mix it up on third
Keep the defense guessing
It’s tiring to see the defense knowing what we’ll do before we do
April 18th, 2018 at 10:39 pm
WTF is wrong with you people? Koetter can’t figure out how to use him, what do you think has changed? For his sake, let him go somewhere else, he seems like a good dude. Bring in new blood please, no pre-conceived notions as to what these RBs are capable of. I truly believe Dirk has ruined him-he was always gonna be a specialty back, not a between the tackles runner, JMO
April 19th, 2018 at 12:32 am
He is no running back but receiver………………..
April 19th, 2018 at 5:18 am
For gods sake let this CFL player walk…horrible runner and ball security issues…seen enough, turn the page
April 19th, 2018 at 5:42 am
he should have been taking kick offs too
April 19th, 2018 at 6:54 am
3rd down back Sims …. That consistantly drove me into tirades last year. Bucs are moving, now its 3rd and 3, critically need a first down, so in comes Sims and everyone and their brother knows where the ball is going. Once in a while, he would do something good, ending my rant mid stream. Most of the time Sims would get blown up because one, he is not that good, and two, everyone knows thats who we were going to try to get the ball to. Not a fan of the whole 3rd down back concept. Particularly when the guy you are relying on for 3rd down isn’t good enough to be on the field on 1st and 2nd down.
April 19th, 2018 at 7:20 am
I have the Pats move the ball consistantly by throwing the ball to backs that are not known for their running ability. Sims can be used in this role. The problem is
he achieved a better run average in 2015 by mixing things up. Back then there holes big enough for him to run for a 4.9 yard average. I think he would be better utilized as a changeup back when a pass to Sims is not a forgone conclusion.
Still believe dancing feet are caused by lack of holes. Now if you were to point
to Sims straight up running style as the cause his lack of production between the tackles,I would agree. Bottom line ,I think he has a skillset that hasn’t been used properly the last two years.
April 19th, 2018 at 11:37 am
SPBF
That one run in ATL was his ONLY highlight….