Here Come The Touches
September 19th, 2016
One good thing about Doug Martin’s injured right hamstring is Bucs fans might finally get serious answers to big questions surrounding Charles Sims?
No. 1 on the list is, “Can Sims carry the load as a featured running back?”
It’s a pure unknown. The 2014 third-round draft pick has never done it.
Joe would be stunned if Martin returns Sunday against the Rams, which would put the rock squarely in Sims’ hands.
The Bucs would lean him to be a three-down back shouldering the primary load.
Against the Cardinals yesterday, Sims had a brutal day. He got in the way of America’s Quarterback, Jameis Winston, which led to a costly fumble. He also dropped a pass. He ran for a paltry 24 yards on nine carries. His three catches totaled a whopping four yards.
Last week, Joe asked Dirk Koetter about getting more touches for Sims. The head coach repeatedly said that was a goal of his for 2016, but Koetter called it a “delicate” subject when Joe inquired.
Well, it’s not delicate any longer. Sims might have at least a couple of games to be “The Man” behind a healthy offensive line.
Joe would like to see what Sims can do in that role.
September 19th, 2016 at 2:34 pm
With the disaster that was september 18, 2016…this is the worst…Sims is NOT a runner!! He takes more steps than fred astaire in a classic movie before he even gets moving forward. Waiver wire Rodgers has more RUNNING ability, UGH…
September 19th, 2016 at 2:36 pm
@Joe
Can you give us your take on Peyton Barber? I don’t go to practice and he saw some duty in the pre-season but not enough for me to make up my mind.
Sometimes guys like Barber…rookie RB’s get demoted to PS because they cannot block or maybe they can’t catch out of the backfield.
This is special situation. If Barber can pound the rock then I hope we use him.
If he can’t block at least we have a great OL and plenty of TE’s to help.
If he can’t catch out of the backfield who cares since we have the best RB in the league at catching the ball out of the backfield.
I realize this makes us a little predictable…Doug was not Sims but at least he was a threat out of the backfield. Barber may be one dimensional but sometimes you gotta make due with what you have.
September 19th, 2016 at 2:37 pm
Dancing with the Stars might be a more appropriate gig for Sims. Only good in space, LOTS OF SPACE…
September 19th, 2016 at 2:41 pm
I wouldn’t be surprised to see the newly signed Quizz end up getting the most carries next week with Sims staying in his current roles a a pass catching RB
September 19th, 2016 at 3:02 pm
@Creamsickle
I would agree but I thought Quizz also got hurt. I might be mistaken. Is he ready to go Sunday?
September 19th, 2016 at 3:16 pm
Dear Dirk, Please run the ball….
Love, BUCSFAN…..
GO BUCS!!!!
September 19th, 2016 at 3:21 pm
Peyton Barber will break tackles.
He’s got a big heart.
Give him a some touches on the second half after the D is worn down.
Do u guys realize Blount is still ballin?
We didn’t use him right and it drove me mad!
September 19th, 2016 at 3:39 pm
Sims thrives as part of the Martin combo. Martin or a runner of his type goes out, Sims struggles. Did you think the Cards were going to let Sims run all over them? I mean didn’t most think the game was over when Martin left the field.
September 19th, 2016 at 3:43 pm
I went to only 1 practice and saw Barber do the same thing he did in preseason. Run into the backs of his own linemen for no gain. I don’t know if it’s because our backups weren’t opening holes for him, he has no vision, or a combination of both.
September 19th, 2016 at 4:28 pm
He’s no Dougi!
September 19th, 2016 at 4:44 pm
We are in for a long season with ALL the injuries already. Guess I got my prediction of 10-6 backwards. Expected the defense to be better & JW.
September 19th, 2016 at 5:16 pm
GO GET JAMES BACK !!!
September 19th, 2016 at 6:12 pm
Sims is not a between the tackles runner he’s a guy that will burn you if they can get the ball to him in space. Barber, James or Rodgers may be better suited as the workhorse back while Doug is out.
September 19th, 2016 at 7:15 pm
Its be proven time and time again. There are dudes sitting on their couch right now that can run for 100 yards in a game.
September 19th, 2016 at 8:52 pm
Why did the bucs cut James , Oh ya the Mystery injury , wink wink !! I have a hunch he could play Sunday if Light is willing to admit his mistake. Martin went down and the run game was abandoned this clearly tells me Licht and Koetter didn’t really believe in their roster moves ……… This team doesn’t have a short yardage back either , they are not the Patriots for Christ sake ……… You have to have a back that can get a yard and they don’t !!! Will cause at least two losses !!