Chris Simms: Scotty Miller Right There With Antonio Brown
March 26th, 2021
Yes, it was explosive little Scotty Miller who led the Buccaneers in yards-per-catch last season, and he crushed it through the playoffs at 20 yards per reception.
With all the swirling talk about Tampa Bay potentially bringing back furniture-tossing, bicycle-throwing receiver Antonio Brown, former Bucs quarterback Chris Simms is slamming on the brakes.
“Antonio Brown … they don’t really need him,” Simms said on PFT Live today.
“Like you heard me say toward the end of the year, you certainly could argue Scotty Miller is right there with Antonio Brown as far as the talent he has. Maybe not quite the route runner, but more of a big-play threat with his speed and things like that. So I think it’s the same thing [with Leonard Fournette]; they’re not going to overpay [Fournette or Brown] by one dollar. It’s going to be on [the Bucs’] terms.”
Brown is valuable; there is no dispute. No Buccaneer averaged more targets per games played than Brown in 2020.
However, how much more valuable is Brown than Miller, who is the greater deep threat? Miller is a fantastic complement to Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, who thrive on medium routes. And now Miller is a proven commodity, a postseason hero who gutted through injuries early last fall.
Plus, if the Bucs actually plan to keep O.J. Howard, Cameron Brate and Rob Gronkowski, then it’s even easier to agree with Simms on the Brown-Miller debate — and that’s without mentioning receiver Tyler Johnson.
Amidst all this chatter, All-Pro returner Cordarelle Patterson, Tom Brady’s old buddy, remains on the street.
March 26th, 2021 at 2:44 am
Miller at Browns level is a laughable statement. Scotty is a burner. Brown is everything. Brown excels at YAC and he showed that fully this year.
Chris Simms is a hack. I know you hate AB Joe but come on even you know deep down Scotty and AB are not on the same level.
March 26th, 2021 at 3:11 am
On what planet are those guys comparable receivers? Get back on the field and tell me you’d coin toss the choice between those guys. JL should do whatever he can, within reason, to get AB back. Can’t believe people think it’s no big deal if we lose Antonio MF’n Brown. I don’t care how deep you perceive our WR depth to be. Not only would it be a HUGE loss, it’d be an even bigger threat to have him join another contender. No way do you want to face that dude in the playoffs!
March 26th, 2021 at 3:49 am
A B has been to 6 pro bowls, Scotty Miller has zero. Miller is a great deep option but lacks route running ability to get that much needed 1st down like A B does. We need A B back if we can afford him.
March 26th, 2021 at 4:43 am
AB’s value is waaaaaay higher than Scooters if Godwin or Evans gets injured. If the assumption is neither have an injury? Then I can a point being made there is no reason to overpay.
If you add in AB”s off field issues and potential suspension, than yeah, that more than levels the field for Scooter. Plus TB loves the kid.
In BA I Trust!
March 26th, 2021 at 5:00 am
Agree on Brown comparison but I think Simms is far from a hack
He was developing into a good QB & played w Grit
Let’s not forget the guy lost his spleen and almost died trying to win a game for the Bucs. He proved he is a tough QB. NO QUESTION
March 26th, 2021 at 5:41 am
Love scooter
Buc cmon …simms should know better. Antonio brown hopped off his couch like gronk and played great for us.
Think about this. He had 45 catches in 8 games. He started in almost middle of season with home saints game.
So simple math and calculate for season he would have 90 catches. Usually guys with 90 catches are all probowl. Or at least in probowl.
That shows trust brady has in him
And probably is in consideration for best hands in league. Dude catches everything thrown his way. I know he has criminal cases up in December…bucs should still try to sign for reasonable price. Probably good chance that case is pushed back anyway with covid. Trust me. The legal system has been pushed back for a year at least so he should be in clear this year
March 26th, 2021 at 5:56 am
I like Chris Simms. He gave his heart, soul and spleen to the Bucs when he was a player. But when he makes statements like this, I wonder what he sees that the rest of us don’t.
Even at his advanced age, AB is a far superior receiver than Miller. In the playoffs, and especially in the Super Bowl, Brown (and Gronk) was Brady’s go to guy(s). Evans and Godwin, although both played decent, appeared to get caught up in the largeness of the event while Brown remained cool and calm.
If the Bucs can afford him, and Brown promises to keep his mental breakdowns in check, they should make every effort to re-sign this fearless, mercurial space cadet with great hands.
At one time or another, all receivers drop an occasional pass. But Brown seems to catch near everything thrown his way.
Note: when the Bucs signed AB, I was against it. I didn’t think he had the willpower to keep the lava from overflowing from his active volcano personality. He proved me wrong.
March 26th, 2021 at 6:04 am
I’d like to keep Brown at the right price.
Lenny too, at the right price.
Mostly, though … I want a true duel threat back like Harris.
Hear that, Lenny?
March 26th, 2021 at 6:15 am
Not even close! scotty miller is a secret weapon that you break out a couple times a game, AB can do it all and plays the whole game can run every route. Nothing against scooter but not a good comparison.
March 26th, 2021 at 6:20 am
Ditch Howard and his “potential” (cough) and make every effort to keep Brown.
March 26th, 2021 at 6:35 am
THIS is what I have been pointing at – Most here say the Bucs do not have any “NEED” areas. I totally disagree, the KR game of the Bucs is among one of the worst in the NFL – fix the KR game, the Bucs weakest area.
2020 Kick Returns Yds/Att
1. Andre Roberts • BUF 30.0
2. Cordarrelle Patterson • CHI 29.1
Patterson had 35 KR last year for 1,017 yds and the longest KR for a TD in the entire NFL at 104yds. He would make for great depth at WR, not that he is a great WR, but certainly decent. But what Patterson could add to our lousy KR game would be awesome. And, I would assume, at a very good price in this 2021 low paying WR market. Sign this man!!!
March 26th, 2021 at 6:36 am
Someone said it earlier but AB is very polished and smooth. Always makes the right cuts to get YAC and avoids the big hit. Catches the ball effortlessly. I havent seen that from Scooter…..yet.
March 26th, 2021 at 6:37 am
^^^ Miller > AB. It is a luxury to resign AB, a good one none the less. BUT, fixing our KR game would massively enhance our chances at another SB! IMO
March 26th, 2021 at 6:46 am
I like listening to Simms but he does like to throw a lot of stuff out there. I think he was just thinking out loud
March 26th, 2021 at 6:50 am
It’s hard to address this without laughing my arse off. Simms confirmed why he was a sh@#ty NFL QB, he doesn’t know his left from his right. Brown to 10 WR, Scotty maybe top 50. Scotty is a good player but to compare him to Brown, laughable!!!!
March 26th, 2021 at 7:20 am
All around talent AB > Miller
March 26th, 2021 at 7:22 am
so most likely mickens and watson are gone…
AB is kinda needed…
patterson could be interesting to beef up the return game and add a guy lining up all over the place…
scotty looks like a thrasher skate board kid playing football…if you put him on a team with a guy like say daniel jones, he’d be crap…brady levels him up …love scotty tho – and there was a point before the AB arrival where he was pacing for a 1,000 yard season…AB derailed his production immensely…scotty didn’t have a hissy fit either – team player all the way
March 26th, 2021 at 7:22 am
Aiv
Of course they’re not on the same level. No way Scotty would toss furniture over a balcony. Who gives a eff how good the clown is at football when he’s not needed around here? I dont. Adios. Hope he’s made to go work a real job. Humility is majestic medicine
March 26th, 2021 at 7:23 am
Gotta remember this is 2021 not 2018 or any other year of AB’s prime. $ plays a critical factor when he could possibly be suspended in December and is soon to be 33-yr old. His avg ypc dropped to 10.7, his lowest since rookie year, and he’s not a deep threat anymore. Still an amazing “possession” route runner tho.
So yes a 2mil AB is def > than scooter, but a 6mil AB carries too much risk and tilts the balance in that equation.
March 26th, 2021 at 7:29 am
Brown is better than Miller. No argument today. Could Scooter get better under TB12? Yes. But for the 2021 season, AB is the way to go. We don’t know what he’s asking for in $, but I hope we keep him. I’m more than OK with trading OJ to clear cap space so the Bucs can keep AB.
March 26th, 2021 at 7:29 am
Wow. Absurd. Love Miller but cmon man. Asinine take.
March 26th, 2021 at 7:39 am
I think Miller and AB are different kinds of receivers. Is AB irreplaceable? Not at all. And let us not forget, that there are other guys like Larry Fitzgerald out there that could replace him nicely.
That being said, I think we would like to have him.. at the right price. And he was a fine asset last year. I still hope we can get him back. But we have other options.
March 26th, 2021 at 7:40 am
Agree with Sport. It would be lovely if Godwin and Evans can go an entire year together without getting hurt. But they’ve been hobbled the past TWO yrs and as much as I love Scotty Miller and Tyler Johnson – does anyone really want them as the number 1 and number 2 receivers? No of course not. What’s that saying? Depth is good until you have to use it.
AB on the other hand, I’d feel comfortable as the feature guy with the offense not missing a beat. Frankly if this Bucs are REALLY going for BPA in draft, I don’t believe it’s all that crazy that they get another receiver. If Kadarius Toney falls to 32 with Etienne and Harris gone, who’s to say the Bucs don’t get someone like that. Also spare me your feelings and emotions towards Miller and Johnson, it’s a business. If the Bucs (or any team) had the opportunity to upgrade, even at a position of depth – they will do it
March 26th, 2021 at 7:40 am
The chicken they have replacing Kay Adams on GMFB just slaughtered Suh’s entire name, including pronouncing his last name “Sa”. You would think they would have someone on the show that can pronounce one of the most dominant DLinemen in the league for the last decade’s name…
March 26th, 2021 at 7:43 am
Chick* damn spell check
March 26th, 2021 at 7:46 am
Although we don’t have a “glaring” need….I’m starting to think that we should look at replacing AB or Fournette with our first draft pick if the right player is there….
A WR/KR would be a good pick…..or a running back like Etienne or Harris….
We could pick one up in round 2 if a really good Edge rusher or DT is on the board a 32…..
As for Scotty vs AB……I don’t think so….only in dreams.
March 26th, 2021 at 7:52 am
Although we don’t have a “glaring” need….I’m starting to think it would be a good idea to replace AB or Fournette with our 1st pick….or possibly the 2nd…
A WR/KR would be a good pick.
As for Scotty & AB…..well, I don’t think so….only in dreams.
March 26th, 2021 at 7:52 am
Scotty is a great story…and made some excellent catches in 2020. He’s not going to break a tackle or make many catches over the middle. He’s too slight of stature/frame. The Mexican standoff between The Bucs & Brown & Fournette continues…I’d like having both of them back. The curious case of O.J. Howard also continues. My new theory is they are waiting to declare him “healthy”…have him pass a physical then release him or agree to a cheaper deal than the 5th year option salary.
March 26th, 2021 at 7:55 am
I would love to have AB back. Still, the point in their discussion, too, was that the Bucs shouldn’t (with a civil lawsuit pending) and can’t (with the salary cap) overpay for AB. Florio and Simms also briefly mentioned the development of Tyler Johnson. They also speculated about Larry Fitzgerald (the “anti-AB”?). Who would TB12 want? That’s the question.
The Bucs could afford to wait (just like they did with AB) and sign someone very late. The vets don’t necessarily need a camp.
March 26th, 2021 at 7:55 am
You’re right Joe. Cordarelle Patterson is still available. Patterson as a kick returner and backup WR makes more sense than AB at this point. What kind of money is he asking for? There aren’t many players out there more exciting than CP on a kick return. And he’s 3 years younger.
March 26th, 2021 at 7:57 am
* Looks like Howard is indeed guaranteed his 6 million in 2021 according to over the cap .com
March 26th, 2021 at 8:00 am
Miller is a deep threat with an occasional end-around thrown in. End of discussion.
AB is the total package.
The two are different players, and there is a reason for keeping both.
March 26th, 2021 at 8:19 am
With practice and coaching from Brady, I think Scotty’s route running will improve. And now that he’s shown on a national stage that he can beat guys deep, he should get a little more of a cushion and some of the shorter patterns will open up.
March 26th, 2021 at 8:29 am
Miller Time!!!!
March 26th, 2021 at 8:34 am
Love Scotty Miller. AB unfortunately would self destruct without Tom Brady.
March 26th, 2021 at 8:34 am
Like Gronk, it took AB half a season to get into the game, again. So, the early stats aren’t there; weigh down the season stats. From a personal/professional standpoint, Tampa Bay is AB’s best option…don’t need to go somewhere else, get frustrated, and be put down. Things are going well; just won a Super Bowl. Work it. Of course, Miller is a great receiver, who is productive and fun to watch. Funny, how people will say someone is not needed…then the injury thing comes up. Consider that the first milestone this year is home field advantage…can’t throw away games to earn that one. Depth can save a few games. No excuses.
March 26th, 2021 at 8:36 am
I’ll give this to Scotty Miller. The Bucs have searched a long time for a speedy receiver who could catch the ball. Many years ago, Coach Koetter promised that Desean Jackson would “take the top off the defense”. That promise was unfulfilled. Speaking of D-Jax, he might have set the market for AB’s contract, a one year deal with the Rams at $4.5 mill plus more with incentives. The Bucs and AB are in no hurry.
March 26th, 2021 at 8:53 am
Miller is not as physical as Brown to win at line of scrimmage on jams and catch a contested catch. He can easily be thrown off his route with hand fighting and that is why he is far more useful as a deep threat. Brown is dangerous on all levels and his physicality combined with agility is what makes him a HoF type talent. Bucs may not be bringing brown because they need some cap space to sign their draft picks and this draft is yet again very deep in WR. Someone like Jaelon Darren could be the more physical-quick type talent that can do the dirty work in the middle of the field that Miller is too soft for.
March 26th, 2021 at 8:54 am
AB clearly better than Scotty last year.
However, I agree that we are not bad off if we have Scotty and Tyler as our 3rd and 4th WR especially when we have our TE group as well.
March 26th, 2021 at 8:58 am
Simms and Florio have an entertaining show- but Simms threw a pick 6 with that comment…
March 26th, 2021 at 9:05 am
we dont need a do everything receiver we have evans godwin and gronk and oj and brate and even johnson. miller does one thing better then everyone of those and that is going deep. what happens when you have a true deep treat that a defense has to watch. everything opens up short and the run game is better. miller is better then brown at this point of browns career at going deep. If we had plenty of cap space sure the more the better however we dont. we still have to clear around 8 mil to be able to sign the draft picks. and we have created a lot of dead money and pushed contracts to the following years. we dont want to be the saints in a few years.
March 26th, 2021 at 9:09 am
Scottie is great…and I’m not sure Tyler Johnson is not great…he just needs the targets and touches and so clearly AB is the icing on the cake.
But hey who doesn’t like icing on their cake. AIV and Cobra both pointed out what should be obvious…AB and Scottie are two completely different players.
AB is far more physical…hence AIV’s YAC observation and AB is at a different level competitively going for the ball against a defender. As Cobra points out AB is the total package Scottie is a nice player with some exceptional skill in a couple areas.
AB is HOF competitive…Scottie perhaps occasional Pro Bowl at best.
And so here is the MAJOR DIFFERENECE Simms missed. I like Simms but it seems people are not counting the inspiration and veteran leadership the “reformed penitent” AB brought to the table last year.
AB was the classic American story of redemption. He brought more than just his obvious physical talent and competitiveness…he helped bring the Brady led “winning culture”.
For AB’s sake as well as the “icing on the cake” for us I hope AB takes the best deal he can get from the Bucs. The rest if gravy. If he put in a few more years like last year with his leadership and competitive drive on display and the off field crap finally over…people will forget his rep just like Big Ben.
Three more years on and off the field and in the locker room like last season will grease the skids into the HOF for AB. A couple more SB rings ices the deal!
March 26th, 2021 at 9:10 am
checking on WebMD if losing a spleen contributes to loss of brain function. be right back.
March 26th, 2021 at 9:10 am
Normally, I would want to move on and get our young guys on the field (Miller/ Taylor) but
1. we are in a 1 / 2yr SuperBowl window
2. as multiple posters have stated Evans and Godwin get hurt a lot. When one of them gets hurt…defenses double the other and our offense looks completely different. So AB as a true #1 receiver (maybe not as good as he wants was…is that a country song?) seriously, AB gets open early in his route – allowing TB to get him the ball quickly.
As much as I love Miller, AB can do it all and I think AB and TB will be a lot better on their deep ball this year.
Miller is a pure 3point shooter (a little March Madness love) that is dependent on others to take on coverage and a QB that can quickly read coverage and move the safety to get him the ball.
I also think the Bucs should bring on Cordarrelle Patterson – as we saw throughout the season last year…you need multiple players to step-up and make plays to win games. It might be just 1 play in one game, but that’s the Win you needed to get home field throughout the playoffs..
Go Bucs!
March 26th, 2021 at 9:14 am
scotty is great but not on ABs level….
but dont worry folks…AB and Playoff Lenny will return….
JL will back everyone back…
GO BUCS!!!!
March 26th, 2021 at 9:25 am
Scotty Miller is perfect for those 3-5 plays but Antonio Brown can play any WR position and even at his age, while no longer the #1 WR, he would better than most second WRs in the league.
I am most excited to see was Tyler Johnson has to offer. He had a short and limited training camp last year due to Covid and injuries. He is not as fast as Miller but is a better route runner and has terrific hands in traffic.
March 26th, 2021 at 9:28 am
Brown can line up at every receiver position…..Miller can not. Brown can be very effective without Evans or Godwin…..Miller can not. I like Miller, great depth/dynamic to our wR group but he’s not Brown.
March 26th, 2021 at 9:53 am
What everyone is missing here is Brown was a all pro return guy. Not sure why he isn’t utilized for that. He may not be as fast as Scotty but neither are Evan’s and Godwin but Brown can still motor. The SB is on at 4 today on the NFL station, DVR it and just focus on how Brown moves and what he does when catching and handling the ball. Perfection!! There is a reason why Wilson wants him and not Humphries, Tate, Fitzgerald etc. By the way huge fan of Fitzgerald but game has passed him by now, he did nothing last season, AB is better.
March 26th, 2021 at 9:54 am
Miller is a great speedster.
But
If you run him across the middle, hes gonna get hurt. You can manhandle him at the line of scrimmage.
Brown has Millers speed, plus can be a precise route running possession Wr.
Very rare.thats why many consider him the best WR in football.
Getting Brown helps the team.
Of course, I doubt Miller or Johnson are gonna have psychotic episodes
March 26th, 2021 at 10:02 am
Capt Tim says, “Brown has Millers speed, plus can be a precise route running possession Wr. Very rare.thats why many consider him the best WR in football.”
Antonio Brown ran a 4.47 in the 40 10 plus years ago at the combine. I am sure it is a tad slower now.
Scotty Miller ran a 4.36 at his pro day and a blazing 6.97 three cone drill.
While Brown is fast, I would not consider him as a speedster like Miller. What separates Brown from most NFL WR is A+ route running and his ability to shake off the CB and get open.
March 26th, 2021 at 10:05 am
The conventional wisdom is that Patterson is not a very good receiver. But if Tom Brady is guiding him again, he might finally be able to realize all that potential. And meanwhile you have one heck of a returner.
March 26th, 2021 at 10:09 am
You know the Bucs are so deep at receiver when losing a guy like AB is not a Big concern.
Somebody wake me from this dream lasting over a year now. lol, wait don’t wake me.
What a difference the last year has been, in so many ways.
March 26th, 2021 at 10:33 am
Losing AB is a concern. If Evans or Godwin get injured. His route running and short burst quickness are far above any other receiver the Bucs have.
March 26th, 2021 at 10:38 am
Chris says things that make me wonder what’s in that coffee mug of his. I love Scotty, but don’t lie to yourself he’s a great one trick pony with hands downfield. AB is one of the best WR all time and had a hell of a year after week nine with the Bucs.
Just cus he’s little does not make him Edleman or Hump. By the way good luck in DC Hump. Always got love for you down here in Tampa.
March 26th, 2021 at 11:07 am
Perhaps the biggest downside of not signing Antonio Brown is that he’ll wind up on the Bucs’ biggest competition. How do you cover D’Andre Hopkins and AB with those horrible cornerbacks?
How could any team deal with covering Lockett, D.J. Metcalf and AB with Russell Wilson throwing them the ball.
Signing AB will make the Bucs much, much better (Mike Evans is the third best receiver if that happens) and will keep the others from getting stronger.
March 26th, 2021 at 11:17 am
Like most have said. As far as stretching the field maybe Miller is comparable. But if Evans or Godwin go down. AB can be a 1 or a 3. Scotty will never be a 1.
Additionally AB scares defenses no one is game planning for Scotty. If AB was starting you definitely have to pick your poison.
March 26th, 2021 at 12:58 pm
Well it’s all been said, but the touchdown play AB made on Tyrann Mathieu, the juke and cut in, don’t believe any of our other wide receivers are agile enough and quick enough and strong enough to have added this 6 points to our score. Doesn’t mean we couldn’t have had a different play, not sure Scotty is strong enough, he gets easily pushed around in press coverage, all 150 pounds.
I’m not saying Chris Godwin isn’t stronger than AB, but he is not as agile, ME definitely not for that play.
March 26th, 2021 at 1:45 pm
Get the ball more to Miller Howard and Johnson and you don’t need Brown. Use that money elsewhere.
March 26th, 2021 at 2:49 pm
Puff puff pass Simms and anyone who buys this garbage take. Stop Bogarting