Simms hit illegal?

TAMPA — Early indications are the NFL has notified the Bucs that the fourth-quarter hit on Chris Simms that they believe ruptured his spleen warranted a roughing the passer penalty.

Coach Jon Gruden and general manager Bruce Allen said they received notification from the NFL regarding the hit Simms sustained from Carolina defensive lineman Al Wallace. Although neither would comment on the league’s ruling, they encouraged reporters Wednesday to contact Mike Periera, the NFL’s supervisor of officials.

A message left at Pereira’s office was not immediately returned.

“You’ll have to call the league and I’m sure they’ll tell you,” Gruden said. “All I can tell you is we got a 15-yard penalty for taunting (on Will Allen) and what they did is roughing the passer. If it’s first-and-goal at the 1-yard line and we win the game, I’m sure Chris feels a lot better laying in the hospital knowing we won the game.”

AP photo; click to enlarge.

Comments

[Omega83]

Gruden - stop deflecting blame.

You had 2 more chances to win and YOU blew it!!!

[Eric Alenius]

Gruden:

I flew all the way from California to see yet another poorly coached game. You need to fess up and admit YOU blew the game with the absolutely stupid call on 3rd and 5 with two minutes to go. A simple running play would have put the nail in their coffin. Please face it, you blew it! You are very lucky that Dungy built you a very good team.

Sincerely disgruntled Bucs fan!

[Vic]

Some of you people really need some perspective. Though I doubt it would be lost on you as to the whys and wherefores. The kids loses his spleen and all you can selfishly think about is why we lost? Pathetic

[George L Hicks]

I wish everyone would stop giving excurses. I still think that Tampa Bay even after that Superbowl win a few years. The Bucs still don't have the respect around the league. Maybe after
supposely after soft QB Simms got really hit. It will be about time when Tampa Bay will take NO PRISONERS THE REST OF THE SEASON. Today Iam 61 years of aged, and before Sunday game I had my doubts that Chris Simms was the answer. But Guess what when Chris Gets back If ITS This Year or Next. The Saints and the rest of the league with have to deal with this new mobile qb from Toledo. Why can't he takes us to the playoffs. One game at a time. Plus that other rookie Joseph will make his debut. You know why I am fired up right now is that the Saints will not be able to pre-pared for Him, and I really believe that when Cincy marches into RJS in three weeks they will be in a mist of a Bucs Hornet Nests. I think that Tampa Bay again will show the restt of the NFL why Tampa Bay will not be down even at 0 -3. I remember when Tampa Bay started our 0-26. And the laughting stock of the league. Before any body should laught about Tampa Bay any more How many Teams have gone to the Superbowl and Won. Again I believe what Carolina did was Awoke a sleeping Giant, Regardless of what so call sports experts. Have they played sports. I have in basketball, and coach basketball as a volunteer coach for over 35 years. Just going out their and giving their best is a starter. Every game there is a winner and a loser. GL Hicks Dallas Tx

[Want A Winner]

Lets remember that this team still lacks a line of scrimmage that can dominate. With Bruce right or wrong his ability to improvise and make throws from different angles with help this offense. He is still going to have rookie growing paines but for the most part we will see if this guy is the real deal. Most importantly Simms and Bruce have had no veteren leadership or anybody to mentor them through this process and thats huge. This team has alot of potential and will eventually come around. The question is: Is the hole to deep for this team to climb out of? Bottom line is if we can prove a little bit that we can move the ball through the air with a little more success this should open up some holes for Allstot and Caddy.