More quarterback chatter

As you might imagine, the hot topic of the day Tuesday when the team resumed offseason workouts was ... drum roll, please ... quarterbacks. On Friday, coach Jon Gruden proclaimed free-agent veteran Jeff Garcia has a "big lead" over fifth-year pro Chris Simms for the starting job. Garcia won't talk to reporters until Thursday, but Simms took a turn in front of the microphones Tuesday when the team wrapped practice. No, he's not worried about anything that happens in June. Yes, he is still recovering from September surgery to remove his spleen. No, he is not conceding anything. Yes, he will be ready by the start of training camp July 26.

Here's what we learned: Simms said he has developed some bad habits in his throwing mechanics as a result of favoring his midsection. He'll work through them in time, but there's really nothing he can do to speed up the process. He hasn't practiced since September, and it's unrealistic to think he could just walk back on the field and pick up where he left off.

Here's what else we learned: According to quarterbacks coach Paul Hackett, Garcia's mobility was obvious the first time he stepped on the practice field and a quarterback who can move suits Gruden's playbook. Keep in mind, Gruden's playbook took shape while he was coaching in Oakland with quarterback Rich Gannon. And just about every quarterback he has worked with in Tampa has been like putting a square peg into a round hole, from Brad Johnson to Shaun King to Brian Griese to Simms to Tim Rattay. Hackett didn't say it, but we all know Simms is not the most mobile guy in the league. In fact, he's the least mobile guy on the Bucs roster.

Stay tuned. We'll hear from Garcia on Thursday.

Comments

[John]

I thought Gradkowski was the answer because he was MOBILE! We've seen Gruden's offense for years and mobile QB or no, IT'S STINKS!

[Kurt]

Hey John, apparently you never saw the offense that Gruden put together in Oakland before he became our coach. I believe he had an older, smart, mobile QB (just like Garcia) that raped the NFL each and every week like they were playing college teams. Wise up and stop speaking out of your ignorace. It takes time to build a team from scratch, which is what he had to do with our offense. Gradkowski will be the answer once Garcia teaches him the ropes and retires in 2-3 years and 1 Superbowl later. Go Bucs; not Buc haters.

[Larry]

I agree with ya Kurt. After reading the reports and looking at the Bucs first five or six games it makes more and more sense to go with Garcia who has shown that he is a seasoned vet. It is up to him to loose the job. With Simms admitting he is not 100% and that his mechanics are off,and Gradkowski who has shown ability but is still learning, the Bucs need the experience and leadership of a guy like Garcia.I stated before that I would like to see development of our future QBs, but we need someone like Garcia for the next 1or2 years while the younger learn and heal.

[Edward]

Hey if Gruden knows so muck about QBs why did he ever let Brad Johnson go all he ever does is win. Who was Gruden super bowl QB?