Chris Simms to be put on injured reserve

The Bucs plan to place quarterback Chris Simms on injured reserve, general manager Bruce Allen said Tuesday.

"We're going to put Chris Simms on injured reserve tomorrow,'' Allen said during a conference call on Tuesday. "This what we feel is the best move for Chris to regain his full strength. We've been very hopeful, as has Chris, that his recovery from from the splenectomy, that he would've recovered by now. It's just taking longer than both Chris and we had hoped for. We'll make another roster move to add a player (Wednesday).''

The Bucs plan to use Simms' roster spot for a running back following severe injuries in consecutive weeks to Cadillac Williams and Michael Pittman. Williams was placed on injured reserve and Pittman will miss 6-8 weeks with a high ankle sprain.

Allen said the Bucs are likely to select from a list of four running backs the team worked out Tuesday.

Although Allen wouldn't reveal the list, those running backs were Pittsburgh's Kevan Barlow, Florida's Ciatrick Fason, Alabama's Shaud Williams and Notre Dame's Tony Fisher. Last week, the Bucs worked out former Florida State fullback Zack Crockett, who played for Jon Gruden with the Raiders.

Comments

[Jonathan Roy]

I thought I read before the season that IR wasn't an option since he was cleared during training camp?

[cory s]

Thank God our season is saved. We are going to sign someone who isn't even good enough to be on a practice squad. I want to throw up.

[drew markol]

remember how much flack rick stroud took in training camp for saying simms was hurt and couldn't play?
everybody, especially allen and gruden, hammered the guy. turns out stroud was right on it. good job, rick.

[rick stroud]

Thanks Drew.
I hope you didn't buy into all the 'Dr. Stroud,' rhetoric Allen used at the time. He knew his condition then. He knows it now. It hasn't changed. If anything, he's gotten better.

[Sound Off]

Any injured player who "can't" perform, can be put on IR or released. If they're put on IR, they still draw their salary.

[Done-G]

Rick, don't take credit, this is an anomaly and you know it.

It surely doesn't erase the agenda filled garbage that you've spewed over the last 5 years since your boy Richie Rich cowardly moved on.

Btw, most Bucs fans don't like or respect you. Especially on ESPN, we don't welcome you into our home and are forced to turn off our sets when your on. Rick, your hidious in HD.

[John P]

Too bad about Simms, I think he's pretty well finished playing football for the Bucs. I also think Caddy is done as well, sadly. - Along with most of the defensive linemen after this season. The 2008 draft and free agency period are going to be more critical for the Bucs than any other time over the last 10 years. Let's hope the new GM and coach do well.

[M. Reynolds]

I love how every time theres a loss everyone turns into bleedin' Nostradamus. I hope the Times logs these blog comment entries and then next season posts a "worst of" with the dumbest doomsday predictions, complete with names. :D

Is Allen stupid? Why dont they sign Ricky Williams? Allen is an idiot. Do they not see the severity of the loss at RB? Caddy will be out over a year and may never be the same. Signing a crap-back is a waste of time and money. Trade for Turner. Get rid of Simms now while some teams desperately need a QB.(And he is worth something.) Here comes the let-down again.

[rick stroud]

An 'anomaly' is a deviation from the common rule. A strange, odd or peculiar condition or situation.
Simms' potential move to Injured Reserve was written about extensively dating back to training camp. Believe me, it's not an anomaly.
The fact is Simms has been struggling from some common side effects of abdominal surgery. The St. Petersburg Times reported it, accurately. We don't take credit for reporting the news, it's our job.
Thanks for continuing to read the newspaper and for visiting our website, Done-G.

[Scott]

You guys must have been sad the past 3 weks when we won. Simms would have been put on IR if he was bad in Training Camp. Why would Allen save a spot for someone that couldn't play. Oh thats right the owners told him to I quess the owners told Allen to put him on IR now. you guys are great you just live in the wrong city. GO BUCS!!!

[Brandon]

I love the idiotic comments about us just signing Ricky Williams or Tiki Barber but what the less knowledgeable fans must not realize is that both backs are currently under contract with their teams. Williams is a Dolphin and Barbe is on the Giants reserve/retired list...

Who we really need to look at is Wali Lundy formerly of the Texans. Lundy played in the WCO in college, with Kubiak with the Texans. He's young, has good speed and great hands, plays special teams and has a little fumbling problem... other than him being able to catch the ball it would be like Carnell never got hurt.

[John P]

Reynolds, I'll be glad to stand by my thoughts on Simms and Williams future with the Bucs. If you had any guts you'd do more than slam other people's opinions - you'd develop some of your own.

[Jim Hinson]

I am still waiting for this offensive genuis Wow 2 1st rd picks and 2-2 rd picks and 8 million dollars. Sorry folks he won the super bowl with the team Tony Dungy built. But it didn't take him long to tear it apart. Yes I am a Buc fan since 1976. ITS TIME FOR A NEW COACH. If could coach as good as the faces he makes for the media we would be in good shape

[Matthew L.]

Reynolds you couldn't be more right. I can't believe how ridiculous these so called "BUCS" fans and I use the term loosely turn on Gruden and Allen. Rich McKay screwed this team with salary cap hell, and Bruce Allen has now brought us a massive surplus. They got rid of a Cancer in the locker room, and now obvious bum Simeon Rice. They have a team that was being just crapped on in the preseason picks at 3-2 and leading the division. How stupid can you be to want to fire a coach with nothing better on the horizon. Ask the Chargers how thats working out for them! Love how the bandwagon fans who joined in the late 90's think their opinion is some how relevant. Those who've seen just how bad the Bucs can be, know you don't throw a SUPER BOWL WINNER, and GM who have the team on the rise under the bus.

1. Since when did a third string QB become such big news?

2. Nobody is willing to give anything for Sims, therefore he has no trade value...injured or not.

3. Who says the Chargers are even shopping Turner? Though if he was available I would be right there with you.

If there was any backs of starting caliber available the Packers probably would have gone for them by now. It's sad but the league is at a all time low for quality backs.

Jim, Bucs were headed for disaster prior to Al Davis being contacted.

[Matthew L.]

Oh thats right Jim, Dungy/McKay never drafted bums or busts...OH WAIT
01- Rd1 Kenyatta "Turnstile" Walker
00-Rd2 Cosey Coleman

99-Rd2 Shaun King (I'd Argue Booger was a bust for all his hype but I'll give u he's an AVG. DT who plays well sometimes and takes other plays off)

98-Rd2 Jaquez Green

97-Rd1 Riedel Anthony
Rd2 Jerry Wunsch
96-Rd1 Regan Upshaw (never played to his high postion picked)
Rd1 Marcus Jones

Did they also draft unbelievable guys like Brooks, Alstott, Sapp, ect. Sure they did as Gruden has made some great picks Davin Joesph, Barrett Ruud, Alex Smith, and Tanard Jackson/Aaron Sears look to be future big Buc contributors as well. but if your gonna hand pick your critiques of Gruden don't be a hypocrite and assume Dungy/McKay were Jesus Christ of Drafting.

[Matthew L.]

Turner is available, the Chargers recognize they get nothing for him when he becomes a Free Agent at the end of the year. They entertained offers last year, but were asking for 1st rounders because they had that luxury. I think a 2nd round pick, and possibly the inclusion of Clayton, or some other position we have some depth at that the Chargers are in need of, for a bona fide RB, that will command big dollars to be a starter next year anyways. I do think we need to bring a RB wheter it be chester taylor, turner, moore, lundy or someone who has played some recent NFL football and has some upside.

Every backup in the NFL is available for that price. It's not realistic. Unless your the Falcons trading to pick Vick...or Rich Mckay and your name is Kenyatta Walker.

[mike]

Where is our friend Kenyatta these days. Turner would be an excellent pickup but is he worth the price. Graham has played lights out during the pre-season the last four years so let's see what he has.

Kenyatta is probably someplace testing out facemask visors by trying to reach around and gouge someones eye out.

Considering Turner would probably cost the Bucs at least a #1 and then they would have to resign him next year, not worth it IMO. No telling if he would be as effective here as he is in SD.
And I think dishing out 1st day picks on a guy like that, you better make every effort to resign next year. And then what would that say about Caddy?

[Tom]

Hey Jim Hinson, where have been the past month when we were pounding teams? Did you take off your "Got Chucky?" shirt already? Bucs fans are the worst bandwagon fans in the NFL! Did you Dungy lovers forget three straight playoff games without a damn TD? Or the 41-0 beatdown Gruden's Raiders put on Dungy's Bucs?

Gruden is no Belichick. But don't think Dungy is some sort of football god bc he is a nice guy.

Can anyone tell me what was Dungy's philosophy on offense? Just give me that answer! Anyone!

[Tom]

Hey Jim Hinson, where have been the past month when we were pounding teams? Did you take off your "Got Chucky?" shirt already? Bucs fans are the worst bandwagon fans in the NFL! Did you Dungy lovers forget three straight playoff games without a damn TD? Or the 41-0 beatdown Gruden's Raiders put on Dungy's Bucs?

Gruden is no Belichick. But don't think Dungy is some sort of football god bc he is a nice guy.

Can anyone tell me what was Dungy's philosophy on offense? Just give me that answer! Anyone!

Dungy's philosophy on offense here was Alstott to the left, Alstott to the right, Dunn up the middle, punt and hope the defense scores.

Which I have to admit made for some exciting games that came down to the last second.

[Matthew L.]

Wait, your saying a 2nd round pick isn't worth a RB that would possibly Start for at least 15 teams. Look at how many 2nd round picks don't do squat. Obviously if the Bucs traded a 2nd rounder, they'd sign turner to a long term deal or at least a 3 year contract. I think everyone needs to come to realization Caddy's career might very well be over. Patella's are incredibly difficult to come back from at a position where you need cuts/speed. Besides his contract will be coming due soon i think he only signed a 4 year with an option for 5. I don't understand why everyone is so hesitant about pulling the trigger on obviously a talented guy, or a decent Rb for that matter to give us a chance to win the Division. I'm not saying Mortgage every number one for 3 years, but look we gave multiple first day/1st rounders for key, and others. I think Turner is worth a second rounder/Clayton or some other player the chargers need depth at CB/WR. I go with Herm Edwards on why we should trade, why do we play??? TO WIN THE GAMES! OUR 3rd String Rb, is just that, I don't think we've been hiding him like he's barry sanders. Graham is OK, but not a feature back for us to win the division. Turner MIGHT be that guy, I think its crazy not to entertain that idea.

Ok Matt, Call up the Chargers and offer a 2nd rounder and Michael Clayton and tell us what they say, ok?

Cause if it worked in Madden 08 it should work for real right?

[Matthew L.]

Wow, big comments coming from a guy who won't even post his name like scared little girl. It just shows how little you actually follow the NFL. Teams were shopping 2nd rounders all last year for turner to the chargers. They wanted a 1st or a 2nd with a player. Gotta love ignorant Bucs fans who get their Alstott Jersey after the Super Bowl, and then think they are some authority on NFL football. My suggestion is REALISTIC, has actually been talked/offered/entertained by the chargers and other teams. Whats your contribution...oh thats right snide ignorant comments. Congrats you lose at life!

[Tom]

Those of you who don't think that Turner is not worth a 2nd or even 1st round pick have not been watching this guy play. He was a stud at Northern Illinois and a great back now. I would even say may be better than Caddy.

I can't see the Chargers giving him up right now in the middle of a playoff hunt. They need to win now after last year's disappointing season.

[Tom]

Those of you who don't think that Turner is not worth a 2nd or even 1st round pick have not been watching this guy play. He was a stud at Northern Illinois and a great back now. I would even say may be better than Caddy.

I can't see the Chargers giving him up right now in the middle of a playoff hunt. They need to win now after last year's disappointing season.

Sorry bout the double post! On my phone.

Looks like someone needs a diaper change...

If you were a Charger fan and you read that your team was going to trade your only viable option behind LT for a 2nd rounder and a stone handed head case you would take it?

Chargers are stocked with talent and Clayton at this point would be no upgrade to that team, nor would any db we would offer outside Barder who doesn't fit thier scheme.

The only way Turner becomes a Buc is if the Bucs pony up major to the Chargers or out bid the rest of the NFL in 08.

Tom, I've seen Turner play and I do think he is worth a 2nd or even a 1st, and if he was the missing piece to the Super Bowl puzzle for the Bucs I would be all for it. But this team is far from that point, Sunday proved that. There is still a lot of holes to be filled on this roster, and giving up picks on a player we would have to pay big $$ to resign that plays a position the Bucs already have a lot of money vested in just wouldn't make sense is all I'm saying.

If they do it because Caddy is done then fine, but if Caddy is still in the mix down the road it just would not make any sense what so ever for this team.

[Matthew L.]

Spare me, your the first one throwing out shots, I was talking football.
The chargers/their fans have no choice. They don't have turner after 11 games, and if they hold him until after the trade deadline THEY GET NOTHING FOR HIM. They are not going to resign him, he doesn't want to be a back up in the prime years of his career. Lets just use the logic approach, I think if i'm a charger fan let's see? do i want NOTHING or a second round pick. Screw focusing on Clayton, however I think with a team having a number one WR as Vincent Jackson, they can use all the WR's they can get. Brian Kelley and Phillip Buchanon would fit anyones scheme. I'm loving Buchanon's play and wouldn't have a problem letting go of Kelly who has been injury prone for a few years now. I don't know why everyone thinks a 2nd round pick is so valuable. If the Buc's win the division or make the playoffs, or even go 8-8, their pick will be in the 50's, and I'm sorry as we've seen with numerous Bucs Drafts, not all 2nds let alone 1sts pan out. Here is a guy who is PROVEN he can play at a high level. Has he carried an entire season load, no, but neither has a college kid. We have the cap room, we have a team that can with the NFC South, and we'd still have a 1st rounder/ along with all our other draft choices/ some extra cap room even if we signed turner. How is this such a far fetched idea?!

[cory s]

I think turner is worth a 2nd round pick and a player. I'm one of cadillac's biggest supporters, but like it's been said, we have to be realistic. They have already said they would be surprised if cadillac was in training camp next year and may never be the same. Mcfadden is probably the only guy close to a guarantee next year and we aren't going to have a good enough pick to get him anyways. So is having a proven running back who has played with the BEST player in the league worth a 2nd round potential bust? Absolutely

[Tom]

It would be a miracle for Caddy to come back next year. Do you know what the patella tendon is? It's the thick tendon that connects your quadriceps above the knee cap. We need to think about a future back now.

[Tom]

It would be a miracle for Caddy to come back next year. Do you know what the patella tendon is? It's the thick tendon that connects your quadriceps above the knee cap. We need to think about a future back now.

So, in your words...The Chargers are going to trade a bonafide star in Turner for a second round pick which you say has almost no value and a db that has been injury prone the last few years? Do you see why I'm not taking the thought of this trade seriously?

The only players on offense they would probablt go for is Galloway (though not likely due to his age) or maybe Joseph (I doubt). On defense it would be a starter not named Brian Kelly. The Bucs just don't have the talent or the depth to pull off the kind of trade you are talking about.

[cory s]

It doesn't matter how good he is. The fact is if they don't trade him away within a week they have to waive byebye to him at the end of the season. So of course you take what you can get for him now. He really only plays whenever they are up by 3 or 4 touchdowns. The can have graham if they want a backup =)

[Matthew L.]

So your theory is San Diego wants nothing, instead of something. That makes much more sense! I said the 2nd round pick has value but not the kind yourself and a few others are attributing to the future of the franchise. I'm looking at the chargers roster and not seeing these pro bowl studs you apparently think they have. Kelly could play for them. We won't trade Galloway and Joesph is just stupid to mention, he's a number one pick, and future stud. The Buc's can bid for Turner if they don't want to trade. I don't understand how you can't wrap your mind around the simple concept that they get nothing in about a week in a half if they don't make a move. How is that a hard concept for you to understand?

[John P]

Why the hell would the Chargers part with Turner for a 2nd round pick and a very, very average WR like Clayton? Sorry gents, but a 1st rounder is as low as they go for Turner. And by the way, if our OL ie so fantastic - why do we need to pay a premium price for someone else's RB? Seems like an average RB (ala Denver over the years) should do very well behind a great wall of power like everyone here seems to think we have. C'mon Bill Muir lovers, tell me I'm right! :)

[Jay]

Sorry Tom, but the Bucs lost 45-0 in 2001 against the Raiders. Just a minor nitpick.

Anyone who thinks that Caddy will be back with the same level of effectiveness is fooling themselves though. The team needs to plan not just for this season, but the next two, and you can do that in both the draft and through trades. Turner will be a free agent at the end of the year, but he could also be franchised again and dangled as trade bait. The Bucs have plenty of cap space so it's not without merit to consider him.

Also keep in mind that BJ Askew is the ONLY FB on the roster right now, so if he goes down, you're in a much worse position (because Pittman was our backup FB too). I think exploring trades while there still is time is a good idea.

[Daniel]

This was is the San Diego Union Tribune Today

General Manager A.J. Smith reiterated yesterday that Michael Turner will remain a Charger through the 2007 season, the same thing he promised when he took Turner off the market in April.
Teams such as Green Bay and Tampa Bay might be willing to give up draft picks and/or players for Turner's services, and fans lament that Smith will give away another talent (e.g. Drew Brees and Donnie Edwards) for no compensation in free agency.

But Smith covets Turner not only for his contributions in situations such as Sunday's blowout victory at Denver, in which Turner ran 10 times for 147 yards and a touchdown, but also for insurance in case Tomlinson were to get hurt.

“The most important thing is this season,” Smith said.

Smith also expects to get a third-round pick as recompense for losing Turner in free agency.

If the Chargers will yeild a 3rd rounder as compensation for another team signing Turner at the END of the season, why would they take a 2nd rounder now? Not happening.

[Matthew L.]

First off, AJ Smith has been known to say one thing and do another. Not saying your not right with his quote, but he is notoriously a big trade pull guy.
Len Pasquerelli wrote this before Pittman went down so I think this is only intensified more "Tampa Bay officials will continue to keep close tabs on Moore, and will also explore other options.

Allen is typically an active guy anyway around the trade deadline, a wheeler-dealer who hits the phones hard and likes to see what kind of talent might be available. With a viable shot at a division title in a year when most pundits didn't expect much from the Bucs, and with his best running back gone for the year, Allen might have extra incentive to make a deal. "

But if they do trade him and something does happen to LT then what? Too much pressure on that franchise to win now to take that kind of risk.

You bring up a good point, I think Graham does have the potential to be a great player. So why not roll with him save the picks and sign fodder to back him up till Pittman comes back? I think that would be a more likely scenario.

Caddy wouldn’t be back until midway through next year and that would take a miracle. But I think GruAllen are content with Pittman and EG and drafting a back in later rounds or trading for a “lesser” back this week.

[Matthew L.]

Also I hardly think the NFL is gonna hand out a 3rd rounder, this isn't a set in stone deal, this is what AJ Smith THINKS he'll get compensated. The last couple years other backups have given teams 5th, 6th, and 7th rounders, after being signed in free agency.

[Matthew L.]

I'm not saying we gotta have turner, I just think he's the best back possibly available so we need to look into it. Like I said in an earlier post, I'd be ok with Moore, or Taylor, possibly Lundy. I just think we need something a little bit more then fodder till pittman comes back. The two backs that have been possibly great fill-ins happen to play for our division rivals, Dunn and Williams would be poetential, but their ain't a shot in hell McKay/Allen/Gruden make a deal, and you just don't see trades within the division so we have to look elsewhere. I wouldn't mind calling the Redskins or KC who have been platooning backs to look into Betts or Holmes. The fact is I just don't see us winning or even being safe with just graham.

[cory s]

Graham is never going to be a starting back. People need to get over that idea.

[Daniel]

Matthew, my point was the Chargers will recieve a third rd compensentory pick for Turner for losing him in free agency, they are not going to recieve nothing as you suggest. A second round pick will not do it. I would love the Bucs to land Turner, it sounds like AJ won't let him leave this season at any price. We can speculate all we want and argue for Turner all night long, but AJ is the one who will make that decision, not you or me.

[Matthew L.]

I agree to an extent with you Daniel, but they aren't guranteed a 3rd rounder. If you look at my post above its what AJ THINKS he'll get. The NFL decides compensation, not you, not me, not even AJ Smith. And while I admitt his comments are disheartening, I've seen to many times in the NFL there is a difference between what people say and what they'll do Cough Nick Saban Cough! At the end of the day I think the Bucs need to make a play for SOMEONE!

[Mr.T]

Rick,

I've been critical of you because I don't think you write articles. I think you write columns. I'd prefer you write one or the other. Or, as the local sportscasters do on occasion, label your work "commentary" when it's appropriate.

I do agree with you that Chris being put on IR is not an anomaly and figured it would happen right after TC (maybe to Gru/Allen's chagrin?).

We can debate irregular proprioception another day...

Take care,
Mr.T

[Tom]

I can't see the Chargers giving up Turner now. Especially how their season is going after foolishly letting Marty go. They need to win now! Is their stadium situation settled? They can't afford to jeopardize their current season. I hope they would bc I would love to have him.

Oh right, 45-0!

Another thing for you Dungy lovers. Sapp, Brooks and Lynch weren't even drafted by Dungy. It was Wyche! And he brought in Nickerson. The best mlb the bucs ever had.

So I never want to hear it was Dungy's team not Gruden's that won the SB!

[Tom]

I can't see the Chargers giving up Turner now. Especially how their season is going after foolishly letting Marty go. They need to win now! Is their stadium situation settled? They can't afford to jeopardize their current season. I hope they would bc I would love to have him.

Oh right, 45-0!

Another thing for you Dungy lovers. Sapp, Brooks and Lynch weren't even drafted by Dungy. It was Wyche! And he brought in Nickerson. The best mlb the bucs ever had.

So I never want to hear it was Dungy's team not Gruden's that won the SB!

[Daniel]

AJ said he EXPECTS, not thinks, big difference. Again, he would probably know better than you or I. The NFL decides based on factors more familiar to a GM than two guys on a blog.

[Frank]

Tom, you are right, it was Wyches team that Gruden won the SB with, How dare he :)

[Matthew L.]

I expect to win a million dollars, it doesn't make it so. I do agree its silly to speculate on speculation so I'll leave the 3rd round or not 3rd round at that. As for them needing to win now, I can't see how your logic makes sense. They only use Turner when they are blowing teams out, as seen he had only a handful of carries until last week when he got garbage time attempts. Why then not try and move your best piece that DOES NOT CONTRIBUTE TO YOU WINNING, for something that will help you win. I just don't buy that AJ wouldn't entertain ANY offer. Not just from the Buc's but any team. If someone offers a good WR (which SD doesn't have) or a good CB (again they lack) that he's gonna say no way, I want a guy to sit on my bench and then POSSIBLY get a 3rd round pick or less for him in the offseason. I just don't follow that logic if they NEED to win now as you say.(and I agree SD must win now)

[Daniel]

Matt, That wasn't my logic, that was AJ Smiths logic. “The most important thing is this season,” Smith said. I just copied and pasted the article. I don't know what the guy is really thinking, no one does but him.

[Matthew L.]

True. Daniel I understand we are all just making educated guesses or assessments. However, all my point is, I wouldn't be surprised if you saw Turner moved before the trade deadline, if not to the bucs then someone else. And that just ties into my original point of I think the Bucs need to hammer that door till its nailed shut, and either Turner is one someone else's team or Aj Smith stops returning Allen's calls.

[Daniel]

I understand your point. The Bucs may have other plans. According to the Tribune, the Bucs will NOT trade for a back but sign one of the players they worked out the last two days. Players not even on a teams practice squad. Check out the lastest blog over at the Trib, you may not like what you read, I know I didn't.

[Tom]

Matthew I can see your point if the Chargers don't think Turner is in their long term future. Darren Sproles is a pretty shifty guy that could take 5 or so carries. It may happen. You never know. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

[Tom]

Matthew I can see your point if the Chargers don't think Turner is in their long term future. Darren Sproles is a pretty shifty guy that could take 5 or so carries. It may happen. You never know. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

Only way Turner becomes a Buc for at least the next 11 games is if the Bucs give up at LEAST a first rounder. No seconds, no players with one leg in the NFL grave. 1st rounder or a player of equal value.

That does not guarantee he pulls a Thomas Jones and signs with another team on the first day of free agency next year. Then the Bucs are out a player and a first rounder.

Plus, wether caddy comes back or not, they have too much money tied into the running back spot to throw gobs of cash at another back following this season.

[bucs fan for life]

your right the Chargers do want at least a 1st round pick for Turner if not more and the fact that he probably would leave after the season if we got him is also a good reason not to trade for him. As it stands right now they are looking at signing a RB they recently worked out which I think is a good idea because they cost us nothing and if they do well then we have more depth going into next year. RB is a position where sometimes they just don't fit into systems and once they go somewhere else they flourish. So don't knock what they might do by signing a no name. Dont' forget that both Priest Holmes and Terrell Davis were both no name backs that came from out of nowhere and became league MVPs. And last but not least there are a lot of good backs that will come out this year in the draft so don't pay a such a high price for a back when we can probably get one this April that can be here for the the next five years for less.

[Dave]

Tom, thanks for pointing out that it was Wyche's team and not Dungy's that won the superbowl. I moved to Tampa Bay in 1998 from Connecticut and never really followed the Bucs until then. I always assumed it was Dungy that put the superbowl team together because that was what I had heard fans say. I never knew there was a guy named Wynche. I feel more knowledgable now.

[mike]

the chargers only want a third round pick for turner. the problem is he is an free agent at the end of the year. so why give up a third round pick for someone you get to use for 8- 10 weeks.

[mike]

http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniont...s9chnotes.html it would only take a 3rd rd pick to get turner.

[aaron]

ZACK CROKETT!!!!??? What in the hell are gruden and allen thinking!!? my lord i am sure tyrone wheatly and terry kirby would like a job too. why are we even thinking about bringing him in. he is a dinosaur and couldnt even make the Raiders. i hope we bring in barlow or ciatric fason. barlow has really dissapointed the past few years and fason should not be unemployed considering his talent, i am not sure what happened to him in minnesota but those are the 2 best options. fason is still young and has the potential to stick on with the team. barlow would just be a band aid like garcia. bite the bullet allen and TRADE FOR MICHAEL TURNER! this guy would be worth giving up a 1st or 2nd rd pick. he is young and better than any back you could try to get in this years draft.

[DR]

So Gruden was telling the truth in the preseason that Simms wasn't hurt or was Simms lying about his health, or was it both? Either or, this organization is getting worse and worse every time Grudens opens his mouth. He's a blatant liar. Has Simms been on the injury report? He was on the active roster.
The Chargers won't make a move with Turner until near trade deadline, they would be stupid to do it antime before that. If LT gets hurt next week, then there will be no trade whatsoever. The Bucs are in panic mode for a RB now, after that great decision to put 4 QBs on the roster for no reason whatsoever. Great coaching Grudumb.

[DR]

"He's out here practicing. He's healthy," Gruden said in August. "Why the hell would he go on (injured reserve)? I'm not trying to mislead anyone; although I have to be honest at times and say we've cleared him to practice. If he was injured, he wouldn't be practicing and throwing 125 balls a day."
Class act, Grudumb.

[Tom]

DR, what do you want him to say? That he is injured and can't throw a ball right now and he isn't worth anything in a trade? Of course, you're not going to show your hand. You should come over for our weekly poker games. And bring lots of money.

[Mike]

OK, So they signed Crockett (according to PewterReport). But he is a fullback. We still need a running back. Andre Hall would be nice to have right now. Too bad we kept 36 quarterbacks, huh?

[Tom]

DR, you keep on harping on the fact that Grudumb didn't draft anyone who has become a stud. Who has Dungy drafted? We've established the fact he didn't even draft Brooks, Sapp and Lycnh (the foundation of the Buc's legacy).

Dungy's draft

1996 Regan Upshaw
*Ray Lewis was chosen after the Bucs

1997 Warrick Dunn (great pick if you don't try to use in a power running game)

Jerry Wunsch

1998 Jackass Green (A WR who couldn't block and ran hook routes in the Bucs Off)

Jamie Duncan

1999 Anthony MacFarlan
Shaun King
Martin Gramatica

You get the point... So what makes it Dungy's team that won the SB if all the great players that were instrumental in the rise wasn't even drafted by Dungy?

Don't forget the two 1st round draft picks that Dungy gave up for MeShawn!

[DR]

Comparing poker and football is beyond stupid. According to NFL by-laws, teams are not allowed to hide injuries. Shanahan and Belichick have been fined heavily in the past for that, thats why they list their entire team as injured.
What i'm saying is this injury is a sham. They needed to empty a roster spot and of course, the only team to carry 4 QBs, a QB had to go. Why was he not on IR before? Gruden would rather see him rot than trade him to another team. He's doing the same thing to Simms as he did to Key, paying him not to play so he doesn't get another chance with another team. Gruden's ego is more important than the team itself. Gruden's a loser, just like is record shows.

[DR]

Gramatica was a stud for a while. Keyshawn was the Key to the Super bowl and Gruden's offense. No Keyshawn, No Super Bowl. McCardell , Joe J., could never be a #1 WR and they benefited from the double coverage Key got. Look at what happened to Gruden's "great" offense the next year when he didn't use Key as the main guy. Key won that argument and Gruden's ego sat him.
Dungy- 1996- Alstott, Abraham
1997- Dunn- he didn't use him right, but he's not a bust. Reidel Anthony, a Mike Clayton, but drafted later in the 1st round.
Ronde Barber- 3rd round- stud
1998- Brian Kelly- 2nd round; Duncan wasn't a bust, he did his job.
1999- Booger- not a bust; Dexter Jackson-SB MVP-4th rd

Tom, Ronde Barber and Brian Kelly weren't instrumental in their defensive rise? Are you kidding me?
Name me players like this that Gruden has drafted to include his years at Oakland! Please, you can't do it. Then Dungy topped it off before he left drafting Dwight Smith. Again, what has Grudumb done?

[DR]

Grudumbs drafts-
I stopped looking after vomiting from disgust.

[TF]

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1208/is_n21_v219/ai_16919639

Here is a Wyche draft for the current Cowboy bandwagon fan. What happened to Meshawn with the fat Tuna with your current bandwagon team? Oh yea, he was cut. What happened with Meshawn here prior to Gudens arrival, Oh yea, nothing worth mentioning. Meshawns greatest success came with being a part of Grudens offense. Oh, and anyone who knows anything about the Raiders knows the draft is made by the Owner, that is why Gruden left. Oh, btw Dungy could not get it done here with Montes defense while you were on the Bucs bandwagon. The fat Tuna's team is doing well so far against bottom feeders, but you always have the Colts and Pats bandwagons to fall back on, right loser.

[cee]

I just heard we pick up Zack Crockett, is this true Stephan?

[DR]

Yeah, you're TF, Keyshawn didn't do anything in his career until Grudumb. TF, you should add a "S" to the end, TFS, short for Totally F-ing Stupid!
Keyshawn was on the last Jets team that lost in the AFC Championship game. He helped turn the 'Boys around from previous losing seasons. He was the main reason the Bucs offense was any good for 1 year. He actually had a better season with Dungy.
Yeah, Gruden left Davis, hahaha you know nothing about football! Davis let gruden go for draft picks and money you stupid clown. I don't know why I even respond to you. My 5 year old nephew has better arguments than your pure crap.

[DR]

Who have the Bucs beaten?

[TF]

So you jumped off the Bucs bandwagon when Key left, and jumped on the Cowboys when he got there and turned around losing seasons, yea that is a the definition of a bandwagoner? With the Jets the team lost in the AFCC game, probably would have won if Gruden was coaching the Meshawn. You are an angry little punk front runner. You have been exposed.

[DR]

You are by far the biggest idiot on this blog. So you started liking the Bucs when Gruden got here ha? You were a Raiders fan before, you have been exposed!
What retard does that sound like? You TFS.

[TF]

Division rival Panthers, and Saints, and a hurting NFC rival Rams team. So you can't jump on those bandwagons yet. I don't take any NFL team lightly, and really happy to see the win at Carolina. I hope you are not teaching your 5 year old nephew how to be a bandwagoner.

[DR]

Bucs play the Cowboys in a playoff game? Things have to happen, stars have to align, but miracles do happen.
If the Bucs play great the rest of the season, they'll finish 7-9 which might win the division and earn them a playoff game. Then they'll have to win their playoff game, which would be the first miracle to get to the #1 seeded Cowboys. Keep dreaming TFS!

[DR]

I hope you're not teaching anybody anything about football, stick to your sport, soccer.

[TF]

Huh...where did I say I was a Raiders fan, I hate the Raiders almost as much as I hate the Cowboys. it is Cowboy bandwagoners like you that really make me hate them the most, about as bad as Vick huggers, but Cowboy bandwagoners are in a league of thier own. I know how pissed off the Raiders players were when Gruden quit on the meddler Al Davis because it was reported when it happened. And yes, glad you mentioned the very high price the Glazer Boys paid for that crucial decision, that is most of the problems this team has now.

[DR]

Know your facts, Gruden left willingly so he can come to his home town. The biggest problem the Glazers have is they paid a high price for a piece of crap that ran good for one year and has sputtered ever since and made BS excuses along the way. At what point this season will you jump off the bandwagon and jump back on the Packers or Bears like you did last year?

[TF]

You still trying to pawn your bandwagoning ways off on Buc fans, it won't work. Gruden came here to get away from the meddler, and yes he was a true bucs fan when he was young. He knows the real history of the bucs also because he lived through them with the rest of us. He Coached the team to a Lombardi in his 1st year. Great stuff, and will always be appreciated. Maybe Wade can get it done huh bandwagoner, no don't think so. He is not a good enough Coach, and the meltdown is coming soon.

[DR]

You bandwagon Bucs fans are melting away. I can hear it now, after the Bucs lose to the Titans, "Go Pack GO!" The same thing I heard in Tampa's very own stadium filled with green and yellow shirts. "Go Pack Go" Where were you Bucs fans then? Keep waiting for the meltdown, you'll be waiting for a long time. Grudumb should go help his brother coach in the Arena football league. Like I said, Barry Switzer won a Super Bowl, so really its not that impressive. You Bandwagon Bucs fans ran Dilfer out of here and he won a Super Bowl in Tampa. That was great!

[Mike]

Ravens D won that Super Bowl. C'mon you know that.

[DR]

exactly Mike, so why does Gruden get credit for Kiffen's defense?

[Mike]

no question our defense won that super Bowl. that's why it is ignorant to say that was Dungy's team. Brooks, Sapp, Lynch are Wyche's draft picks, not Dungy's. It was however Gruden's offense that got us there. If Dungy was HC, we have never made it that far.

[DR]

Gruden's offense was way overrated. the defense gave them short fields all year and even scored. Was it a WR that caught a slant that won the game against the Eagles? No, it was Ronde Barber, a Tony Dungy player. Dungy's players were Barber, Kelly, and Dwight Smith, the Dbs who shut down offenses. What happened to this supposed improved offense that got them to the super bowl the very next year? They sucked and have sucked since. Gruden jumped on Kiffen's back. All Gruden is, is the 2000's version of Barry Switzer, nothing else.

[TF]

Glazers, Wyche, Mckay, Dungy, Gruden, and all thier staff, and the 53 man roster in 02. Remove any part of that and there is no Lombardi in Tampa. Yes bandwagoner, we know Barber is a great player, we saw it too, and you enjoyed being on the bandwagon as a pimply faced teenager then. Now your back on the Cowboys bandwagon, you have been exposed, now move on.

[DR]

TFS, get off of Grudumbs nuts. If they hired their 1st, 2nd, or 3rd choices, they would have won a super bowl. Dungy almost went with Shaun King as his QB! Thats impressive.
Ahhh, are you stupid, Wyche,Dungy, and Mckay were removed from the team. Mckay is being blamed for Tampa's failure. Man, you are so stupid its amazing.

[Mike]

Ok, First of all it Kiffin, not Kiffen. Second, No doubt the DB's were instumental in our road to the Super Bowl but The pressure up front, along with stellar play by the LB's were the reason that Ronde and Brian had those opportunities ( that's how Tampa 2 works). Brooks was the Defensive MVP in '02 and he was a Wyche guy.

[Mike]

'02 is gone. We have Gruden and I for one am not complaining. You can blame our past four seasons on a lot of bad decisions from a lot of different people (Glazers for giving up 1st and 2nd rd picks, Mckay for putting us in cap hell, or Gruden and Allen making poor choices in free agency). We are in 2007 and we are 3-2. we have obstacles now with injuries and this is what will determine if we have a championship team.

[DR]

You got to work one game at a time. You seriously can't be thinking championship. The Cowboys are the same way. Even though Romo played bad, he goes down, Brad Johnson won't take us anywhere. Same for the Bucs with Garcia. One week at a time and when the wins start to add up, than talk playoffs. You got to get past the Titans which has a great defensive line. We'll see how the green Bucs line will do this weekend.

[Mike]

i should rephrase that. A team that can contend.

[Tom]

DR, I'm kinda glad that we didn't win last week. These blogs wouldn't be nearly as fun without your rediculous insight in football.

[Tom]

DR, Ronde and Alstott were great picks obviously. Jamie Duncan? Bust! Booger? Can't even make our current team.

If you can use Dwight Smith and Brian Kelly then I can use Charles Woodson, Rod Coleman (stud), La Roi Glover (stud), Grady Jackson (solid), Matt Stinchcomb (solid) and Jerry Porter(solid).

Are you satisfied? You never make any real arguments. Bring it, DR, and I'll continue making you look even more dumb as you sound

[JB]

Rick,
You say Simms move to injured reserve was written about extensively during traing camp, and I agree. My question is why? It's the teams decision to make not yours. They don't have to work to your timetable, and if the intention was to try to move Simms via trade, then why would the local media folks want to damage those efforts? It strikes me that there are more stories written after a loss than a win, and that almost everything I've read of yours is negative.

[Done-G]

Come on Dr. Stroud, you know what I was talking about. Nice job spinning it out of context and into your favor. The "anomaly" wasn't about Simms' injury. It was about you reporting something well before it came to fruition. Nice job, you're 1 for 400+. Btw buddy, I live in Seminole and I stay far away from the SPT. I do however, enjoy reading these blogs because it's much easier to passover what you type. I just couldn't passover someone giving you credit on a credible report which is well overdue these days from you.

There was a time that I liked reading your reports more than anyone in town but now I just stay away from you all. After winning the Super Bowl, it has gotten to be quite ridiculas in print.

[DR]

Tom, your evaluation of talent is a joke. You think Simms was actually good which says it all. Porter really is solid, he wasn't a product of the system was he? Pittsburgh really tried hard to keep him didn't they? He's the most overrated LB playing in the game. He's more talk than T.O. At least TO backs it up more often than not.
Tom, seriously, why do even comment on football? You're happy the Bucs lost after you preicted their win? TFS, Tom is your bandwagon fan look at his comments before and after the Colts game. Tom, isn't there a tennis blog somewhere?

[Jon Gruden]

DR,
What it looks like is he exposed a fairweather Dallas fan who rode the bucs bandwagon while the boys were struggling. Who is the real idiot, and yes he kicked your butt

[DR]

Like that means anything coming from a pure loser.
Nice try Loser...Tom.
What's your loser prediction this week?

[Done-G]

DR chokes on my hopcraft!

[Albert Haynesworth]

Garcia and all you fans will be choking this weekend...on my skin missile, chumps!

[Done-G]

Great originality there DR aka Albert Haynesworth.