“Quintessential Third Down”

September 4th, 2016
Bucs icon weighs in

Bucs icon weighs in

So how good is Charles Sims?

It’s a tough question to answer, even for a future Hall of Famer.

Longtime Bucs/NFL writer eye-RAH! Kaufman did a great job diving into what makes Sims special, and Bucs icon Ronde Barber took it a little deeper recently on CBS Sports Radio.

Ronde explained, with very high praise, that Sims is little known outside of the NFC South but should be.

“This kid now is quintessential third down,” Ronde said of Sims. “I mean, he had 500/500 [yards rushing and receiving] last year. He led our team in receiving touchdowns. He’s got this something about him. I wish I could describe his running style. I really can’t. The complement between [Sims and Martin] is something else.”

Sims does have a unique running style. He’s taller than most backs, quicker than most, and runs harder than most. But Joe wouldn’t call him a big back, or an exceptionally fast or tough back. Sims is a little bit of everything.

But what makes him special is those butter soft hands. There were no screen passes to Sims this preseason that Joe can recall. Look for that in Week 1 — until the Falcons can stop it.

25 Responses to ““Quintessential Third Down””

  1. Kevin Says:

    I would have liked to see both Sims and rookie Ryan Smith tryout at some return duty this preseason. As of right now I think Humph is probably best for that spot

  2. MikeBelt Says:

    Sims is Electric and the sky is the limit for this relief RB. I would say he definitely has enough speed to go to the house. Plus he runs a great wheel route and adequate sheild of blitzing LB’s…

    Great compliment to DM’s hide behind, burst cut running style.

    Go Bucs, in Hot-Lanta, Start fast and your a playoff team.

    Is it Sunday yet?

  3. Pete Mitchell Says:

    I really likes how the coaching staff used Simms in the second half of games last year. I think it really gives the team a boost to have a him inject a little electricity in the third quarter, plus it keeps Martin fresh. I hope Mr. Simms is happy with his role and we can keep him here for a second contract.

  4. ndog Says:

    This league is all about matchups and he gives us an advantage whenever he’s on the field.

  5. Dave Says:

    He’s great out of the backfield but needs a hole to run. He stuffer steps dancing around way too much when looking to juke or hit a hole. Needs to just pick it and go powerfully.
    It’s why he needs to be the complement back.

  6. Buc1987 Says:

    The wife and I were trying to figure out his style the a couple of weeks ago. Trying to differentiate from Martin to Sims. I figured out Martin, but Sims still has me perplexed just like Ronde.

    Whatever it is, I like it.

  7. Nole on Sat.-Bucc on Sun. Says:

    We had the leagues #1 overall rushing attack in 2015. We will again have the leagues #1 rushing attack in 2016. Couple that with leading the league in sacks and QB pressures will make us Superbowl champions in 2016.

  8. The bucfan 88 Says:

    Okay people are going to call me crazy but sims reminds me of Marshall Faulk think he runs routes like a wideout and can get u 5 yards a pop

  9. Cash Says:

    Reminds me of Mike Pitman at his best

  10. CalBucsFan Says:

    As hard as I try and really want to, I’m just not a fan of Sims being a primary running back. Yes, he’s got great hands, but I can’t remember the last time I saw him take a handoff and hit a hole with a burst of speed, power and conviction. Time after time he takes the ball and then turns a stutter-step into an Irish jig, as if he’s trying to cause the coming defender to zig when he zags. 9 to of 10 times it doesn’t work and by the time he decides which zag to take the defenders are on him like flies on #@%@.

    What’s even more perplexing though is why that hasn’t been coached out him yet? Until then, give me Mike James to give Doug Martin a breather and only use Sims on 3rd and long and an occasional change of pace.

  11. Nole on Sat.-Bucc on Sun. Says:

    88 he is a poor man’s Marshal Faulk.

  12. Jason Mobsby Says:

    I believe he was converted to running back in college. Does anyone know what his previous position was?

  13. Cobraboy Says:

    Barber is a young guy. So his point of reference is more recent.

    I’m an old guy. I go back to the 60’s.

    Sims reminds me a LOT of Chuck Foreman: runs upright, great balance, serious quicks, faster than he looks and an excellent receiver.

    That is high praise.

    I played against Foreman in college, and it was clear he was something special.

  14. Bucthis Says:

    He reminds me most of Matt Forte

  15. Stpetebucsfan Says:

    Lennie Moore baby!

  16. Poor Glennon Says:

    3rd down back. Thats code for he’s not a starter. I’ve never really like this guy. Horrible draft pick. You can find these guys on the couch.

  17. sb_demon Says:

    He is a great complementary player in this offense. Solid in all areas, and a big play waiting to happen from the backfield or lined up as a receiver.

  18. The bucfan 88 Says:

    Hey noles fan I’ll take a poor man Faulk that’s good enough for me

  19. Pickgrin Says:

    Sims upright running style reminds me of Eric Dickerson.

    I’m excited to see what Koetter can do with this guy in his 3rd year. I remember hearing that they installed some plays specifically for him this offseason.

  20. Love and Warrick Dunn Says:

    Robert Smith @ Minny?

  21. Nole on Sat.-Bucc on Sun. Says:

    Oh 88 that was meant as a compliment not a dig. Faulk man that dude was on another plain so won’t go there but I Chuck and what he brings to the squidodd.

  22. feelthepewterpower Says:

    falcons led the league last year in RB passes allowed…I believe.

  23. Trubucfan22 Says:

    Last season we rarely got to see screen passes to either of our RBs. I hope koetter incorporates them heavily to compliment our run game.

  24. BigPoppaBuc Says:

    Every great team needs great role players and that’s exactly what Simms is.

  25. DemBoyzFromDaBay727 Says:

    Look for Chuck to have a bigger role this year and take the load off Dougy. I like the idea of more screen passes and letting him tote the rock a bit more. Very underrated runner imo, we all know he’s one hell of a pass catching back already.