Bucs/NFL

Simms' struggles displease Gruden

The QB's three interceptions and three passes batted at the line Sunday concern the coach.

By RICK STROUD
Published September 12, 2006

TAMPA - A day after Bucs quarterback Chris Simms took a ton of hits from the Baltimore Ravens, roughing the passer continued.

Coach Jon Gruden was critical of Simms' performance in Tampa Bay's 27-0 loss.

Gruden said Monday Simms struggled recognizing and communicating the defensive fronts, had three balls batted down and did not take throws underneath that were available.

Simms was intercepted three times, including one that was returned 60 yards for a touchdown by Ravens cornerback Chris McAlister. His three turnovers led to 17 points for the Ravens.

"Obviously, you have to take responsibility for it as a coach. And I am going to do that," Gruden said.

"I never felt throughout the course of the game that our communication, our decision-making, our tempo, is what we are looking for. Granted, Baltimore is an outstanding defensive team and a tough team to open with. Clearly they made us pay in some key situations. But ball security, the turnover battle, those are issues against a team like that you have to win, or you are going to lose."

What did Gruden mean? He indicated Simms did not react to the Ravens defense quickly enough and was not decisive. Simms was 17-of-28 passing for 133 yards before being replaced in the fourth quarter by rookie Bruce Gradkowski.

"The tempo ... it's the communication, I think, that is somewhat concerning, and certainly Baltimore has a lot to do with that," Gruden said. "But our recognition, our responses, weren't quick enough, weren't consistent enough against a team like this.

"We did have four or five shots in the game to make big plays. The film doesn't lie and we didn't make them. If you don't cash in, there are going to be some plays against Baltimore that are flat-out ugly because of the style in which they play."

One recurring issue is the number of passes Simms has batted down at the line of scrimmage. One of those deflections Sunday was returned 60 yards by defensive tackle Haloti Ngata to set up a field goal.

Gruden said the Bucs' offensive line has to be more aggressive in pass protection and prevent defensive linemen from getting their hands up. But he won't deny much of the problem rests with Simms.

"You can roll your eyes and say, well, they're just talking, but the bottom line is they are batting down balls and he is 6-foot-4 and we have to eliminate that," Gruden said.

"I don't like getting kicks blocked, punts blocked, or passes blocked. I hate the sound and I hate all the work that goes into this to get an open look and have a pass rejected. ... It is really a downer. Am I concerned? Yeah, I am concerned because it is happening too much. Until we improve it, it is a problem."

Bucs officials refused to make Simms available for comment Monday.

Of course, Simms wasn't the only one responsible for the problems against the Ravens. The Bucs were without their two starting guards. Davin Joseph, the first-round pick, will miss at least three more weeks with a knee sprain. Dan Buenning did not play due to an ankle sprain but will practice Wednesday. As a result, the Bucs managed to gain just 26 yards on 13 rushing attempts.

Running back Cadillac Williams (eight carries, 22 yards) battled dehydration and had to leave in the second half after suffering back spasms. Williams will play Sunday against the Falcons.

Looking blurry-eyed and saying he had not slept since Sunday's game, Gruden made sure he pointed a finger at himself.

"The entire football game is your responsibility," Gruden said. "You get beat like that, hell's bells, you didn't do a very good job, to say the least. I'm not going to sit here and assess blame upon myself publicly - I get enough of that when I'm walking out to my car. I didn't like it one damn bit. I've got a lot of pride in what we do here. We work extremely hard. And to go out there and get defeated soundly at home is enough to make me sick. I've got a lot of respect for these fans that pay good money to come in here and watch their Buccaneers and to send them home like we did (Sunday) is something that makes me sick and humiliated. It eagers me to get back to work here, because there's work to be done."

[Last modified September 12, 2006, 01:18:13]