Bucs 0-4, Enter Chris Simms
(October 6, 2004)

Most Tampa Bay fans wondered about this year's version of the Buccaneers. Big names left the team, big names were brought in, and history shows that teams in transition trend to struggle. After four games and no victories, it is time for more changes. The biggest of which will be Chris Simms replacing Brad Johnson as the starting quarterback.

The Bucs defense has played strong, but the offense has been terrible. Since the Bucs have lost the first four games by an average of six points, even a mediocre offense would have lead to a victory or two. You will not win many games averaging just twelve points a game. Enter Chris Simms.

Brad Johnson is 28-24, including the playoffs, as the Buccaneers starting quarterback. Back when the offense had some weapons, Johnson lead the team to the Super Bowl. Rookie Michael Clayton will be a star, however, the receiving corps is very thin these days. Johnson has lost ten of his last thirteen starts, including six in a row, so head coach Jon Gruden pulled the plug. Chris Simms played most of the second game of the season and his inexperience showed. With just 34 NFL passes under his belt, the second year player out of Texas should show more inexperience as the regular starter.

There is a history of the Bucs giving the starting job to a second year quarterback. In 1979, Doug Williams lead the team to the playoffs. Vinny Testaverde became the full time starter in 1993 and never played on a winner in Tampa Bay. Craig Erickson was the guy in 1993 with no success. Trent Dilfer started in 1995 and would eventually lead the team back to the playoffs. Shaun King started the 2000 season, but had more luck as a rookie in 1999. Enter Chris Simms.

If Chris Simms is the QB of the future, this could be the end for Brad Johnson. He will stay around this year and tutor the new starter, but the Bucs are unlikely to pay Johnson the big money next year. It will be sad to see him go. Who knows when Tampa Bay will have a Super Bowl winning quarterback under center again?

Jon Gruden and the Bucs cannot say it, but they may have given up on this season. There will victories, however, the playoffs are doubtful to say the least. After being a contender for so long, and winning a championship, this year is tough to take. It will be interesting to see how the team rebuilds with all the older players on the roster. We could be headed towards another off-season house cleaning. Gruden and company have not yet worn out their welcome in Tampa Bay, but there are rumblings. And to think just about twenty months ago, Tampa Bay was on top of the football world.