Chris Simms Dramatic Performance
(September 25, 2006)

For Tampa Bay Buccaneers starting quarterback Chris Simms, the 2006 season is most likely over. He suffered a ruptured spleen against Carolina yesterday, which was removed in emergency sugery last night. Despite playing part of the game with this serious injury, Simms nearly rallied the Bucs to victory.

With the help of two Keyshawn Johnson touchdowns, the Bucs fell behind 17-0 to the Panthers Sunday at Raymond James Stadium. Chris Simms hit Joey Galloway on a short touchdown pass, the team's first TD of the season, and it was 20-7 at the half. The defense came alive and Cadillac Williams ran for a third quarter score. Simms was hammered hard and flipped into the end zone to give Tampa Bay's its first lead of the year 21-20. Carolina would take a 23-21 lead before the quarter ended.

With just seconds left in the third quarter, Chris Simms had to leave the game. Bruised ribs and dehydration were assumed and, an IV and two plays later, Simms returned to the offense. Matt Byrant would kick field goal with 5:01 left to put the Bucs back in front. If the story ended there, this would have been a dramatic comeback with a seriously injured quarterback. Unfortunately, John Kasey would boot his fourth field goal of the game with just 2 seconds left to give Carolina the victory. Moments later, Simms was in an abulance to the hospital.

While it is a story of a quarterback with a ruptured spleen leading his team in the fight to save its season, the story book ending did not happened. Chris Simms numbers, 13 of 24 for 139 yards with a TD pass, a TD run, an interception and three sacks, were not impressive. His toughness was impressive.

Chris Simms probably wont play again this season and for the 0-3 Bucs the season may for all practical purposes be over. We all wish Simms a speedy recovery. Hopefully, we'll all remember how much heart he played with Sunday. It just would have made a better story if the Bucs had won.