Professor

excerpt:

TAMPA - All is finally right having to go left in the Bucs offense.

The switch to lefty quarterback Chris Simms as the starter gave Tampa Bay an entire offseason to run plays in a reverse fashion, from bootlegs to play-action passes.

Simms started the last 11 games of 2005, but coach Jon Gruden admits there is a big adjustment when game-planning for a southpaw signal-caller.

"(Practice) is basically set up around the quarterback from an offensive standpoint, especially when you're left-handed," Gruden said. "You've got to groom and groove all your play-action passes and your movement throws for the lefty. All the ball-handling needs to be practiced specifically.

". . . I was there with (Joe) Montana and Steve Young," Gruden said of his 1990 season as a 49ers offensive assistant. "When Steve came in the game, the whole playbook flips in a reverse fashion. You've got to really make concessions for a left-handed guy, and it's double learning for some of the other guys because Pass 14 Bim is now Pass 15 Bim. The ball-handling is different, and a lot of things have changed. As he has become the starter, we featured the things he does, and the things we're emphasizing goes hand-in-hand with him being left-handed and our quarterback. I think all of that adds up to him being way further ahead than he's ever been this time of year."

Remember, Simms' 12 starts are the fewest of the team's quarterbacks, excluding rookie Bruce Gradkowski. Jay Fiedler has 60 NFL starts and Tim Rattay 16.

http://www.sptimes.com/2006/07/16/Bu...off_on_l.shtml

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ABuccsFan

I've said many times on this board. I keep saying it, because it is worth noting. It amazes me how well Simms played down the stretch behind a shotty offensive line with so little experience. 12 regular season starts, and 1 playoff start. I am so excited about this coming season.

Professor

i knew this article would get you hype, buccs

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