Should he have bit his tongue, simply because papa Simms might get upset? Of course not! Football is a tough game, both physically and mentally. And lots of harsh criticism is thrown at the players when they don't put in a perfect performance. That's just part of the deal.
So. Neither Phil Simms nor Steve Young is the "bad guy" here. In fact, Mr. Young has already apologized about it:
"What I meant was the generational gap between guys my age and Phil's age and today's generation," explained Young, the former San Francisco 49ers star who entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame this year.
"It had absolutely no impact on how Phil raised his son. I'd let Phil raise my son. He can literally raise my two sons right now. I trust Phil implicitly."
The only important question (to me) is: Did Steve Young have a valid point?
In my opinion, yes.
Chris Simms has a 78.2 passer rating. (Not so good.) He has thrown 5 TDs, but also 5 INTs. His completion percentage is under 60%. And before he took over as starting QB, Tampa Bay was 5-1. That means they are only 2-2 with him as their field general.
And Steve Young is hardly the first, or only, person to criticize the younger Simms.
My opinion: Phil is just reacting the way any dad would. And Steve is just saying what any football commentator should. And Chris, if he starts playing a little bit better, can shut both of them the hell up...
Article comments
1 - Matthew T. Sussman
If I recall correctly, Little Simms was criticized as far back as his days at Texas. Farther still, he was blasted by the media for being an inconsistent embryo.
2 - Phillip Winn
One day an embyro, the next day a fetus. He deserved the criticism!
3 - RJ
You might note that, while I semi-dissed Chris Simms in this post, I did pick the Bucs to beat the Bears on my NFL Picks post...
4 - Dale
Please note ... Chris Simms could never win tough games at Texas. Looks good against easy teams but when was tough ... lost big time. Young was right.
5 - WJ
Please note Chris Simms is 2-0 since Mr. Young's comments and the Buccaneers are making quite a drive toward the playoffs.
6 - Susan Lindelien
PHIL SIMMS MAY HAVE BEEN A GOOD QB..BUT HIS COMMENTATING IS TO BE LESS DESIRABLE..HE SEEMS TO HAVE HIS MIND MADE UP BEFORE THE GAME..LIKE SOME OF THE OTHER COMMENTATORS..THEY ALL SEEM TO HAVE THERE FAVORITES...I THINK THAT IS VERY WRONG...THEY NEED TO BE LESS BIAS ABOUT TEAMS THEY ARE COMMENTATING...