When the Bucs drafted Charles Sims in the third round of the 2014 NFL Draft, one appealing aspect of his game was his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. Through the first four games of the 2015 season, Sims has been efficient not only catching passes, but also protecting the quarterback and running with the football.
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In the first quarter of the Bucs' season, Sims has played 128 snaps. Of those 128 snaps, Sims has run routes 75 times, (59%), run the ball 26 times (20%), set up in pass protection 19 times (15%) and been a run-blocker eight times (6%), according to Pro Football Focus' snap counts.
So far, Sims has been successful in all four categories.
He's established himself as of the Bucs' most productive receivers this season. Sims has caught two touchdowns, tied for the team-lead, has the team's second-most receptions (10) and third-most receiving yards (108). He has hauled in 70 percent of the passes aimed his way, according to Football Outsiders.
On Sunday, Sims caught a touchdown pass for the second week in a row, becoming the first Buccaneer running back to catch touchdowns in back-to-back weeks since 1991. Only three other running backs – James Wilder, Robert Wilson and Adger Armstrong – have achieved the feat.
Sims is also one of the best running backs in the league in pass protection, according to PFF. The website has him listed as the NFL's sixth-most efficient pass blocker among players at his position. As far as carrying the football, Sims is closing in on 100 yards after carrying the ball 25 times.
After missing a good portion of last season with an injury, Sims is establishing himself as a productive compliment to Doug Martin, the Bucs' starter. Last season, Bobby Rainey handled 27 percent of the team's carries. With Sims healthy, Rainey has handled just three percent so far this season.
