Chris Simms isn’t very happy to be a champion. On “Merloni & Fauria” Tuesday, the guys awarded the former backup quarterback their first annual “Worst Take Madness” award for his pre-season proclamation that Ryan Tannehill and Justin Herbert are more talented than Tom Brady.
Simms responded by texting missives to producer Tyler Devitte insulting the show and its audience. The ex-Patriots offensive quality control coach refused to call in.
First, let’s visit the take. Here’s what Simms said about Brady vis-à-vis Tannehill and Herbert: “The last few years in New England, you know my complaints about him: unwillingness to stand in there in the pocket, take hits, do things to throw the ball down the field. Now, he had a great, great pass protection last year, and of course had weapons, and everything else. But to me, that’s where he redefined himself. That’s why they won the Super Bowl. Because he was willing to sit there in the pocket and push the ball down the field. His arm is still a big time arm. His talent is not as good as Ryan Tannehill or Justin Herbert.”
That seems pretty clear: Simms said Brady’s talent “is not as good” as Tannehill’s or Herbert’s. But when Devitte texted Simms, he appeared to back off his statement a little bit.
“I ranked Brady above both of them, and he’s not as good as Herbert. Everyone knows that,” Simms wrote. “Maybe you guys can’t read. If you think he’s as talented as Herbert, oh my God, you guys are f— stupid. I can’t go on, because you guys won my award for the worst radio show.”
Ouch. When Devitt informed Simms that listeners voted on the award, he retorted that they’re “stupid, too,” and “can’t read.”
But they can hear bad takes, and they carried Simms all the way to the finish line, despite his standing as a No. 16 seed. It might be the greatest victory of Simms’ professional career.
The phone lines are always open if he changes his mind.