Sims gained 15 yards on four carries and secured nine of his 11 targets for 74 yards in Sunday's 38-10 loss to the Panthers.
The second-year pro put a stamp on his reputation as one of the premiere pass-catching backs in the NFL by hauling in a career-high nine receptions, giving him 51 for the season. With Tampa trailing throughout the second half, Sims received extra opportunity in his role as a passing-down back, a scenario that repeated itself on a few occasions this season when Lovie Smith's defense put the Bucs into the trail position in the latter stages of games. Sims was notably no slouch on the ground either in 2015 despite limited chances, collecting 529 yards on 4.9 yards per tote over 107 carries. He also gained over 40 yards rushing in four of the season's final seven games despite receiving double-digit carries only once in those contests, and could conceivably take over lead back duties should the Bucs and Doug Martin be unable to come to an agreement for 2016. Regardless of his exact role in the backfield pecking order next season, Sims should once again be in a prime position to produce, particularly through the air. With measurables and a skill set similar to Matt Forte, Sims could possibly provide all-around production comparable to that of the Bears' Pro-Bowl back if he ever receives sufficient playing time.