Predominantly Orange
FanSided

Justin Simmons Sees Role Increasing For The Broncos

By Cody Roark

Dec 25, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) runs the ball as Denver Broncos free safety Justin Simmons (31) attempts the tackle during a football game at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 33-10. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 25, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) runs the ball as Denver Broncos free safety Justin Simmons (31) attempts the tackle during a football game at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 33-10. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Justin Simmons played an important role as a rookie last season for the Broncos, but in 2017 he sees his role increasing on the field.

Justin Simmons role for the Broncos on and off the field has increased since the end of his rookie year. In 2017, Simmons role for the Broncos is seemingly ready to increase, and he’s ready for the task.

As a rookie last season, Simmons registered 30 tackles and two interceptions for the Broncos. He also was a pivotal cause in the Broncos win over the Saints. After the Saints scored on a touchdown with one minuter remaining, Simmons leaped over the line and blocked the kick. Will Parks picked up the ball and ran it back for a two point conversion that won the game.

Now the NFL has banned players from leaping over the line of scrimmage to block kicks. Justin Simmons wasn’t a big fan of the decision.

"“I spoke on it a few times. Obviously, whether I agree or not, obviously, I disagree. I could go on with a bunch of reasons why, but point blank, the rules are changed now. Obviously at that aspect of the game, there is not much that you can do. You’re just going to have to find other ways to win football games and to make plays.” – Justin Simmons on the NFL’s rule change regarding leaping the line of scrimmage (Via Denver Broncos PR)"

Despite having a year of experience on the field, Simmons says he is still learning and that it will help him be more prepared in year two. “I think in college, for the most part, I just watched film just to check it off my list. I watched it just so in the back of my mind to say, ‘Oh, I watched it, I should be good.'”

The learning curve is much more difficult in the NFL. Simmons noted “Like I said, now, I’m actually learning football. I’m actually getting in there and picking up, like I keep harping, tendencies of offensive coordinators, likes and dislikes.”

Next: Denver Broncos Announce New Radio Team

Simmons understands that he must learn to grow every chance he gets and is taking that approach in stride.

"“I think the only thing that will change is the confidence factor. Just to put plainly, I think going into Year 2, I’m just looking to be more confident. I’m in the defensive system now, going into my second year. I have a bunch of vets that I’m watching daily, go through the reps that I can consistently learn from. On top of that, Will [Parks] and I, in my opinion, do a great job of communicating as long as we’re all on the same page. If everyone is wrong, we’re right. I think all in all, going into the second year, we’re obviously looking for a lot of improvements just off of confidence alone.” – Justin Simmons on the changes from year one to year two in the NFL (Via Denver Broncos PR)"

Broncos Country, what are your thoughts? Have your expectations for Justin Simmons changed this year?

Home/Broncos News