So often we hear of positive stories during Training Camp and this year it seems like Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons is no exception.
Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons is entering a contract year with the team and many expect a gigantic leap in year four. Simmons is one of the most athletic players, not just safeties, you will ever see.
There are not many people that do the things Simmons does on the football field. Especially mixed in with the height he presents.
All throughout Broncos Training Camp so far Simmons has been a ball hawk safety. With yet another interception on Thursday, Simmons has tied his regular-season total of interceptions (3) in 2018 already in the sixth practice of camp. This is something to consider loosely because it is obviously not game action. However, it does show how aggressive Simmons and the rest of the defense has been during practices.
By all accounts, Simmons’ talent has never been a question. It is just a matter of consistency and the ability to that quantum leap forward.
The big thing here is Simmons is making smart decisions and reading the quarterback’s eyes. It is an art that can get lost with safeties.
We talk about it all the time and a bunch of other guys on the defense talk about it. There are just more opportunities to make plays on the ball. The Vic Fangio defense is made for that.
It is made for everyone to be successful.
It may go unnoticed right now, but having one of his closest friends and starting safeties Will Parks playing alongside will help tremendously the development. Both of them are opposites of one another but know how to keep each other accountable.
This can easily translate to a football field. If Parks missed something, Simmons will help out and vice versa. Leadership is motivating people to achieve a common goal. As we said earlier accountability is a big part of that.
"“The thing I love most about it is it is all-inclusive. Everyone has to know what everyone is doing. You know there’s not one job that is not important to the whole defense of scheme. It’s been great.”Justin Simmons (quotes via Broncos PR)"
Simmons’ personality personifies this in spades. He cares for his brother next to him and helping win another championship. One player is former Boston College teammate and current Broncos teammate Issac Yiadom. Yiadom spoke Thursday about asking Simmons questions. He does not feel afraid to do so.
"“Yeah, for sure. Any time I have a question about anything I always ask Justin, even though sometimes he might give me a hard time about it if I’m hanging out with him too much. Yeah, he helps me out a lot.”Isaac Yiadom (NBC KOA News5)"
The play of Simmons in training camp is heading in the right direction and it would not be surprising if he assumes a more vocal presence in year four. Do not be shocked if Simmons gets consideration for being a captain in 2019.