Latest comments from Justin Simmons
"“I feel like we’re really close. We’re finally having a year where we’re having coordinators come back and guys are familiar with the schemes and the systems, both on offense and defense and on special teams. I feel like we’re really close. I feel like this could be the year and I’m really excited for that. I’ve been itching for it ever since I came into the league — 9-7 is the closest I’ve been. And so I’m really looking forward to this season.”"
That’s what Denver Broncos safety recently said on NFL Network’s Good Morning Football on Thursday.
Being ‘really close’ may not mean they’ll make the playoffs in 2021. It does, however, mean that Simmons’ confidence is a Mile High (see what I did there?) and if things go as planned, the team can be very successful.
So, what is holding them back? Last year, the quarterback position was a huge factor despite some flashes from Drew Lock. What may have been an even bigger factor was the injury bug.
The Broncos lost Courtland Sutton and Von Miller to season-ending injuries. early and even before the season started. Throughout the year, they lost many others, including Essang Bassey.
Ja’Wuan James (sorry to bring back that memory) opted out and then suffered a season-ending injury recently, resulting in the team cutting him.
If everybody stays healthy, this team has the talent to go far in the season. They will have to find a way to beat other tough teams to squeeze into the playoffs, but if certain things go their way, they can punch their way into the postseason.
On defense, Simmons was named a second-team All-Pro for his efforts during the 2020 season. Bradley Chubb and Malik Reed had a very good year.
It will be fun to see how the team’s newest cornerbacks do in their first year with the team. Ronald Darby, Kyle Fuller, and rookie first-rounder Pat Surtain II join Simmons and Kareem Jackson in the defensive backfield.
A lot of work still needs to be done with training camp approaching but this defense can be great.