Before the season, some fans and media members had questions about Titans interior defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons. He was away from the team during the voluntary offseason portion, preparing for the upcoming season, and there were questions about his condition and his leadership. He eventually showed up at the mandatory offseason activities and appeared in the best shape he has ever been in as a Tennessee Titan, dropping some weight and getting some analysis on his body to make sure he was at his best. As we head into the last three weeks of the season, the Titans have not done as well as Simmons would have hoped, but there is no question that Simmons is the leader of the Titans' defense and the best player on the team.
Simmons has been a man amongst boys on the field this year. He has been quick off the snap this entire season, putting immediate pressure on the opponent's offensive line. And although he has lost weight, he still has that incredible strength, moving offensive linemen while still using his quickness and hand placement. The result of him putting it all together and his peak physical condition has Simmons putting together his best season as a Tennessee Titan. He currently has nine sacks in only twelve games played. The pressure he is bringing is incredible, as he is regularly double-teamed and still finds a way to beat them to the quarterback. And he is doing this all without having another member of the Titans' pass-rushing crew that has more than five sacks alongside him.
But not only is he getting it done rushing the passer, but he is also making things happen in the run game. He currently has 14 tackles for loss on the season. And again, he is being forceful by using his power. He is standing up blockers, shooting through and shredding double-teams to cause problems for opposing offenses. The effort is there on every single play, and he is moving from sideline to sideline and chasing down plays. And more importantly, the attention Simmons has drawn has opened up things for second-year linebacker Cedric Gray, who leads the Titans in tackles and is third in the NFL with 144 tackles this season so far.
Simmons’ effort and play have been incredible all year, and he will end up being a first-team All-Pro this season, despite the Titans' record, while also establishing himself as the best interior defensive lineman in the NFL right now. Simmons has been a bright spot and a leader not only on the court but also with his words this season. He has taken it to another level, and for the Titans, who are trying to replenish their roster, it is clear he is a leader who can help them back to where they want to be—a stark difference from all the questions about him before the season started from fans and media.