Titans DL Jeffery Simmons is elite against double teams in run game since 2020
With the Tennessee Titans’ season opener being just a few days away, many are interested in seeing how defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons follows up his two consecutive second-team All-Pro campaign now that he finally has his lucrative deal.
Simmons signed a very well-deserved four-year, $94 Million extension this offseason and has since been doing everything possible throughout the last few months to prove that he deserved the massive deal.
Whether he’s wreaking havoc against his own teammates or dominating against another team during joint practices, Simmons has shown that he’s primed to further show he’s worth every penny.
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Simmons’ on-field resume speaks for itself, though.
His mere presence makes everything easier for the rest of the defense. He’s the type of disruptive defender who needs to be accounted for on every single play, which often leads to easier matchups for those playing around him.
But not only does Simmons command extra attention, he often thrives against it. According to Pro Football Focus, Simmons produced the second-highest grade when taking on double teams in the run game since the start of 2020 (min. 300 run snaps).
Only Aaron Donald — arguably the greatest defensive player ever — has produced a higher grade over that time.
Using @PFF grades, best interior D-Linemen when taking on double teams in the run game (2020-22, min. 300)
1. Aaron Donald
2. Jeffery Simmons
3. Shelby Harris
4. Akiem Hicks
5. Chris Jones
6. D.J. Reader
7. Cameron Heyward
8. Grover Stewart
9. Derrick Brown
10. Grady Jarrett— Steve Palazzolo (@PFF_Steve) September 7, 2023
When it comes to the passing game, Simmons was double-teamed on 319 pass rushes last season alone, the second-most in the NFL, per ESPN.
Despite that and an ankle injury that hampered him for half of the season, Simmons still produced 7.5 sacks and 53 pressures, good enough for a PFF pass-rush grade of 79.3.
Simply put, as long as No. 98 is out there, Tennessee will always have a chance.
Fun fact: Jeffery Simmons was the 2nd most double-teamed player in the NFL last year, while newly acquired Trevis Gipson was the 5th most double-teamed Edge.
Something’s gotta give this year.
Not to mention Harold Landry, Denico Autry, Arden Key, and Teair Tart are there as well https://t.co/wYt42HP2Ba— Shaun Calderon (@ShaunMichaels31) September 3, 2023
Throw in other dominant and/or impactful players such as Harold Landry, Denico Autry, Arden Key, Trevis Gipson, and Teair Tart, and suddenly we could be talking about this group as one of the best in the league by year’s end.
