Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons is not underestimating Jameis Winston as the New York Giants turn to the veteran quarterback on Sunday at MetLife Stadium.
Jaxson Dart is out for the regular season after suffering a knee injury in Week 2, leaving Winston as the starter following a difficult relief outing against the Los Angeles Rams.
Simmons, the Titans' interior cornerstone who recently signed a historic extension, addressed Winston on Wednesday.
"Knowing what time of guy Jameis is, he'll get guys to rally with him. He's a great leader, a true competitor, and when he's on, he's on," Simmons told reporters. "So, it's up to us. We have to go into this game with the right mindset to stop the run first, but we also have to be able
to affect the quarterback."
Simmons framed Tennessee's priorities clearly. The All-Pro defensive tackle has been disruptive early this season and said the Titans must set the tone against the run before collapsing the pocket on Winston. That plan targets a quarterback who can still lift teammates when he finds rhythm.
Winston signed a two-year extension before the season and has prior starting experience in New York. His Monday night numbers were inefficient, but Simmons pointed to the leadership that can energize an offense under pressure.
The Titans practiced Wednesday as they prepared for the Week 3 road game. Simmons and Tennessee's front seven will test a Giants offensive line protecting a quarterback adjusting on short notice.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Titans' Jeffery Simmons expects Giants to rally around Jameis Winston
