The Chicago Bears traded two first-round picks for defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons. But, after watching his performance against the Seattle Seahawks in a dominant 34-17 win, the Bears might've underpaid the Tennessee Titans for the All-Pro.
Simmons' debut with Chicago couldn't have gone better, as he tied for a team-high six tackles, including two tackles for loss, one sack, one QB hit and one pass breakup in what was a sensational defensive showing. He also opened up things for players around him, most notably former college teammate Montez Sweat, who had one sack and three QB hits. Simmons is already proving to be worth those two first-round picks (and perhaps more).
After the game, head coach Ben Johnson sounded off on Simmons' debut with
Chicago and the impact he made on defense.
“He’s fit right in," Johnson said. "… You can feel his presence out there, whether it’s during the play or even after. You can feel him talking smack, which I think elevates everyone. … To come in there and have a share of the lead in tackles and a sack in his first game, his impact was profound.”
In fact, Simmons' mere presence on the field had a significant impact on Seattle's offense. According to ESPN, the Seahawks averaged 3.0 yards per play with Simmons on the field. They averaged 13 yards per play when Simmons was on the sideline.
The Bears have found a game wrecker on defense and a player who has made this team a legitimate Super Bowl contender. If his first game is any indication, Simmons is poised for a promising career in Chicago.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Ben Johnson sounds off on Jeffery Simmons' debut with Bears
