In seven games with the Titans this season, Jeffery Simmons was on the field for 87 percent of defensive snaps and 21 percent of special teams snaps. Few defensive tackles in the NFL get that kind of playing time.
And now that he’s on the Bears, Simmons probably won’t get that kind of playing time on Monday night against the Seahawks. But Bears coach Ben Johnson says Simmons might come close.
Asked if Simmons will play as much on Monday night as he played each week with the Titans, Johnson said it might not be quite that much.
“He might not be quite that high Week 1 for us, but he certainly has shown the ability to carry a load,” Johnson said.
Johnson added that he has no doubt Simmons will pick up defensive coordinator Dennis Allen’s system quickly.
“He’s played a lot of football, he’s been in a few different defensive schemes, and I think DA is going to be able to find a spot to do what he does best,” Johnson said. “We don’t want him thinking out there, and that’s what you’re conscious of coming into a new team, but he’s a smart guy and we’ve been encouraged by what we’ve seen so far.”
Ultimately, Johnson thinks Simmons will fit in perfectly.
“I just told him I want him to be himself, be his productive self,” Johnson said. “He’s gonna help us win.”