The Chicago Bears handed Jeffery Simmons the game ball after a dominating debut against the Seattle Seahawks Monday. Simmons altered the pass rush moving forward for defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. Even the veteran coach became amazed by Simmons' Bears start.
Allen told reporters on Thursday what stood out the most from Simmons' outing.
“I really don't feel like we were handcuffed very much in terms of what we could do and what we could call,” Allen said to the media. “This guy is the consummate professional. I mean, he was on his stuff, knew exactly what to do.”
So Simmons sounds like he immediately absorbed the defense quick following the huge pre-NFL trade deadline move. Simmons ended an illustrious Tennessee Titans run that featured four Pro Bowls following the trade.
But Allen plugged him along the defensive line right away. Simmons responded by tying for the team lead with six total tackles and grabbing one sack of quarterback Sam Darnold. His presence helped spearhead the 34-17 rout of the defending Super Bowl champs at Lumen Field.
Landing Simmons adds further proof of Chicago's vision under general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson. The Bears have recreated “a Super Bowl or bust” mindset and now sit at 6-2 overall. Pummeling the champs inside, arguably, the loudest venue in the league shines a light on the Bears' championship desire.
Now the Bears still have the Minnesota Vikings to catch in the NFC North, with the latter sitting at 6-1 overall. Yet the Detroit Lions (5-2) and Green Bay Packers (5-3) aren't far behind. Allen, though, takes comfort in knowing that Chicago lured in a cerebral, and disruptive, trench defender.