There were plenty of angry reactions from fans following the Arizona Cardinals’ Week 4 loss to the Carolina Panthers. One of them, and perhaps the most logical of the bunch, was questioning the almost non-existent use of 2020 No. 8 overall pick Isaiah Simmons.
Simmons was called for a horse collar tackle on Arizona’s first defensive drive of the season in San Francisco. he was then burnt by RB Raheem Mostert for a 76-yard touchdown. Since then, he has hardly seen the field.
When the Cardinals started off 2-0 and had back-to-back exceptional defensive performances, the benching of Simmons was looked past.
The Cardinals are now 2-2, and are coming off a terrible defensive performance.
The time is now to play Isaiah Simmons.
Despite the recent performance against the Panthers, the Cardinals defense has been reasonably improved since last year, particularly when they had their starting safeties. Still, it is not enough in its current state to compete with the high-flying offenses of the NFC West.
Outside of Budda Baker, the Cards are missing speed and another sideline-to-sideline defender. Simmons fits that bill.
He may not be ready. That much is clear. However, playing practice squad safeties that are consistently getting burnt in coverage is not an acceptable alternative.
Simmons was a standout at Clemson and earned the Butkus Award in 2019. Here’s a quick recap of the last group of players to win that coveted award.
2018- Devin White
2017-Roquan Smith
2016- Reuben Foster
2015- Jaylon Smith
2014- Eric Kendricks
2013- C.J. Mosley
2012- Manti T’eo
2011- Luke Kuechly
2010-Von Miller
Those are some elite NFL players that won the Butkus award in previous years. One would imagine last year’s winner will be pretty good in his own right.
Until the Cardinals defense starts playing well enough to win football games again, Simmons should not be on the bench. His athleticism and ball skills are something this defense could desperately use right now.
The defense needs a spark. Let Simmons be just that.
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