Tag: Chris Simms

Chris Simms reacts to Sean Payton unleashing QB Bo Nix

“I really felt like it was one of the first game the whole year that he wasn’t managed,” Chris Simms said of Bo Nix being unleashed.

Chris Simms has become an avid supporter of Bo Nix, the Denver Broncos rookie starting quarterback. While some wondered if the Broncos should go with the experienced Zach Wilson or Jarrett Stidham, Simms never wavered in his support for Nix.

Due to Nix’s prolific play as a record-setting quarterback at Oregon, Simms believed that Nix getting unleashed within head coach Sean Payton’s system would pay dividends. Well, after a three-touchdown and 75.7% completion rate day, Simms is poking his chest out about the Nix and Payton pairing.

He even believes that we should NOT be surprised if we see the Broncos in the playoffs in January.

While it’s still early, it looks as if Simms can be proud he called his shots as Nix continues to improve as the weeks go by. Can he sustain his success and make others believe? Only time will tell. Next week, the Broncos face off against the Baltimore Ravens in a tough AFC showdown.

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Former QB Chris Simms praises Broncos’ impressive defense

“The pass rushers on the edge for Denver are better than the public realizes,” Chris Simms said.

Former NFL quarterback Chris Simms praised the Denver Broncos‘ defense for their effective play against the New York Jets in Week 4.

In response to a question posed by a listener on whether the Jets’ offensive line was to blame for quarterback Aaron Rodgers being sacked five times, or the Broncos simply had a better scheme, Simms said, “This is not an (offensive) line problem. The pass rushers on the edge for Denver are better than the public realizes.” Simms then specifically mentioned Broncos outside linebackers Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper as “high-level pass-rushers.”

Later on in the segment, Simms praised the Denver secondary, led by cornerback Pat Surtain. “I think one of the most underrated things in football right now is the Denver Broncos secondary,” said Simms. “The Denver Broncos secondary is the real deal. Surtain is, for my money, the best cornerback in football. That’s who I’m going to take, OK? After that, the kid, Riley Moss… Riley Moss is a baller. He’s a baller.”

Simms and co-host Ahmed Fareed also talked about the Broncos’ high blitz rate (53.4%), which helped disrupt the veteran quarterback. Later on, Simms broke down a few plays that really highlighted what Denver was doing to make Rodgers uncomfortable, like blitzing in specific situations and playing aggressively against Jets star wide receiver Garrett Wilson.

You can watch the 19-minute segment below:

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Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes discusses connection with HC Andy Reid

Kansas City #Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes discusses connection with HC Andy Reid | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs will play the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday to kick off the new season.

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes spoke with NBC’s Chris Simms ahead of the season opener. He dives into multiple topics, including his connection with head coach Andy Reid.

“There’s actually times in games where I know what plays on the call before he calls it. And that’s not just like the first 15, that’s like during the game and middle or third quarter,” said Mahomes. “He starts sending personnel in, and I’m like, got it. I know exactly where we’re going and why we’re doing it. And it’s cool because it develops before the play even happens. I know who I’m gonna throw it to. I know how it’s going to look, and then I go out there and execute it. That just comes with a lot of reps, a lot of time with Coach Reid, and a lot of the same guys in our football team.”

Mahomes and Reid have also had dinners together that included real moments similar to their infamous State Farm commercial. The bond remains strong between the franchise’s winningest head coach and superstar quarterback.

NFL analyst believes Jayden Daniels won’t work out for Commanders

This one is certainly interesting.

Jayden Daniels has been phenomenal for the Washington Commanders since his arrival in the 2024 NFL draft. No, Washington hasn’t played a game, but Daniels has aced every test he has faced thus far.

Daniels outplayed veteran Marcus Mariota throughout training camp and was finally named the starting quarterback on Monday. He was terrific in all three drives he’s played over the first two preseason games. He lit up the Miami Dolphins in last week’s joint practice.

So, while he hasn’t played in an official NFL game yet, the early signs are certainly encouraging.

However, one NFL analyst doesn’t appear too impressed with Daniels.

Aaron Schatz of FTN, one of football’s original analytics experts, thinks Daniels may end up as the “bad” rookie quarterback.

Why?

Surely, Schatz has numbers to support this lazy assumption. Right? Judge for yourself.

Remember, there are six first-round quarterbacks from the 2024 NFL draft. The odds are great that not all six will pan out. The chances are high that more than half of the six will not receive a second contract with the team that drafted them.

Schatz then offered a bit of a clarification: Kinda.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, even if many do not agree. Schatz has always done good work with Football Outsiders, ESPN, and now FTN. He’s not always right, though. No one is always right.

Saying Daniels “may end up” as bad is a strong take that will be revisited for years to come, whether he’s wrong or right.

Chris Simms summed things up perfectly.

Washington is “pumped” about Daniels. That’s what matters the most.

Chris Simms breaks down Bo Nix’s first game in the NFL

“I thought the second-most impressive quarterback performance of the weekend was Bo Nix, a.k.a. Drew Brees Jr.,” Chris Simms said.

It appears the Bo Nix era is underway.

The Denver Broncos drafted Nix with the 12th pick in the 2024 NFL draft, and the first-rounder appears to be an investment that could soon pay off.

Nix started his NFL career off with a bang against the Indianapolis Colts. The Oregon product completed 15-of-21 passes for 125 yards while also throwing for a touchdown. He also took no sacks, had 17 yards on the ground on three rushes and finished his evening with a 102.3 passer rating.

Former NFL quarterback turned analyst Chris Simms seems to be impressed with Nix’s game. Simms highlighted how Nix appears to be the quarterback that will maximize the type of offense that Broncos head coach Sean Payton prefers: a wide-open attack that allows him to attack the defense from a short, intermediate and long-range passing game.

“I thought the second-most impressive quarterback performance of the weekend was Bo Nix, a.k.a. Drew Brees Jr.,” Simms said (Caleb Williams impressed Simms the most).

To check out Simms and his diagnosis of Nix’s first taste of pro football action, check it out below.

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Chris Simms has high hopes for Caleb Williams

Chris Simms gives Caleb Williams a very high preseason ranking.

Former NFL quarterback and current NBC Sports analyst Chris Simms joined Kenneth Davis, Josh Schrock, and Alex Shapiro on the Under Center podcast. He explained why he ranked USC’s Caleb Williams as the 20th-best quarterback in the NFL, the highest he has ever ranked any rookie quarterback.

Bears Wire discussed why summer training camp is really important for Caleb Williams:

“Not only are they learning Shane Waldron’s new offense, but they have several new players who are considered impact guys. That starts with quarterback Caleb Williams, as well as receivers Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze, running back D’Andre Swift, tight end Gerald Everettt and offenisve linemen Coleman Shelton and Ryan Bates. Finding chemistry, especially in a new offense, is a big key during the early stages of camp. All of these guys are going to be playing together for the first time.

“Out of them all, Williams has the most pressure to succeed, even as a rookie. He’s already the franchise quarterback, and he hasn’t taken a single snap in the NFL yet. Although he was incredible in college, there is going to be a learning curve.”

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Matthew Stafford lands in top 5 of Chris Simms’ QB rankings for 2024

Chris Simms put Matthew Stafford in the top 5 of his QB rankings for 2024, up 5 spots from last year’s list

Casual observers who look at Matthew Stafford’s numbers from the 2023 season may not think he was all that impressive: 3,965 yards, 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. It’s a solid stat line but not one that will win any MVP awards.

You had to have actually watched Stafford play last season to know just how good he was. It’s why he finished eighth in MVP voting and was named to his second career Pro Bowl. He truly was one of the best quarterbacks in football on a week-to-week basis.

Former NFL quarterback Chris Simms releases his own quarterback rankings each year and he paid Stafford some serious respect in his 2024 edition. Simms ranked Stafford No. 5 heading into the 2024 season, only one spot behind reigning NFL MVP Lamar Jackson.

“This is one of the greatest arms in NFL history,” Simms said on his podcast. “This is not just like, ‘Oh, great arm and we’re talking about him right now.’ This is one of the greatest arms in NFL history. The Marinos, the Favres, the Rodgers, the Mahomes. Josh Allen. Anybody else I’m missing, no disrespect there. … One of the greatest throwers in history, as well.”

Simms heaped praise on Stafford for his arm strength, off-platform throws and intelligence on the field. He ranked Stafford No. 10 last year because he was worried about a drop-off after an injury-plagued 2022 season, but Simms is all-in on the Rams quarterback still being a top passer in the league.

He even called Stafford “one of the most disrespected players of this generation,” which stems from his lack of team success in Detroit before winning a Super Bowl with the Rams in 2021.

There aren’t many analysts giving Stafford the amount of credit and praise that Simms gave him in his 2024 rankings, but it’s always good to see someone ranking Stafford where he belongs: in the top 10.

Former Bucs QB Chris Simms ranks, breaks down Baker Mayfield

Hear what former Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Chris Simms thinks about the team’s current starter, Baker Mayfield

Long before he was analyzing the NFL for NBC Sports, Chris Simms was under center for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers himself.

A third-round pick out of Texas in the 2003 NFL draft, Simms spent his first three seasons with the Bucs, a stint that was cut short by a career-threatening injury.

Now, Simms finds himself behind the mic breaking down other NFL quarterbacks, and his latest ranking for all 32 starters across the league has current Bucs signal-caller Baker Mayfield landing the No. 15 spot.

Watch the video above to see Simms’ breakdown of Mayfield.

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Chris Simms ranks both Sam Darnold and J.J. McCarthy in his top 40

Analsyst and former NFL quarterback Chris Simms ranked his top 40 passers in the league and Sam Darnold and J.J. McCarthy made the cut.

Every offseason, analyst and former NFL quarterback Chris Simms ranked his top 40 passers in the league, and Sam Darnold and J.J. McCarthy made the cut. The list can be somewhat controversial, as is most of Simms’ work, depending on who you ask, but he puts thought into each ranking.

J.J. McCarthy, the Vikings top draft pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, hasn’t played a snap in the NFL yet. Despite that, he came in at number 30 overall. McCarthy ranked above only one current starter in the NFL, Bryce Young, while the rest were backups or free agents.

Depending on how the offseason plays out, there could be one more starter he ranked over. His Vikings teammate Sam Darnold was ranked 33rd overall, just three spots behind McCarthy.

Neither ranking is an overall glowing endorsement of the talent the Vikings have at the position. The entire rankings haven’t come out yet, but so far, no other NFC North quarterbacks have made the list ranked 26 through 40.

Chris Simms: Bills wouldn’t allow Stefon Diggs to seek a trade with Chiefs

Chris Simms told “Pro Football Talk” that the #Bills wouldn’t allow Stefon Diggs to seek a trade with the #Chiefs

The saga of exciting games between the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills have been must-watch events for the NFL. The stars on both sides have amazing games while remaining loyal to their side of the rivalry until possibly this offseason.

The Bills shocked the football world when it was announced that they had traded their top wide receiver, Stefon Diggs, to the Houston Texans earlier this week. Diggs, who had expressed his displeasure with the team at times during last season, was moved, but there appears to be more to the story, and it involves Kansas City.

Chris Simms and Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk spoke on a recent podcast episode about an intriguing rumor that indicates Diggs was blocked from ever being dealt to the Chiefs.

“From what I do know, he was allowed to seek a trade from anybody in the league except the Kansas City Chiefs,” said Simms. “That’s what I’ve been told by multiple people that he was allowed to do that (and) the Chiefs were the only team they weren’t going to trade for him.

The Chiefs and Bills have had a fierce rivalry over the past few seasons, with Buffalo falling to Kansas City each year in their postseason meetings. Diggs being unable to pitch a deal to Kansas City sounds realistic but is another exciting chapter in the two teams’ competitive struggle for superiority in the AFC.