Tag: Jeffery Simmons

Titans’ Jeffery Simmons, ‘I’m tired of seeing our quarterback on the ground’

The Tennessee Titans lost again and watched Will Levis take a beating. After the game, Jeffery Simmons spoke out.

The Tennessee Titans lost again, 10-6 to the Jacksonville Jaguars. In the defeat quarterback Will Levis was banged up and played like it. After having his right shoulder slammed to the field at the end of the first half, Levi returned, but didn’t look the same. 

The Achilles heel of the Titans all season has been their porous offensive line and that again was an issue against the Jaguars. It was such an issue that even team leader Jeffery Simmons spoke up about it after the game. 

“I’m tired of seeing our quarterback on the ground.” Simmons said after the game. 

He is absolutely correct! The offensive line is bad, and it’s not just the hole at right tackle. In fact, it was JC Latham that was responsible for the hit that shook up Levis. 

They may not show up completely on the stat sheet, but they are the main reason why the Titans sit at 3-10. Against the Jaguars, they only gave up two sacks, but Levis was under pressure constantly and there were too many penalties from the unit. 

Unfortunately, for fans, there are no answers on the roster to fix this unit. They have tried everyone at right tackle and no one has been able to solidify the position. Latham at left tackle appears to have hit the rookie wall and is struggling. Plus, injuries have taken away any depth the team had in the interior. 

The Titans need to address the offensive line in the offseason and if this play continues through the end of the season, they may even want to consider a new coach. For all of the accolades Bill Callahan isn’t cutting it. 

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Jaguars vs. Titans: Key matchups

Jaguars vs. Titans: Key matchups

The Jacksonville Jaguars have faced the worst-case scenario of worst-case scenarios the way this season has gone, from playoff expectations in the preseason to likely possessing the No. 1 overall draft choice for the third time in five years.

The 2-10 Jaguars enter Week 14 with the worst record in the league. But they have a chance to put smiles on fans’ faces as they are set to take on the 3-9 Tennesee Titans in an AFC South matchup in Nashville.

Jaguars Wire takes a look at the key matchups that could determine the outcome of Jacksonville vs. Tennessee.

Titans QB Will Levis vs. Jaguars QB Mac Jones

This game will come down to which quarterback makes the fewest mistakes.

Jones and Levis are two quarterbacks who received plenty of hype and attention in their respective drafts but have failed to meet their expectations as signal-callers. Both have been underwhelming since entering the league and their futures with their current teams seem uncertain.

However, both players will square off in this AFC South rivalry game. Mac Jones has thrown for 484 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions in the last three games, two as the starter and in relief of Lawrence against Houston last week.

Levis has played much better since returning from a throwing shoulder injury in Week 10 than before he missed time.

Levis has thrown for 960 yards with seven touchdowns and just two interceptions in the last four weeks, compared to 699 yards with five touchdowns and seven interceptions in the first five games of the season. He is making fewer mistakes and operating fairly cleanly.

Jones must protect the ball better for the Jaguars’ offense to beat against the No. 1 passing defense in the NFL. It starts with better consistency and rhythm as a signal-caller to give his playmakers, including rookie sensation Brian Thomas Jr., a chance to win downfield, where Jacksonville succeeded in the passing game when Lawrence was available.

If Jones can play a mistake-free game, the Jaguars’ chances of a win increase significantly.

Titans DL Jeffery Simmons vs. Jaguars interior OL

An area of strength for Jacksonville has been its interior line play with guards Ezra Cleveland and Brandon Scherff along with center Mitch Morse. This week they will be taking on a game-wrecker in defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, one of the best players in the NFL at his position.

That said, Simmons is experiencing a relatively down year. He has generated a 9.7 percent pressure rate this season, ranking No. 49 of 107 qualifying defensive linemen, per NFL Pro.

Still, Simmons has reminded teams just how explosive and quick he can be off the line of scrimmage with 11 quick pressures (tied for tenth-most in the NFL) and 15 run stuffs (No. 3), according to Next Gen Stats.

The Jaguars interior offensive line has allowed some of the lowest pressure rates at right guard (3.9%) and left guard (4.4%) and the fifth-fewest run stuffs in the league (44). The latter stat has allowed the Jaguars to remain in the top half in rushing yards per attempt, at 4.5.

Simmons, along with Titans rookie standout T’Vondre Sweat (27 run stops), will be a big challenge for the Jaguars offensive line.

Yet, if the combo of Scherff, Morse and Cleveland can win at the line of scrimmage Sunday, Jones should play with clean pockets while running backs Tank Bigsby and Travis Etienne Jr. get to tout the ball for decent chunk gains, potentially leading to win No. 3 for Jacksonville.

Jaguars vs. Titans: Thursday injury reports

Jaguars vs. Titans: Thursday injury reports

Find Jacksonville and Tennessee’s Thursday injury reports ahead of the Jaguars and Titans’ Week 14 matchup below.

* indicates status upgrade from the previous practice 

Jaguars injury report

  • WR Parker Washington (shoulder) — limited
  • OL Brandon Scherff (knee/shoulder) — limited
  • LB Yasir Abdullah (hamstring) — limited
  • CB Tyson Campbell (thigh) — limited*
  • P Logan Cooke (left knee) — did not participate
  • LS Ross Matiscik (hamstring) — did not participate

Analysis: Jacksonville added wide receiver Parker Washington to its injury report on Thursday. He practiced in a limited fashion and was spotted wearing a no-contact jersey during the session, per Demetrius Harvey of the Florida Times-Union.

Cornerback Tyson Campbell was upgraded from did not participate on Wednesday to limited participation Thursday.

Titans injury report

Note: Players who received a rest day on Wednesday and returned to practice Thursday were removed from Tennessee’s injury report by Jaguars Wire.

  • OT Jaelyn Duncan (hamstring) — full*
  • OT Leroy Watson IV (back) — full*
  • CB Chidobe Awuzie (groin) — full
  • OG Peter Skoronski (foot) — limited*
  • OG Logan Buss (knee) — limited
  • CB Jarvis Brownlee Jr. (hip) — limited
  • WR Tyler Boyd (foot) — did not participate
  • NT T’Vondre Sweat (shoulder) — did not participate
  • DL James Lynch (shoulder) — did not participate
  • LB Kenneth Murray (hamstring) — did not participate
  • LB James Williams (knee) — did not participate
  • LB Jerome Baker (neck) — did not participate
  • CB Roger McCreary (shoulder) — did not participate

Analysis: Three Titans offensive linemen, including starters, guard Peter Skoronski and tackle Leroy Watson IV, were upgraded on Thursday, with the former being limited and the latter a full participant.

Tennessee added four players to their injury report Thursday, including two starters, linebacker Jerome Baker and cornerback Jarvis Brownlee Jr.

Jeffery Simmons nominated for Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award

Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons has been nominated for the 2024 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.

Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons is the team’s nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award for the second year in a row.

The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award recognizes an NFL player for outstanding community service activities off the field, as well as excellence on the field. The award is widely considered one of the league’s most prestigious honors.

“Being considered for Walter Payton Man of the Year for a second time is truly one of the greatest honors of my career,” he said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to play the game, but even more thankful for the platform it offers me and the ways I can bless others.

“I realize there is more work for me to do in the community and I will continue to make that one of my greatest priorities and passions. I am truly thankful to the Titans organization and the NFL for supporting my efforts and helping champion my mission.”

This year, all 32 nominees will be recognized for their achievements during the week leading up to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans. The winner of the 2024 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award will be announced during NFL Honors, a primetime awards special to air nationally on FOX and the NFL Network on Thursday, February 6, 2025.

Simmons launched his Give Em A Reason Foundation in 2022, to host giveback initiatives as part of his nonprofit’s mission to serve others through youth empowerment and self-esteem-building opportunities.

Raised by a single mother with five children, the organization, especially Simmons himself, is focused on offering children from a similar background a reason to hope, reach, grow and never give up. This isn’t just a financial obligation either, Simmons sees a need and dedicates his time to being there for the youth as a role model and mentor.

As the Titans nominee, Simmons will wear a Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year helmet decal through the end of the season in recognition of his accomplishments on and off the field. You can do your part and vote for Simmons, and help him make a lasting mark in the community.

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What does Dan Quinn think about Daron Payne’s play in 2024?

Is Dan Quinn concerned about Daron Payne?

During his weekly Friday press conference, head coach Dan Quinn was asked a question about Daron Payne.

The Commanders are 7-5 and on a three-game losing streak. They are facing the Tennessee Titans (3-8), who are coming off an upset road win at the Houston Texans last week.

So, why was Payne signaled out as the subject of one of Quinn’s questions?

The reason is that Payne’s play has raised concerns. Is Payne injured? Why is Payne such a non-factor in numerous games? Is Payne being doubled repeatedly, forcing other defenders to make plays?

“Yeah, it’s probably a better one for later. I don’t, just from the comparison side, we’re just working as hard as we can to get him as good as we can,” replied Quinn.

Quinn interestingly responded further by mentioning Titans standout defensive tackle Jeffrey Simmons. “Going against Jeffrey [Simmons] and seeing him playing this week, you see, you’re watching that guy for that week.”

Translation: Simmons is causing us to focus so much on him in every film session and each practice this week. He is one of the better defensive tackles in the league.

As for Payne? In his defense, perhaps since the season-ending injury to Jonathan Allen, Payne is getting doubled more often than usual. Payne has started and played in all 12 games this season, totaling 30 tackles, including 2.5 QB sacks. However, he only has two tackles for a loss and 4 QB hits.

By contrast, Allen only played in six games yet had two QB sacks, two tackles for a loss, and six QB hits. Rookie Johnny Newton also has 30 tackles, with two tackles for a loss and six QB hits.

It does raise questions. But Quinn chose not to take the bait.

“But as we’re going through it, we’re just trying, man, to dig in and say, ‘Where can we improve?’ And that’s not just for Daron but for all the guys. So, probably a better for end of the season kind of comment, honestly.”

Yet, when there was a follow up question regarding Payne’s play this season, Quinn did choose to reply positively.

“I think the square at the line of scrimmage when it’s combination blocks; I think that’s where he plays with very good strength, and those are some things. So, he’s stout at the line. That’s what I’ve seen the most from him.”

Titans owner moved to tears following upset victory over rival Texans

Following an upset victory over their AFC South rivals, the Houston Texans, Tennessee Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk was moved to tears.

The Tennessee Titans and the Houston Texans have an interesting relationship. The rivals not only share a division, they share a history.

As many know, the Titans called Houston home for decades before relocating to Tennessee in the 1990s. While some would dismiss this fact, the truth is that this origin story still sets the stage for an emotional battle on the football field. One that makes this rivalry special for coaches, players, and ownership.

Before his first such battle, rookie cornerback Jarvis Brownlee was unaware of the history and importance of this game for the Titans. He didn’t learn of it at all until head coach Brian Callahan outlined the history of the rivalry and discussed the importance felt by owner Amy Adams Strunk.

“This game is a little more personal,” Brownlee said. “Not just because of the rivalry, but because of Miss Amy as well.”

Brownlee played well in his first installment and now understands the rivalry, one that he will likely take part in a few more times during his career. His comments and thoughts were echoed by a veteran of a few of these battles: defensive tackle Justin Simmons. 

“This feels good, not just for us but for Miss Amy,” Simmons said after the game. “We know the history behind everything, and to just sit here with her in the locker room with tears in her eyes, and how much this means to her. It’s the reason.”

It was a huge win for the Titans (3-8) and they seem to finally be turning the corner after a disappointing start to the season. Now, the Titans will turn their attention toward a Week 13 matchup with the Washington Commanders.

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Titans’ injury report: Multiple starters sit out practice

The Tennessee Titans released their first injury report for Week 12 and see multiple starters on the sidelines.

The Tennessee Titans dropped a tough one on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings and suffered some damaging injuries in the process. 

Heading into Week 12, it is already known that linebacker Jack Gibbens will be out and likely placed on injured reserve prior to kickoff. Gibbens suffered a devastating lower leg injury that required surgery on Monday. Since has not been placed on IR yet, he was a non-participant. 

Running back Tyjae Spears (concussion) and linebacker Otis Reese IV (ribs) were also injured during that contest. Spears is in concussion protocol and did not practice, while Reese practiced and was not listed on the injury report. 

Starting cornerback L’Jarius Sneed (quad) did not practice and is likely out for Week 12. Wide receiver Calvin Ridley, tackle Leroy Watson IV, defensive lineman Sebastian Joseph-Day, defensive back Justin Hardee, defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, Cornerback Roger McCreary, and linebacker Kenneth Murray did not practice

Defensive Back Justin Hardee was limited with a groin injury. 

The Titans’ Wednesday injury report can be found below:

Did not participate: CB L’Jarius Sneed (quad), Jeffery Simmons (NIR/rest), OT Leroy Watson (back), CB Roger McCreary (knee), DT Sebastian Joseph-Day (biceps), WR Calvin Ridley (illness), LB Jack Gibbens (ankle), DB Justin Hardee (groin), LB Kenneth Murray (shoulder), RB Tyjae Spears (concussion)

Limited Participant: N/A

Full participants: N/A

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Titans’ Jeffery Simmons top-rated defensive lineman in Week 11 per PFF

Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons was the top-rated defensive lineman in Week 11 according to PFF.

The Tennessee Titans are a team in purgatory right now. They are improving and getting incrementally better every week, yet those improvements have not translated to victories on the field. 

One player that is setting the tone for the defense is defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons. Simmons is in the midst of a string of outstanding performances. This is not just from a production standpoint, it is from an analytical perspective as well.


This week, Simmons was ranked the top-rated defensive tackle in the NFL by PFF with an overall 88.7 grade. His pass rush grade, pressures, and pressure rate were also tops in the league. Overall he had four tackles and a forced fumble, but his impact goes far beyond the stat sheet. 

Just weeks after the Titans rebuffed potential trade opportunities for him, Simmons is showing fans and opponents why he was untouchable at the deadline and why the team considers him a building block for their future. He is also a locker room leader who helps set the tone on a weekly basis.

Moving forward, Simmons and rookie defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat should only get better playing next to each other. Already a solid tandem, they should continue to grow into one of the most dynamic defensive fronts in the NFL and consistently anchor the Titans’ defense.

Simmons will be back in action on Sunday when the Titans head to NRG Stadium to take on the Houston Texans. 

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Titans’ Jeffery Simmons, JC Latham chime in on officiating

Titans defensive end Jeffery Simmons and offensive tackle JC Latham add commentary on the controversial officiating on Sunday.

During the Tennessee Titans loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, the story changed course in the second quarter when the Titans stopped the Vikings on 3rd-and-goal. A flag came out after safety Mike Brown laid out Jordan Addison in the end zone.

The officials called unnecessary roughness on Brown, despite Brown hitting Addison in the chest, not launching, and not leading with his head. As NFL officials continue to get calls wrong, Clete Blakeman’s crew heads the list of controversial calls.

Titans’ defensive end Jeffery Simmons chimed in on the impact of the officials:

 

“It’s hard, you know?” Simmons told reporters, “It’s hard when you getting them type of calls when you’re making plays, you’re getting ready to get off the field on third down, what may be, and we get a penalty. And some of them were late, it’s like we’re coming off the field and I’m celebrating, and here comes a flag. Things like that, man, it’s out of our control. I think we’re cursed when it comes to officiating right now.”

He’s not wrong, the timing of many of the Titans’ penalties came at times when the momentum could have swung their way. Offensive tackle JC Latham noted that one of the officials told him to scootch up on the very first play.

 

“I mean, the rule is your head has to crack the center’s hip,” he said. “You know, I always, every time I inches away, I kind of just look to my left and I see the center’s hip. Sometimes they call it and sometimes I disagree, but it is what it is, you just have to keep playing.”

This only adds to the controversy around the Week 11 matchup as it becomes apparent just how involved they were with what happened on the field.

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Titans’ injury report: Arden Key, Roger McCreary, Jeffery Simmons return

The Tennessee Titans saw multiple starters return to practice on Thursday — here is the daily injury report.

The Tennessee Titans were back on the practice field on Thursday and welcomed some starters back after sitting out Wednesday’s session.

 

Outside linebacker Arden Key, cornerback Roger McCreary and defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons all were full participants and running back Tony Pollard was limited. This is a positive sign for Key and McCreary who sat out Wednesday due to injury. 

The same cannot be said about cornerback L’Jarius Sneed and tackle Leroy Watson, as both players missed their second day of practice heading into Week 11. They were joined on the sideline by defensive back Justin Hardee, who was limited on Wednesday with a groin injury. 

The Titans will wrap up their practice week on Friday and release their final injury report. 

The Titans complete Thursday injury report is below.

Did not participate: CB L’Jarius Sneed (quad), OT Leroy Watson (back), CB Justin Hardee (groin)

Limited participant: RB Tony Pollard (NIR/rest)

Full participant: DT Jeffery Simmon (NIR/rest). CB Roger McCteary (knee), OLB Arden Key (back)

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