The Tennessee Titans completely turned their season around last year after a 2-4 start, and will aim to make another Super Bowl run this year.
The team has undergone a good amount of changes since the beginning of last year, but still has the important pieces intact and even more players to be excited about in 2020.
One of those is former Mississippi State defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons, who recovered much faster than anticipated from an ACL injury, and is poised to be an impact player this season.
Simmons discussed a host of topics with reporters on a conference call this week, including his versatility and how it will come into play after the departure of veteran Jurrell Casey.
Asked about playing Casey's role for the #Titans, Simmons said he played in 3, 4 and 5 techniques last year. "Playing defensive line, you've got to be able to play different positions. … I'm familiar with every position and ready to play whatever Jurrell played." https://t.co/65mOSHAhYl
— Erik Bacharach (@ErikBacharach) May 20, 2020
Simmons said he doesn't feel pressure to replace Jurrell Casey. Said others like DaQuan Jones will help fill the leadership void as well.
— Terry McCormick (@terrymc13) May 20, 2020
Simmons also fielded questions on his weight and how it affected his rehab.
Simmons said his weight was up last season (played at ~320lbs) with so much focus on his knee rehab. "Wasn't comfortable" at that heavier weight and he's trying to get lighter this offseason.
He's making progress in that deparment, he said. Now at 309, 310. Goal is 300-305.
— Erik Bacharach (@ErikBacharach) May 20, 2020
Simmons said of his rookie year: "There's a lot of things that I could have done better, and it's not because of my knee."
— Terry McCormick (@terrymc13) May 20, 2020
Simmons said he has not worn his knee brace at all this off-season. "I've put it up and I don't even know where it's at."
— Terry McCormick (@terrymc13) May 20, 2020
Simmons has been able to work out at the facility, doing rehab as well as working out with some friends on other teams.
.@GrindSimmons94: Has been able to work out at the facility doing rehab. This is something Vrabel mentioned he was able to do weeks ago @Titans
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) May 20, 2020
.@GrindSimmons94 said he's been working out with buddies on other teams. Said he's worked some with @RiDQulous_98, too @Titans
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) May 20, 2020
In his first season with the Titans, Simmons appeared in nine games, totaling 27 tackles, 13 solo, two sacks and one pass defensed.
It will be interesting to watch how an even healthier Simmons will step into a larger role as head coach Mike Vrabel plays a heavier hand in the defense when the Titans return to the football field.