After starting the season with two home victories, the Broncos have their first road test of the season this weekend in Baltimore. Part of the early-season success for the Broncos can be attributed to third-year safety, Justin Simmons.
Simmons is tied for the team lead with 13 total tackles and has one of the Broncos’ two interceptions on the season. Despite the strong start to the year, he knows there are plenty of improvements to be made.
Simmons joined Eric Goodman and Les Shapiro on Mile High Sports AM 1340 | FM 104.7 to discuss some of those improvements he believes the defense can make.
“Defensively there are a few plays that we wish we could take off the tape, but they’re there for a reason. Going to the tape, looking at it and fixing the mistakes that need to be fixed,” Simmons said. “We had a couple shots in both games, deep passes that were defensive mistakes. Those types of things, you go back and you look at the film. Those things will be taken off.”
Those corrections become that much important when playing a quarterback like Joe Flacco, who isn’t shy about stretching defenses vertically. Though errant at times, Flacco’s arm is sure to challenge Denver’s defensive backs.
“We know Flacco has a big arm, so we’re gonna be ready for the offensive adjustments that they’ll make,” Simmons said. “I’m excited to go there. Looking forward to a physical, though game in Baltimore. Really looking forward to being 3-0.”
As Denver looks to string together a complete game of football for the first time this season, their rookies are sure to play a pivotal role. Having already proven their worth in the opening victories, many first-year contributors will get their first taste of a road game in the NFL.
Just a third-year player himself, Simmons knows what to expect from a road environment. Having seen the work ethic the rookies bring to the table, Simmons has no qualms regarding their ability to adjust Sunday.
“Ever since they came in – drafted or undrafted guys – just came in and worked,” Simmons said. “They know they’ll have to plug in special teams and contribute on offense and defense, which is what they have been doing. Nothing is going to change going into a road environment. It’s going to be a little more hostile, but nothing’s changing on that aspect – just play as hard as you do at home and we’ll be fine.”
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