Surprise standouts: Defensive players who made unexpected impacts early in 2019

Miles

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Mar 18, 2019
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KAREEM JACKSON/JUSTIN SIMMONS


Head Coach Vic Fangio may have cut his teeth coaching some of the best inside linebackers in the game’s history, but he and Defensive Coordinator Ed Donatell have seen some impressive safety play during their careers. Last season, Fangio and Donatell helped Bears safety Eddie Jackson to his first Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro selections of his career. Adrian Amos, who lined up next to Jackson, also had a strong season in the Bears’ first-ranked defense.


In their first year in Denver, Fangio and Donatell have worked with another duo that’s leaving a mark on each game. Kareem Jackson and Justin Simmons have combined to anchor the backline of a defense that ranks fourth in total defense and second in red zone defense. And while both players are long-time starters, it's been impressive how quickly the duo has jelled.


Both players have a penchant for the big play. Jackson returned from injury in Week 5 to bolster a defense that had given up 269 rushing yards the previous week in a loss to Jacksonville. Against the Chargers, Jackson led all players with 10 tackles, and he forced a goal-line turnover when he rocked Austin Ekeler at the 1-yard line right before halftime. Jackson’s hits have set the tone, and the former first-round pick has settled in at safety during his first season in Denver.


Simmons, meanwhile, may be having the best season of his young career. A 2016 third-round draft pick, Simmons dominated during training camp in Fangio’s turnover-friendly defense. That has translated to the regular season, as Simmons has recorded two interceptions through the team’s first nine games. He has already set his career high in passes defensed, as he's recorded nine pass breakups. His previous high was five passes defensed. Against the Browns in Week 9, he made a key tackle for loss on the Browns’ final drive. Simmons’ best attribute, though, is likely his availability. Since the start of the 2018 season, Simmons hasn’t missed a single defensive snap. His 1,582 consecutive snaps rank first in the NFL among defensive players.


Together, Simmons and Jackson have formed one of the league’s best safety duos. With nine games still to play, it’s fair to assume a more big plays are still to come.
 
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