

For reference, Jackson graded out with a score of 80.4 in 2020 and 82.3 in 2019. In 2021, Jackson earned a PFF grade of 52, the lowest since his rookie campaign in 2010. kAwvTrTmWDĪfter three straight seasons earning a PFF grade of 80.0, Jackson’s play dipped some. Trevor Lawrence throws his 4th INT of the season.
DENVER BRONCOS PLAY BY PLAY PRO
KHbFcaD9ecĪccording to Pro Football Reference, Jackson was credited with 88 tackles and one interception. The former cornerback turned safety has been a heat-seeking missile every game he suited up for the Broncos. No other Broncos player plays with the reckless abandon Jackson does. Jackson’s physical style provides the defense with a unique intensity. However, Paton and Jackson ultimately came together on a 1-year, $5 million deal to bring him back.įrom the early part of the season, Jackson showed each week why the team wanted him back. Paton released Jackson in a cap-saving move before the 2021 offseason began.
DENVER BRONCOS PLAY BY PLAY FREE
Jackson returned to the Broncos after testing free agency last offseason and showed to be a bargain. Head coach Vic Fangio relies on steady safeties for his defense and knew Jackson was reliable. Kareem Jackson remained a steady influence on young Broncos defense He remains a mainstay for the Broncos defense for years to come. With high expectations, Simmons did not disappoint. Simmons earned a strong 74.8 PFF grade and second-team All-Pro recognition in 2021 according to the Associated Press. Overall, he improved in his sixth season as opposing quarterbacks only produced a passer rating of 66 and threw three touchdowns - a 102.2 rating and seven touchdowns in 2020 - according to Pro Football Reference. Last year, Simmons snagged another five interceptions while starting all 17 games. Justin Simmons placed the ball on Demaryius Thomas’ number 88 after making a diving INT 🙌 However, Simmons found his groove and made big plays after big play. 31 started the season slower than expected. Simmons recorded five interceptions and earned a 77.4 Pro Football Focus grade that season. He was certainly one of the team’s bright spots two years ago, in 2020.

One of the highest-paid players in the league, Simmons has unreal expectations to perform. General manager George Paton identified Simmons as a core player and the former Boston College standout was awarded a 4-year, $61 million deal after his phenomenal 2020 season.

Justin Simmons justifies his contract with stellar play The Mile High Sports Broncos team continues our 2021 positional group debrief with safeties.

Rookie fifth-round selection Caden Sterns showed promise as a sub-package player and also played well when given the chance to start. The two continued to form one of the league’s better pairings. The 2021 Broncos secondary was anchored by Justin Simmons’ stellar play and the return of the reliable Kareem Jackson. A strong showing by the secondary last season led to an improvement from the 2020 team that gave up 237.9 yards in the air per contest. The Denver Broncos safety group was one of the team’s strengths in 2021.ĭenver ranked eighth in the NFL in passing yards allowed with 214.2 a game per ESPN stats.
