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Tennessee Titans: How Jeffery Simmons impacts the defense

By John Lowell

JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 30: Jeffery Simmons #94 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs in action against the Louisville Cardinals during the TaxSlayer Bowl at EverBank Field on December 30, 2017 in Jacksonville, Florida. The Bulldogs won 31-27. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 30: Jeffery Simmons #94 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs in action against the Louisville Cardinals during the TaxSlayer Bowl at EverBank Field on December 30, 2017 in Jacksonville, Florida. The Bulldogs won 31-27. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Tennessee Titans DL, Jurrell Casey.
NASHVILLE, TN – SEPTEMBER 15: Jacoby Brissett #7 of the Indianapolis Colts is grabbed by the shirt by Jurrell Casey #99 of the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on September 15, 2019 in Nashville,Tennessee. The Colts defeated the Titans 19-17. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

3a. Trending Up

Jurrell Casey

Through six games, DT Jurrell Casey has 20 combined tackles (13 solo, 7 assists), one sack, one forced fumble, and three QB hits. Casey will benefit significantly from Simmons next to him, as for once, all eyes will not be locked on to No. 99.

To serve as a reminder, last year, the Titans placed Casey on Injured Reserve (MCL sprain) in late December, and he began the 2019 campaign on the PUP list. Here’s to hoping this is just a little rust coming back from injury.

Harold Landry

If I told you that OLB Harold Landry had one more sack than Los Angeles Chargers’ DE Joey Bosa, would you believe me? Well, it’s true.

Landry has four to Bosa’s three. And while Bosa is the more established name in the league, Landry is putting together an excellent sophomore campaign. On pace for 10.5 sacks, things can only get better for Landry, with Simmons wreaking havoc up the middle.

3b. Trending Down

Austin Johnson

Former second-round pick, Austin Johnson is getting lost in the shuffle. Simmons’ looming return isn’t going to make things easier, either.

Thus far, Johnson has rotated in and out of the lineup, losing snaps to undrafted rookie free agent, DT Isaiah Mack. While Johnson received some praise from defensive coordinator Dean Pees earlier this year, he has been “knocked off,” essentially.

What do I mean?

General manager Jon Robinson is quick to fix his mistakes. And not just in a last-ditch effort, Robinson replaces players left and right. From free agent acquisitions to draft picks that didn’t pan out, Robinson moves forward. He holds himself accountable, responding with action in lieu of words.

So, JR drafts Simmons to replace Johnson, just like selecting Landry to replace former OLB Kevin Dodd. Let’s hope this time, Robinson gets it right.

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