From PhillyVoice · · 3m
Titans DT Simmons poses major threat to Eagles
All-Pro Jeffery Simmons is the NFL's most disruptive interior lineman, and the Eagles will face him without their Pro Bowl left guard.
In brief
All-Pro Jeffery Simmons is the NFL's most disruptive interior lineman, and the Eagles will face him without their Pro Bowl left guard. The Eagles must account for Jeffery Simmons across multiple blockers because their backup left guard cannot match Landon Dickerson's Pro Bowl-caliber play. Originally reported by…
Simmons is the NFL's best interior lineman
The Titans' four-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle is a one-time All-Pro who leads the league in disruption. Since 2023, he ranks second in sacks and tackles for loss among interior defenders.
He's stuck on a bad Titans team
Simmons has no other Pro Bowl teammates on Tennessee's defensive line since 2019. Even with new coach Robert Saleh's additions, the Titans were abysmal in Week 1 against the Jets.
Simmons led Week 1 with six hurries
Despite no sacks or tackles for loss, Simmons generated more quarterback hurries than any other defensive tackle in Week 1. The Jets neutralized him with quick passes and edge runs.
Eagles' left guard Dickerson is out
Pro Bowl left guard Landon Dickerson went on injured reserve this week. He previously held Simmons in check in a 2022 matchup where Simmons managed just one hit.
Backup guard faces an elite challenge
Drew Kendall or another backup will start at left guard against Simmons on Sunday. This matchup could disrupt the Eagles' run game and passing consistency.
Simmons demands constant double teams
Elite defensive tackles like Simmons see steady double teams and tight end blocks. The Jets sometimes used three blockers just to execute a simple inside zone run against him.
Center and right guard must help too
Coach Saleh aligns Simmons across multiple positions, so Cam Jurgens and Tyler Steen will also face him at times. Blocking him won't fall solely on the left guard.
Five-out blitz creates one-on-one matchups
Saleh will use five pass rushers at the line to force one-on-one situations. Simmons thrives in these scenarios, especially against interior linemen.
One-on-one with Simmons is dangerous
When Simmons faces a backup interior lineman in isolation, he can create significant disruption. The Eagles will need a solid game plan to contain him.
Jets' strategy offers a blueprint
Tennessee used screen passes, quick throws, end arounds, and creative schemes to move the ball away from Simmons or get multiple blockers on him. The Eagles will likely employ similar tactics.
Eagles must execute their game plan
The Eagles have the talent and scheme to handle Simmons, but they cannot afford breakdowns. A backup left guard facing an All-Pro is a significant vulnerability.
Jalen Carter's wrist injury adds pressure
Eagles DT Jalen Carter, a two-time Pro Bowler, is dealing with a wrist injury and will likely wear a cast. He struggled against the Commanders' right guard last week.
The one thing
The Eagles must account for Jeffery Simmons across multiple blockers because their backup left guard cannot match Landon Dickerson's Pro Bowl-caliber play.
