Josh Simmons Returns to the Chiefs: Analysis and Statements
The Chiefs’ rookie left tackle, Josh Simmons, spoke to the media for the first time since his return to the team more than two weeks ago. Simmons, selected in the first round of the NFL draft, was absent for 22 days due to what the team described as a “family situation.” Although questions arose about his absence, Simmons chose not to reveal details about the reasons for his departure on October 12, hours before the game against the Detroit Lions.Simmons flew to his hometown, San Diego, for personal reasons. He returned to the Chiefs’ training facilities on November 3, coinciding with the team’s bye week following the loss to the Buffalo Bills.I want to keep that private, with all due respect. I know everyone wants to know, but it’s something I prefer to keep private. Obviously, family is the most important thing for Polynesians. When you get involved in that, everything gets much better.
Josh Simmons
During his absence, Simmons kept in shape, training and studying the playbook to be ready for his return to the starting eleven, which took place in last Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos. In the matchup against the Broncos, Simmons impressed in the one-on-one battles against the pass rushers Jonathon Cooper and Nik Bonitto, allowing only two pressures in 49 pass-blocking plays, according to Next Gen Stats. After recovering from a left knee injury that caused him to miss the end of his last college season at Ohio State, Simmons stood out in training camp, earning the starting position. The Chiefs hope he will be the long-term solution at the left tackle position, protecting quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ blind side. In Simmons’ absence, the Chiefs turned to Jaylon Moore, who was the team’s biggest acquisition in free agency. With Moore on the field, the Chiefs achieved a 3-1 record and averaged 27.5 points.He had to take care of personal matters and he did it well.
Andy Reid
In six games, Simmons has allowed a pressure rate of only 5.4%, the third-lowest among left tackles (minimum 200 pass-blocking plays) and the lowest for any rookie left tackle since at least 2018, according to Next Gen Stats.I think he did a good job, considering he was out for a few weeks. He has to improve a couple of things with the penalties. But his effort, his attitude and everything was great. He was able to keep everything focused on the football part.
Andy Reid
Simmons vowed to be with the Chiefs for the rest of the season, one that the team hopes will end with another memorable playoff run. In his opening statement, Simmons wanted to express his gratitude for the time he was allowed to take before returning to the Chiefs. I want to thank all of Kansas City and this club for supporting me during the time I was away from the team. It showed how much this team and this city care about me. I can’t wait to return that affection.He’s a great player. He has improved every week he’s played. He will continue to improve. For him, it’s just about continuing to accumulate days to push himself to the maximum. The sky’s the limit. He just has to keep pushing himself to improve even more.
Patrick Mahomes
