Jeffery Simmons hasn't been in Chicago very long, but you'd never know it watching him on the field. The veteran defensive tackle already looks comfortable barking orders, getting after quarterbacks, and making life miserable for opposing offensive linemen.
On Wednesday, the Chicago Bears released a mic'd-up video of Simmons during Sunday's 27-24 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Seven minutes of footage offered a pretty good explanation of why Chicago wanted him in the first place.
The Bears didn't just get another big body to plug up the middle of their defensive line. They got someone who doesn't seem particularly interested in letting anybody around him take a play off.
And apparently, blocking Simmons with one guy isn't much of an option anymore.
Jeffery Simmons is already making his presence felt
One of the better moments from the video came when Simmons realized Tampa Bay was throwing practically everyone it had at him.
"I got three of y'all on me," Simmons shouted.
He wasn't exaggerating, either.
"I got the guard, the center, and the running back! One of y'all gotta go."
That's a pretty good problem for Chicago to have.
When an offense has to dedicate that much attention to one defensive lineman, somebody else should have an opportunity to make a play. Simmons doesn't necessarily need to finish every snap with a sack to cause problems.
But his physical ability wasn't the most impressive part of the footage.
Late in the game, Simmons recognized an offensive lineman pulling before the snap. He immediately called it out, adjusted his rush, and eventually got to Baker Mayfield for a sack.
It happened quickly enough that most people probably missed what Simmons had recognized before the play developed.
That's the difference between a defensive tackle who can overpower somebody and one who understands exactly what an offense is trying to accomplish.
Simmons can do both.
Bears are getting more than just another defensive lineman
Chicago needed somebody who could create problems along the interior defensive line. Simmons certainly checks that box, especially after recording 11 sacks during the 2025 season.
But listen to him throughout Sunday's game.
He's constantly talking. Encouraging teammates, demanding energy, celebrating defensive stops, and reminding everyone to keep attacking.
Before kickoff, Simmons told his teammates they needed to bring their own energy rather than worry about what Tampa Bay had seen on film.
"We have swagger by making plays, man!"
Later, with the game still hanging in the balance, he reminded everyone that things weren't supposed to be easy.
"This is what the NFL is. Not supposed to be easy, bro. Supposed to be a dog fight!"
There's nothing particularly complicated about that message. Simmons expects the people around him to compete, regardless of what happened on the previous snap.
Chicago's defense has needed that kind of presence.
The Bears have talented players on that side of the ball, but talent doesn't automatically translate into consistent production. Having someone who commands attention from multiple blockers while keeping his teammates engaged is a considerable upgrade.
And Simmons appears to be enjoying every second of it.
Perhaps the funniest part of the entire video came before the game, when Simmons was talking to his child.
"You ready to watch daddy put on a show? I'll get a sack for you then."
He asked how many sacks he should get. The answer was two.
Simmons laughed, clearly enjoying the moment.
A few hours later, he was celebrating a sack of Mayfield in front of the Soldier Field crowd.
That's the version of Simmons Chicago needs going forward. Not just the player capable of wrecking an offensive play, but the guy who brings some personality and energy to a defense that has been searching for consistency.
He's already making himself at home. Opposing offensive linemen probably wish he'd take a little longer to settle in.
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