3 Keys to a Bears Victory Over the Titans in Week 1

2. Minimize Jeffery Simmons' Impact

Defensive linemen such as Chris Jones and now-retired Aaron Donald have been widely recognized as the best at their position in the last five seasons. However, Titans star Jeffery Simmons also established himself as a force wherever he lines up. Since entering the NFL in 2019, Simmons has accumulated 26.5 sacks, 233 combined tackles (139 solo and 94 assists), 38 TFLS, and three forced fumbles.

Simmons earned Pro Bowl honors in both 2021 and 2022 while playing as a defensive tackle. According to PFF, in 2021, he finished the season with 11 sacks, 62 QB pressures, 46 QB hurries, 12 TFLS, and 44 solo tackles. PFF awarded Simmons an overall grade of 71.9, with a 63.9 in run defense and a 73.8 in pass defense.

Although 2022 saw a slight dip in statistical output, Simmons delivered a strong overall performance. Simmons finished the season with 8 sacks, 53 QB pressures, 38 QB hurries, 9 TFLS, and 26 solo tackles. His overall grade for 2022 was 81.1, with a 73.0 in run defense and a 79.3 in pass defense.

Simmons' only season as a defensive end, the position he is currently listed at for this season, was his rookie year in 2019. During that campaign, he recorded two sacks, nine QB pressures, seven QB hurries, and 21 solo tackles. Although these numbers are not as impressive as his later production as a defensive tackle, Simmons has improved since then.

Despite being listed as a defensive end, the Titans are likely to move Simmons around the line. This means that right tackle Darnell Wright and any interior lineman facing Simmons will need additional support from running backs to help slow him down.