Justin Simmons thinks last four games will tell us a lot about these Broncos

The Broncos are just one of three teams in the NFL to have already been eliminated from playoff contention.

Denver joins the lowly Houston Texans and Chicago Bears as the only clubs in the league who mathematically can’t compete in the postseason.

So, with the Broncos battered and bruised, what’s there really left to play for? It’d be understandable if guys were ready to get to the offseason. That means vacation, relaxation and a break from losing.

But for safety Justin Simmons, that won’t be the case. Simmons gave a passionate answer on Wednesday during his media availability, explaining what’s important these final four games. He says you’ll be able to learn about the makeup of his teammates.

“These next four weeks will tell a lot about your character as a player and as a person because you’re not playing for the playoffs. That’s obviously out the window. It’s a true test of character that when you are out there playing, are you still giving it 100 percent? Is this everything that you said it was and more? Everyone talks about how it’s a childhood dream, something you’ve always wanted to play since you were little, and how you love the game,” Simmons said.

Simmons raises a good point. It would be simple for guys to just collect a paycheck and make “business decisions” throughout the game. Rather than bust their butts to make a difficult and potentially dangerous tackle, it’d be easier to just let an opponent sneak past.

But for Simmons, that’s not going to happen. And he expects the rest of the team to follow suit.

“For me, thinking about that question, it’s a no brainer. It’s going out there and doing my job at the highest level possible because that’s what I get paid to do and I love doing it. There are always going to be challenges with that, but at the end of the day, I care too much about these guys that put in the work,” Simmons said.

While Simmons is under contract for another two-years and $29 million, a lot of other players don’t have that financial security. They’re looking to get paid this offseason, and injuries could prevent that. On the other hand, so could sloppy play, so it’s a bit of a double-edged sword.

We’ll see over the next four Sundays who wants it and who doesn’t. Sometimes the ball doesn’t lie, but the film never lies.

Simmons is hoping everyone shows up.

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