No Denver Broncos player finished 2022 stronger than Justin Simmons

EDITOR’S NOTE: This week, we’ll be giving out Broncos awards for the 2022 season.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

MASE: Justin Simmons

Pat Surtain made an exceptional case. He earned NFLPA All-Pro honors. He was the Broncos’ only Pro Bowl selection. And by Week 17, Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes wanted no part of Surtain, to the point that he never threw in the second-year cornerback’s direction during Kansas City’s 27-24 win.

So, why isn’t it Surtain?

Because Justin Simmons was spectacular as he found his groove after returning from an early-season injury. Always blessed with exceptional range, Simmons had the best playmaking stretch of his career, intercepting 5 passes and forcing a fumble in the final 6 games. He finished the season with a league-best 6 interceptions — the most for a Bronco since Champ Bailey in 2016.

Had Pro Bowl voting been after the season, Simmons surely would have returned to the event. But it took place when he had just half of his 6 picks.

Simmons was a difference-maker. He was the biggest reason why Denver’s defense transformed into a unit capable of game-turning plays.

But Simmons is exhausted of the losing. This coming year will be his eighth in the NFL. He turns 30 during the 2023 season. And yet he hasn’t even played a season-ending game with playoff implications — let alone made it to the postseason.

When the Broncos hire their next head coach, that new boss will hit the phone and reach out to players. The first player the coach calls should be Russell Wilson. The reason is obvious: Restoring Wilson to his past apex is a top priority.

But call No. 2 should go to Simmons. And the new coach must sell the vision for a turnaround. Because no Bronco is more fatigued of the seemingly ceaseless litany of defeats, empty promises and false starts in rebuilding.

CECIL: Justin Simmons

The Broncos’ defensive player of the year has to be Simmons. He tied for the league lead in interceptions with six in the 2022 season. Simmons has been a leader with the Broncos for a long time, and he’s arguably the best safety in the game.

I look at Simmons as a Safety instead of just a free safety or just a strong safety. There are elements of both jobs to his game. Simmons is proven in coverage, and he does a great job of baiting quarterbacks into poor throws. He’s always had the range to play “centerfielder” for the Broncos’ defense, and he seems to always be around the ball regardless of where the pass ends up.

Simmons has also proven himself for years against the run. Sure, he’s not a thumper like Steve Atwater, but Simmons is not afraid to do the dirty work against larger running backs and tight ends.

Simply put, the Broncos need more players like Simmons on the roster. He’s gone from a mid-round pick to a solid starter, to a Pro Bowl player during his time in the league. It’s not only on the field, which is outstanding, but Simmons is also a great presence off the field. Simply put, he’s the perfect Broncos player you want to highlight and build around.

***