Linebacker Isaiah Simmons Makes Giants Debut in Preseason Loss to Jets
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - While New York Jets fans were awaiting quarterback Aaron Rodgers' first snap with the team, New York Giants fans were on the lookout for safety/inside linebacker Isaiah Simmons, acquired via trade from the Arizona Cardinals on Wednesday for a seventh-round pic.
Simmons, the eighth overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft, revealed how excited he was to come to New York and play on Saturday evening against the Jets.
"Just to be able to get out there in new threads, it felt really good," Simmons said after the game. "It felt amazing out in the new environment with Giants fans. I just appreciate them for giving me the opportunity (to play)."
Simmons detailed some of the strengths that he brings to the table, as he's content lining up at either safety or linebacker.
"My ability to generate big plays, whether if it’s me making a sack, or an interception, or a PBU, or whatever it could be, a (tackle for loss)," he said. "I feel like my playmaking ability can come about at any point in the game. I feel like that’s one of my strongest suits (and) I’m able to affect the game on multiple different levels."
Simmons was highly touted coming out of Clemson for his versatility and athleticism. However, the 25-year-old didn't showcase his abilities until his second season in 2021, when he collected 105 tackles, seven pass breakups, four forced fumbles, four tackles for loss and an interception. He also put up similar numbers last season, but he's yet to stand out among the rest of the NFL.
It was somewhat surprising to see Simmons get some snaps after not going through a practice with his new team, but that didn't matter to head coach Brian Daboll, who explained his thought process behind letting Simmons get his feet wet in the Giants defense.
"It's good to just give some information to a player that comes in that quick and see how they handle it," he said. "We only gave him a limited role but wanted to get him out there just to get his feet wet in the defense. He studied hard, and he was ready to go."
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