Isaiah Simmons snaps still ‘work in progress,’ according to Kingsbury
Oct 4, 2020, 5:24 PM
Linebacker Isaiah Simmons #48 of the Arizona Cardinals stands on the field during the Red & White Practice at State Farm Stadium on August 28, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Part of the value in the Arizona Cardinals drafting Isaiah Simmons eighth overall in the 2020 NFL Draft was his versatility.
With top-level speed and an ability to cover the field like few linebackers at the college level, Simmons was used for Clemson at a variety of positions, including safety.
So when the Cardinals were ravaged by injuries leading up to Sunday’s matchup with the Carolina Panthers, missing safeties Budda Baker, Chris Banjo and Jalen Thompson, the question was proposed if Simmons should slide there to help.
After all, he only played 35 total snaps over the team’s first three games. This would find him playing time as well, and had him practice there during the week.
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Alas, head coach Kliff Kingsbury declined to play him much in a 31-21 loss. Curtis Riley had a rough game at safety trying to fill in, and Kingsbury was asked after the game why Simmons only played 10 snaps.
“We’re still trying to work him in,” Kingsbury said. “We want to put him in positions to be successful, to understand our scheme. It’s a work in progress still. No offseason, no preseason — we knew it would take some time.
“We’re a month in now and I think he is progressing but we’re going to continue to try and find ways to get him in where he can have success.”
Simmons finished with one tackle in the game as the questions continue on why the first-round pick isn’t getting a lot of time on the field.
Where is Isaiah Simmons?
— Cameron Cox (@CamCox12) October 4, 2020
I can’t explain the Isaiah Simmons thing.
— Johnny Venerable (@JohnnyVenerable) October 4, 2020
Seriously, why is Riley playing over Simmons? It's a fireable offense and should absolutely be addressed every single press conference.
— Yup (@SCoxFB) October 4, 2020
Hear me out. A decent defensive coordinator would figure out how to use their 8th overall selection in Isaiah Simmons. Vance Joesph is far from decent.
— Vic (@CardinalsElite) October 4, 2020
Cardinals benching Simmons in spite of the mediocre play from Campbell and Reddick is maddening. He needs to play to improve and ultimately make the impact expected from the 8th overall draft pick.
— Kyle Clark (@kyclark) October 4, 2020
