Isaiah Simmons has team-high 10 tackles for Cardinals vs. Seahawks
Nov 19, 2020, 11:24 PM
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
In what was a disjointed and sloppy 28-21 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, the Arizona Cardinals had few bright spots.
One of them on Thursday, though, was rookie linebacker Isaiah Simmons.
As Simmons continues to get more opportunities and snaps each week, he finally had his breakthrough game on Thursday.
Simmons recorded a team-high 10 tackles and two for loss, showing off that speed that made him a first-round pick for the Cardinals in the 2020 NFL Draft.
“I definitely saw him flash and felt like he was out there making plays,” head coach Kliff Kingsbury said of Simmons.
Simmons also picked up his first career sack.
Isaiah Simmons 1st NFL SACK💪
— PFF College (@PFF_College) November 20, 2020
The 22-year-old made a few key plays in the game, including that sack on Russell Wilson and a tackle in space on the difficult to bring down D.K. Metcalf.
Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph said Tuesday that he’s seen a lot of improvement in Simmons and wanted to see him now take advantage of the extra chances.
“He’s been patient, and it’s time,” Joseph said.
Cardinals fans were excited to see things starting to come together for Simmons.
Isaiah Simmons is our best defender tonight and it’s not close.
— Johnny Venerable (@JohnnyVenerable) November 20, 2020
Really excited from what I saw from Isaiah Simmons. Show glimpses of a future star.
— Andrew (@AndrewLeezus) November 20, 2020
I guess maybe we didn’t have to put Isaiah Simmons on an ice float after his 4th NFL game when he didn’t have a preseason.
— Scott Howard (@ScottHoward42) November 20, 2020
If you want a positive from tonight, Isaiah Simmons was all over the field. Finally starting to catch up to NFL speed and that is very scary for opposing offenses.
— Aaron Shapiro (@ajshapi1) November 20, 2020
Isaiah Simmons is BALLING!
— Cody Fincher (@Bear987FM) November 20, 2020