Cardinals’ Isaiah Simmons intent on proving he’s the best guy on the field

TEMPE — It’s been quite the start to the season for Arizona Cardinals star backer Isaiah Simmons.

After seeing his number called on nearly every play in Week 1 — in addition to relaying the defense — Simmons saw just 15 snaps come his way this past Sunday.

Despite the limited reps, Simmons still impacted the game’s outcome in a big way, highlighted by his forced fumble in overtime that was returned for the game-winning touchdown.

But for a player that had been touted as one of Arizona’s best weapons defensively this offseason, the lack of playing time in Week 2 was beyond glaring.

And no matter the reasoning, be it a demotion over practice habits or just how the game plan shook out, the sudden change didn’t have Simmons feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.

Instead of sulking in the corner of the locker room, though, Simmons is looking ahead for his next chance to shine.

“No doubt (I was upset with the snap count),” he said Friday. “It was definitely frustrating. … The NFL’s really been like my first time not being out there 100% of the time, so it’s definitely difficult at times. But I always just keep in mind that my opportunity is going to come and when I do get in there, just make it evident that I should be in there.

“I go out there every day and give everything I got every play, in practice and in the games,” the star backer added. “That’s really just left up to the coaches based on how they evaluated me.”

From what Kingsbury and defensive coordinator Vance Joseph have said over the course of practice this week, Simmons is responding to the benching at practice and in the meeting rooms.

With the Los Angeles Rams coming to town, Arizona will need everything it can get out of the star backer, whether that’s 15 plays or 60.

“I believe the coaches are trying to make the choices that are best for the team, so I just got to go out there and show that I’m the best guy out there every time,” Simmons said.

“That’s my mentality. Every time I’m on that field, show everybody that I’m the best player on the field.”

Follow @Tdrake4sports