Josh Simmons, the slimmed-down Chiefs tackle, reflects on his rookie season, one year later. It's been a whirlwind journey for the 23-year-old, who went from tearing his patellar tendon in his final Ohio State season to becoming the Chiefs' opening-day left tackle. Simmons' story is a testament to resilience and hard work, but it's also a reminder of the challenges that come with the territory.
Simmons' journey began with a setback. He suffered a torn patellar tendon during his final year at Ohio State, which meant he fell to the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL Draft. Despite this, he impressed during mandatory minicamp and training camp, looking healthy and poised to start at left tackle. However, his season took an unexpected turn when he had to take a leave of absence to attend to a family situation in California.
The absence was a challenge, as Simmons missed out on crucial in-game reps. He struggled to replicate the intensity and pressure of actual football, and it showed in his performance. Simmons played just three games upon his return, dislocating and fracturing his wrist during a Thanksgiving loss to the Dallas Cowboys. It was a frustrating start to his rookie season, and one that left him feeling inconsistent.
Simmons is now determined to improve his consistency and make his sets look the same from play to play. He's focusing on his technique, hand placement, and other aspects of his process, and he's spending more time in the film and weight rooms to prepare for the upcoming season. He's also working on his weight, having slimmed down to around 285-290 pounds, with hopes of reaching 300 by the start of the season.
The challenge of guarding opposing defensive ends in the NFL is a key focus for Simmons. He wants to be athletic enough to move with players like Nik Bonitto and Khalil Mack, while remaining disciplined enough to mirror their tells. It's a tall order, but one that Simmons is determined to master.
Despite the setbacks, Simmons remains optimistic about the future. He's confident that he's on the right track and that his hard work will pay off. He's also excited to protect star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who is coming off his own serious knee injury. Simmons believes that Mahomes is a 'dog' who will be ready for the challenges ahead.
In conclusion, Josh Simmons' rookie season has been a rollercoaster, but it's a story of resilience and determination. He's learned from his mistakes and is now focused on improving his consistency and performance. With his slimmed-down physique and renewed focus, Simmons is poised to make a strong impact in his second season with the Kansas City Chiefs.
