ENGLEWOOD – Justin Simmons features on a number of dimensions. He’s a middle fielder, a communicator, and a pacesetter.
Friday, he represented the Broncos’ finest participant when viewing postseason awards. Simmons, 30, earned second-team All-Professional honors for the third consecutive yr and the fourth time in his storied eight-season profession. Rookie Marvin Mims Jr. acquired second-team honors as a kick returner after averaging 26.5 yards per try.
For Simmons, the popularity helps, if solely barely, soothe the sting of lacking the postseason. The playoffs are the one factor absent on his resume, however it isn’t due to him the Broncos are residence watching. Over the previous three seasons, Simmons has delivered 14 interceptions and compelled 5 fumbles. He delivered a giant decide within the Broncos’ first victory over the Chiefs in eight years this previous season, snapping a 16-game shedding streak to their division rival.
Simmons was named a Professional Bowl starter just a few weeks in the past, becoming a member of Corridor of Famer Steve Atwater and Broncos Ring of Famer Goose Gonsoulin as the one safeties in group historical past to earn a number of Professional Bowl and All-Professional honors. Simmons, who overcame a hip/groin harm early within the season, expressed gratitude, however at all times praised his teammates for placing him place to excel.
Mims, a former star at Oklahoma, is quicker than a blink. He delivered a 99-yard kick return landing in opposition to the Dolphins and developed right into a constant menace on punts and kicks. He’s additionally solely the third Broncos particular teamer to obtain Professional Bowl honors, becoming a member of Rick Upchurch and Glyn Milburn.
In a shock, Pat Surtain II didn’t obtain All-Professional honors this season, ending seventh within the voting. The Cowboys’ Daron Bland, who led league in interceptions and decide six scores, New York’s Sauce Gardner and Kansas Metropolis’s slot nook Trent McDuffie acquired the popularity. Simmons believed Surtain deserved higher.
“No PS2 is loopy. No disrespect to the fellows that made it as a result of they’re heck of gamers. However anybody who watches what we do is aware of Pat is All-Professional this yr AGAIN!!! Examine his numbers in opposition to #1 receivers,” Simmons tweeted. “Unbelievable. At MINIMUM second group.”
Proper guard Quinn Meinerz continues to open eyes. After practically incomes Professional Bowl honors, Meinerz, identified for his physicality and brute power, tied for fourth within the voting. Fullback Mike Burton additionally completed fourth at place that has turn out to be a relic within the trendy sport.
Others receiving votes had been broad receiver Courtland Sutton, left sort out Garett Bolles, inside linebacker Alex Singleton, Ja’Quan McMillian, and punter Riley Dixon.
