Justin Simmons believes Broncos are fit for competitive AFC West: 'I like our chances to host playoff games' – NFL.com

Around the NFL Writer
Denver Broncos star safety Justin Simmons enters Year 7 having never played in a postseason game.
Following the Broncos’ Super Bowl 50 win in the 2015 season, Denver drafted the playmaking safety in the third round. Since then, the club hasn’t returned to the playoffs a single time.
With a new coaching staff and quarterback Russell Wilson in Denver, Simmons said Tuesday on Good Morning Football that he likes the Broncos’ chances of ending the streak of postseason futility.
“In terms of the playoffs, I’m really excited,” Simmons said. “Like you said, I just missed the Super Bowl with Denver; got drafted the year after, and then since then, the best record that I’ve been a part of was 9-7, just missing that playoff berth. Guys are hungry, and obviously, Russ is hungry. We got a hungry group, we’ve got a talented group, and that’s what I’m really looking forward to. I feel like if you have that — as long as we don’t beat ourselves — I like our chances to host playoff games and eventually hoist the Lombardi trophy at the end of the year.”
The Broncos have had talent on defense during Simmons’ first six seasons but have been unable to climb into contention in an AFC West dominated by the Kansas City Chiefs. In the past two seasons, Denver finished in the cellar in the division.
With Wilson helming the offense, weapons galore at the skill positions, and key pieces still in place on defense, optimism is overflowing in Denver. However, they also watched their division rivals make upgrades this season.
The AFC West will be the toughest division in football in 2022, but that doesn’t bother Simmons.
“I think the confidence level is at an all-time high,” the 28-year-old said. “Playing in the best division in football, being in the AFC West, is going to be challenging but it’s going to be fun, right? I think Russ kind of hit it on the head in his opening presser when he was officially announced as a Denver Bronco, and saying, ‘I’m not scared of the competition and I want to go up against the best, and there’s no better division to go up against in the AFC West.’ Seeing (Justin) Herbert, (Derek) Carr and (Patrick) Mahomes twice a year and obviously how talented that offense is, but just as a team. The defensive additions that all those teams have gotten and things like that. I’m just really looking forward to the competitive nature that those games are going to hold. I’m excited for, you know, obviously us, but the fans to watch those games as well. It’s going to be really cool. It’s going to be a lot of fireworks for those games.”
If the Broncos are to return to the postseason, they’ll need plenty of fireworks of their own to come out on top in the AFC West.
NFL+ gives you the freedom to watch LIVE out-of-market preseason games, LIVE local and prime-time regular-season and postseason games on your phone or tablet, the best NFL programming on-demand and more! Wherever you are, this is how you football! Learn more about NFL+.
The first episode of Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Detroit Lions welcomed us to head coach Dan Campbell and his staff of passionate personalities. In the second episode, the spotlight shined on some of the younger players trying to make a name for themselves, NFL.com’s Brendan Walker writes.
Drew Lock was running with the Seattle Seahawks No. 1s at Tuesday’s practice and was slated to start his team’s second preseason game Thursday against the visiting Chicago Bears, but has tested positive for COVID and is now out for the game.
Rookie New York head coach Brian Daboll is going to get Tyrod Taylor ready to play if needed, but stresses it doesn’t mean Daniel Jones is being demoted.
The Patriots placed Super Bowl XLIX hero Malcolm Butler on injured reserve, the club announced Tuesday, which officially ends his 2022 season.
Jets QB Zach Wilson underwent successful knee surgery on Tuesday and he still has a shot to play in Week 1 against the Baltimore Ravens.
Antonio Gibson, the penciled-in starter entering 2022 camp, struggled in the Commanders’ preseason opener, gaining two yards on four carries and fumbling once. The turnover appears to have lingered in the minds of his coaches, who emphasized that there’s always competition at the RB position.
The Browns have placed starting center Nick Harris (knee) on injured reserve, effectively ending his season.
Patriots CB Joejuan Williams suffered a shoulder injury that will knock him out for the season, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported. Find out what other NFL news we’re tracking this Tuesday.
Dan Campbell said Monday he liked what he saw from Lions CB Jeff Okudah, who is looking to get back on track following an Achilles injury that marred his second season in 2021.
The hype surrounding Pittsburgh Steelers second-round receiver George Pickens continues to build after his sterling performance in the preseason opener. Fellow WR Diontae Johnson is among those impressed, recently referring to Pickens a “freak.”
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are signing edge rusher Carl Nassib, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Wednesday.
You won’t want to miss a moment of the 2022 season!
© 2022 NFL Enterprises LLC. NFL and the NFL shield design are registered trademarks of the National Football League.The team names, logos and uniform designs are registered trademarks of the teams indicated. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. NFL footage © NFL Productions LLC.

source