SE Atlanta News

Justin Simmons, a familiar face to the Denver Broncos, will experience a different kind of homecoming as he returns to Denver this Sunday as a member of the Atlanta Falcons. Having spent eight years with the Broncos, Simmons will find himself on the opposite sideline for the first time in his career.

Simmons still considers Denver home for his family and acknowledges that the game will be emotionally significant. "You see guys all around the league go back to places where they played," Simmons stated. "They embrace the challenge of working through whatever it is, the physical aspect, the emotional aspect of it. So, yeah, I'm really looking forward to it."

During his tenure with the Broncos, Simmons was recognized as a second-team All-Pro player four times and earned two Pro Bowl selections. The Broncos released him in March, leading him to sign with the Falcons as a free agent in August.

"No bad blood on my end. I have nothing but love," Simmons said about his former team. "They'll always be in my heart as a great organization. And then at the same (time), knowing where I am now, really looking forward to going in there and finding a way to win a football game."

Simmons is well-acquainted with both the environment and personnel of Denver's defense, which ranks eighth in points allowed this season. Their pass rush stands out with 35 sacks and 105 pressures so far. Outside linebackers Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper have been key contributors.

The defensive improvements are attributed to another year under defensive coordinator Vance Joseph's leadership. "Now, Year 2 of it, you see the guys are buying in and they're playing really well — I think that's the biggest difference there," Simmons noted.

Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins will face Denver's formidable defense head-on. "You always try to get better at that balance of when should I extend the play...with a rush like Denver's," Cousins explained.

Denver's secondary also poses challenges; cornerback Patrick Surtain II has excelled this season with three interceptions and leads in yards after an interception.

Simmons praised Surtain: "I think the No. 1 thing for him as a player is he's so patient." Sunday's matchup provides Simmons an opportunity to reconnect with former teammates while aiming for victory with his new team.

Falcons players are eager to support Simmons in this effort. "(Raheem Morris) joked around saying 'they shipped him out of there,'" fellow safety Jessie Bates shared.