Simmons Makes Immediate Impact in Bears Debut

Jeffery Simmons made an immediate impact in his first game for Chicago, helping the Bears defeat the Seattle Seahawks 34-17 on November 2. The defensive tackle finished with six tackles, a sack and a tackle for loss, while his presence helped create chances for other defenders.

Simmons’ sack came in the first quarter, during Seattle’s second possession. A facemask penalty on teammate Grady Jarrett erased the yardage loss, but Simmons still received credit for the sack. Chicago went on to force a punt on the drive.

The Bears acquired Simmons from Tennessee during the week leading up to November 2, sending the Titans two opening-round selections and a pick in round four in exchange for the four-time Pro Bowler and a fifth-round selection. Since the unified draft format began in 1967, no team had previously given up several first-round choices to acquire a defensive tackle.

Simmons’ disruption helped set up a late defensive play. He and Montez Sweat pressured quarterback Sam Darnold, and Austin Booker tipped Darnold’s pass. James Lynch intercepted it and returned the ball to Seattle’s 6-yard line; D’Andre Swift scored soon after to extend Chicago’s lead.

Simmons said he was glad to join a team competing to win. The Bears are scheduled to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a primetime game on November 9.