All the offseason excitement surrounding the New York Giants fanbase came to a screeching halt by the end of the disastrous season-opener against the Minnesota Vikings. Nobody was happy while watching the game, especially not fifth-year utility man Isaiah Simmons.
After an encouraging 2023 campaign with the G-Men, Simmons was expected to take on a sizable role in the defense. Not only did he see his role decrease from last season, but he did not play a single snap for the first time in his NFL career in Week 1. What in the world happened there?
CB/LB Isaiah Simmons said it was the first time in his life he's ever not played a defensive snap in a game. Called it "shocking" and "confusing." He didn't see it coming until practice last week. Hoping he's implemented more in the game plan this week.
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) September 11, 2024
Simmons: "Hopefully they…
Isaiah Simmons frustrated with lack of usage in Week 1 loss
The ex-Arizona Cardinal was clearly unhappy about his underutilization this past Sunday. He called it "frustrating" and "shocking" to not be on the field. While he is trying to adopt a team-first mindset, Simmons can't help but question why his coaching staff couldn't find a way for him to take even one snap.
Simmons thought he had a great camp and would be implemented into the game plan during the Week 1 showdown, but he found himself riding the pine for 60 minutes. Could this signify the end of his Giants tenure is near?
Simmons was utilized often under Wink Martindale last year. He played 377 defensive snaps in 2023, making up 48.91 percent of NY's total snap count. The former first-round pick can line up in the defensive backfield or the slot as a pass-rusher, and his versatility made him valuable in Martindale's high-frequency blitz defense.
Shane Bowen runs a more zone-heavy scheme with less blitzes, which immediately puts Simmons' role in peril. Big Blue ran Cover 3 or Cover 6 for 50 percent of its defensive snaps against Minnesota. Regardless, given the nature of the game script, putting Simmons in for a series or two couldn't have hurt. Players like backup safety Dane Belton saw the field in the fourth quarter.
No one on the defensive end besides Dexter Lawrence made an impact on the contest, and the Giants still would've received a beatdown had Simmons played. However, Joe Schoen must determine what he wants to do with Simmons moving forward because the 26-year-old CB/LB could still be a serviceable contributor elsewhere.