Opinons on Brian Simmons

[northshore saint]

I just wanted some input from Bengals fans on what the Saints can expect to get out of Brian Simmons. I know he's on the downside of his career but just from what I read I think he's a hell of a lot better than most of the guys we have at linebacker right now especially in the middle.

[Whur CHad At?]

You will get a leader thats about it. He will get run over by bigger backs, he is an average player at best

[HoosierCat]

Upsides: smart, good locker room presence, good in coverage. Can play weak side or MLB. Has a knack for the occasional big play (see http://www.bengals.com/news/news.asp?story_id=5910 croll down).

Downsides: age, missed time last season with a neck stinger. Is slowing down and can be a liability against the run.

[northshore saint]

Thanks for the input. This has kind of been a hot topic of discussion lately amongst Saints fans. The only linebacker that he we have that is a lock to start next year is Scott Fujita. Not a lot was expected of him last year when we got him but he turned out to be an impact player for us. Scott Shanle was given an extension by the team but most think that the team will bring someone in to compete with him for the other outside spot. Simoneaux was just horrible last year at MLB. He got run over a lot especially in the playoffs.

[Stripes]

Simmons should at the very least be an upgrade over Simoneau. I think he has enough gas left in the tank to make a positive impact for the Saints.

Watch out for screen passes!

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

Has never, at any point in his career, been able to successfully detect a screen pass before it is far too late. Other than that, smart guy, good guy, but not a tough guy.

[WhoDeyForever]

He was no doubt one of the leaders of our defense. I thought cutting him was a big mistake. I have always liked the guy. Yes he is getting older but I think he is still a good linebacker who will make a big play every now and then. Good luck with him! I will be cheering for him

[skyline]

I think he's a good pickup for you guys.

He IS a good player. Very quiet, and often overlooked. Sure, he's declining, but if you get a decent rotation going at his spot he'll still have two or three productive seasons ahead of him.

[ShulaSteakhouse]

Yeah he should help you guys - but he's not very physical. He can have big games here and there, and has good speed still, and can cover reasonably well.

There's a lot of unknowns there since he's never played for another team in the NFL - but he's always adapted reasonably well here in Cincy with the coaching and defensive coordinator merry-go-round we've endured for years.

[Kirkendall]

I thought cutting him was a big mistake.

Was? I still have a tear in my Who-Dey beer.

[schweinhart]

Simmons is better suited for the middle at the end of his career. He's more physical than Simoneau but by no means a bruiser. Plus he's still passable as a nickel backer and could swing the weakside if needed.

Not sure what he's getting paid to play for the Saints but there might be a decent enough of a return on him on the field.

[gregstephens]

I've just added a column about Simmons on the site. He's a tremendously nice guy who will be a positive influence to the team and the community. Second tier linebacker perhaps, but solid and more than makes up for any shortcomings with his intangibles. I was genuinely upset he got cut when Smith got franchised for eight million. I like Smith, but he, too, is second tier and, frankly, I'd like to know if anyone talked to Simmons about restructuring to keep him.

[HairOnFire]

...I'd like to know if anyone talked to Simmons about restructuring to keep him.

No, they didn't.

And I think that speaks loudly.

[semiotter]

He still a good LB and I cant say anything bad about the guy. He played for us all those crappy years and was one of the few bright spots!!!