The Denver Broncos and Atlanta Falcons spent the week working on fixing mistakes made during special teams plays that cost them both games.
The Broncos (5-5) are focused on improving their field-goal protection after their unit allowed the Kansas City Chiefs to remain unbeaten by blocking a 35-yard field goal attempt that would have won the game as time ran out last weekend.
The Falcons (6-4) worked on getting kicker Younghoe Koo back on track after he missed three field goals, which helped the New Orleans Saints end a seven-game losing streak and gave Atlanta its first loss in five games against NFC South opponents.
Sean Payton’s Broncos are undefeated against division rivals this season, with all three wins coming by double digits. Their defense has been strong, and their offense, led by quarterback Bo Nix, has been improving. Nix was named NFL Rookie of the Week after outplaying Patrick Mahomes at Arrowhead Stadium.
Sunday’s game could be a turning point for both teams, and it will also mark the return of Justin Simmons, the star safety who was let go by the Broncos after eight seasons due to salary cap issues.
Simmons’ $18.25 million salary for 2024 was too expensive for the Broncos, who were already dealing with a large cap hit from Russell Wilson’s contract. Simmons signed a one-year, $7.5 million deal with the Falcons after the safety market dried up.
“Hey bro, you see me coming across the middle, just remember we’re friends,” wide receiver Courtland Sutton texted his former teammate ahead of their reunion.
Both the Broncos and Simmons have been successful since their separation. Denver continues to have one of the best defenses in the league, and they replaced Simmons with free agent Brandon Jones, who signed a three-year, $20 million contract, which was more manageable for the team.
Simmons has 35 tackles and one interception — he picked off Mahomes, who he has intercepted six times in his career — while working alongside Jessie Bates III to form an experienced safety duo that is known for making big plays.
“You always want to win when you’ve got a guy like Justin because of the high-quality character human that you’re talking about,” Falcons coach Raheem Morris said. “And you’re taking him back to a place that he played a significant amount of time in his career at. And obviously, we got lucky enough to be able to get him in the process.
“So how nice would it be to go out there and get a win for Justin and his family that’s out there right now cheering them on, hopefully having a chance to come see him play this week?”
Simmons still lives in the Denver area during the offseason and said he expects a mixed reception: “I won’t hear as many cheers, probably a little bit more boos.”
