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QB Chris Simms, Denver Broncos

HT: 6-4, WT: 220, Born: 8-29-1980, College: Texas, Drafted: Round 3

2009 Projections

Best Case

The Broncos brought in Chris Simms to compete for the starting QB job although he hasn't been a starter since 2006, when he threw seven interceptions in his first three games, before rupturing his spleen in a courageous performance against the Carolina Panthers. He missed the entire 2007 season due to injury, and in 2008 the Bucs released him. The Titans promptly added him to their roster, but he barely saw the field. Now he'll try to rejuvenate his career in the Mile High City. He has a better arm than Kyle Orton and the year before the disastrous ending of his run in Tamps, Simms completed over 60 percent of his passes in 11 games as the Buccaneers starter. The premier weapons in Denver could make any QB look good, and it's possible Simms will catch lightning in a bottle in Josh McDaniels' QB-friendly offense. If he is named the starter, stays healthy for the entire season, and cuts down on his turnovers we could see a 3,000-yard season with close to 20 TDs.

Worst Case

Chris Simms looked horrendous the last time a team expected him to start. A playoff loss to the Redskins at the end of the 2005 season was followed the next season by an atrocious start. It has been three years since Simms started a game and there are questions about how quickly he can pick up McDaniels' system. Kyle Orton played in a similar spread attack while at Purdue so the transition may be less difficult for him. Simms certainly looks the part, but how will he play when the lights are on and the games count? Denver committed to him for two years but they don't have a lot invested in him. If Simms doesn't look good, Denver will have no problem finding a replacement.

Outlook

The starting QB battle in Denver may last all the way through training camp, and as of right now Kyle Orton appears to have the edge. Chris Simms looked good in practice for the Titans in 2008, and so far the reports have been very positive out of Broncos mini camp. If he can win the job, Simms could be a nice fantasy surprise.

Relevant Articles

Latest News

Broncos | Simms likely to start in Week 11 (Thu Nov 19, 04:51 PM) - The Associated Press reports Denver Broncos QB Chris Simms is likely to start in Week 11 against the San Diego Chargers after taking snaps with the first team again Thursday, Nov. 19.

Our View: It would be Simms first start since 2006, but the Broncos could be in trouble against the Chargers. The team may lean more on the ground game to help keep things simple for Simms if he does get the start.
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Broncos | Game plan will not change if Simms starts (Thu Nov 19, 12:33 PM) - Frank Schwab, of the Colorado Springs Gazette, reports Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels said the game plan in Week 11 will not change if QB Chris Simms has to start in place of QB Kyle Orton (ankle).

Our View: The Broncos passing game will not be the same without Kyle Orton. Yes, Simms is getting more reps in practice this week, but he played terrible with the lead against the Redskins. If Orton can't play, and Simms struggles again, we could see rookie Tom Brandstater inserted into the lineup.
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Broncos | Simms takes first-team snaps Wednesday (Wed Nov 18, 11:38 PM) - The Associated Press reports Denver Broncos QB Chris Simms practiced with the first-team offense in practice Wednesday, Nov. 18.

Our View: The coaching staff is still reportedly planning on starting Orton. This probably won't end well for Broncos fans.
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Broncos | Orton throws two TD passes Week 10 (Sun Nov 15, 05:34 PM) - The Associated Press reports Denver Broncos QB Kyle Orton (ankle) was 11-for-18 for 193 yards with two touchdown passes Week 10 against the Washington Redskins. Orton limped to the locker room after suffering an ankle injury and was replaced by QB Chris Simms, who went 3-for-13 for 13 yards and an interception in the game.

Our View: Orton struggled tremendously after an ankle injury last season, so this injury could be significant even if Orton is able to return next week. The play of Simms wasn't at all reassuring for the fantasy prospects of Brandon Marshall or Eddie Royal.
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Broncos | Orton leaves game because of ankle injury (Sun Nov 15, 03:17 PM) - The Associated Press reports Denver Broncos QB Kyle Orton (ankle) was not starting after halftime because of an ankle injury. Orton came up hobbling on a scramble right before halftime. When he returned to the sidelines in the second half, his left ankle was heavily taped. The Broncos say his return is doubtful. QB Chris Simms has replaced Orton.

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More News

2009 Schedule

2008 Game Summaries

Week 17 - Simms saw brief, end of the game action, completing one of his two total attempts for seven yards.