OWINGS MILLS — Ravens inside linebacker Trenton Simpson learned a few lessons about humility during his rookie year.
After being a dominant player throughout his life, Simspon suddenly found himself on the bench behind more seasoned veterans on the depth chart.
When his moment finally arrived in the season finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Simpson took advantage and put together an impressive performance, which he is looking to carry over to this year.
“It definitely humbled me a little bit, but it was exactly what I needed, because it was a year of growth, and it was a chance to come [and] practice in the NFL,” Simpson said about his rookie year. “That’s a blessing, because I wasn’t rushed and thrown into any type of pressure. I was able to grow every week on [our] scout team, and then when I got a chance to play in Week 18, I had 17 weeks of practice, I was ready to roll. It was a blessing, and everything happens for a reason, so I’m blessed to be here, and [I’m] ready for Year Two.”
While Simpson did have a limited role as a rookie, he showed the potential of his play-making ability against the Steelers, finishing with five tackles, including his first career sack that forced a third-and-20. He also had two tackles for a loss and played a season-high 26 defensive snaps.
He took advantage of his opportunity.
“It was the best thing that could have happened to me, because I had to be patient throughout the season for my moment to come, and when it came, I was prepared,” he said. “It was just that boost of confidence that I needed, like you said, headed into the offseason knowing like I belong [and] I’m ready to play. So, it was a blessing; it was God’s timing. I feel like when I got my chance to go out there and display what I can do, I feel like I made the most out of it.”
Simpson is expected to take over the starting role for Patrick Queen, who signed with the Steelers as a free agent this offseason. Simpson is confident that is ready to play next to All-Pro Roquan Smith.
“It’s just been full circle. [I was] taking every day [of] my rookie year just day by day, learning from Roquan and Patrick Queen, just taking it day by day,” Simpson said. “Now, it’s just like, ‘Man, I’m ready to roll.’ Just every practice, I’m getting more comfortable and more comfortable, so [I’m] just taking it a day at a time and being blessed with the opportunity and just making every play count.”
Simpson keeps asking Smith questions during meetings and on the practice field. Smith has the ability to make players around him better and Simspon is eager to learn.
“[It’s a] blessing, because that dude is a ‘dawg,’ man,” Simpson said. “[Smith’s] mentality [is the same] every single day … the same that you all see on Sundays. It’s a blessing to be beside someone like that, learn from him. Also, [I’m] sitting right beside him in film. Whenever I have a question, he’s there to answer it.
“Off the field, the relationship has grown a lot, also. Just every single day, [I’m] learning something from him and matching his energy. That’s something I picked up: communication and matching his energy every day as a linebacker and leading the defense.”
