Chris Simms Unbuttoned - podcast cover

Chris Simms Unbuttoned

Chris Simmswww.nbcsports.com
Chris Simms takes an unfiltered look at the NFL, featuring player access, unabashed opinion, X&O film breakdown, and stories from a life in and around football.

Episodes

Top 40 QB Tiers, #AskMeAnything, & Fake Lasers

Chris and Paul recap the Simms Top 40 QB Countdown by taking your questions on Lamar Jackson vs Kyler Murray, a league full of Case Keenums, and a fake 2006 commercial. (5:45) Top 40 QB Tiers: Chris puts some lines of demarcation on his rankings. And could he see anyone passing Mahomes next year? (19:00) Case Keenum: If he was the QB of every team in the NFL, who wins the Super Bowl? (23:40) QBs 41-50: What were the names that just missed out on the Top 40? (27:55) QB Rank Concerns: Who does Chr...

Jun 24, 20212 hr 31 minEp. 284

Top 40 QB Countdown #4-1 + The Miz on Ahmed's Super Brawl

We reach the end of the Simms Top 40 QB Countdown, and then welcome WWE superstar The Miz to weigh in on Ahmed's Super Brawl. (8:30) QB #4 Deshaun Watson: "Just between the lines, there is no weakness to his game" (20:55) QB #3 Aaron Rodgers & #2 Josh Allen: "This was the hardest ranking for me on the whole list" (44:00) QB #1 Patrick Mahomes: "Nobody brings more belief & magic to a football field" (58:50) Top 10 QBs To Drink A Woodford Reserve With: Producer Pete makes his own list for Twitter ...

Jun 21, 20212 hr 38 minEp. 283

Top 40 QB Countdown: #8-5 + Throwing in the Rain

We're nearing the end of the Simms Top 40 QB Countdown with 4 more QBs revealed, and Paul returns with some Kentucky-themed QB Jeopardy. But first, Chris tells the story of the time his grandfather lost all his teeth. (3:55) Cam Newton & Tua Tagovailoa: How much should we care about interceptions at rainy June minicamps? (12:20) Xavien Howard, Stephon Gilmore, & Jamal Adams: Who should be getting new contracts? (22:30) QB #8 Matthew Stafford: "He's on a team now, and everyone is going to see wha...

Jun 16, 20212 hr 38 minEp. 282

Top 40 QB Countdown: #12-9 + Ahmed finishes the "Super Brawl"

We hit the Top 10 of the Simms Top 40 QB Countdown, and Ahmed gives the final 8 tag teams in the "Super Brawl." But first, Ahmed says he's hooked on Harry Mack and Chris reminisces about the Texas freestyle rap scene. (8:30) QB #12 Ryan Tannehill: "It's time to let go of the old narratives" (24:00) QB #11 Justin Herbert: Why should defenses stop blitzing him? (34:25) QB #10 Tom Brady: "We saw a different Brady last year, and his arm is still top-notch." (48:20) QB #9 Dak Prescott: Maybe Cowboys ...

Jun 14, 20211 hr 29 minEp. 281

Top 40 QB Countdown: #16-13; plus Big Phil on Jordan Love, and "There's a crab on the loose!"

Simms & Ahmed reveal 4 more on the Top 40 QB Countdown, Big Phil chimes in on Baker vs Burrow, Jordan Love, and why hoops skills matters when it comes to QBs. Plus, a European version of "Rate Your Snap Count" (6:30) QB #16 Kirk Cousins: Better than you give him credit for, but there's one big thing missing (18:20) QB #15 Matt Ryan: Simms makes a bold prediction for the remainder of Ryan's Falcons career (28:45) QB #14 Derek Carr: "I thought he brought a bit of an edge...I saw him yell at Gruden...

Jun 09, 20211 hr 23 minEp. 280

Julio Jones traded + Top 40 QB Countdown: #20-17

Julio Jones is traded, Simms reveals 4 more names from the Top 40 QB Countdown, and Ahmed gets into the Top 10 of his QB/Coach Royal Rumble rankings. But first, Chris analyzes Ahmed's dapper Belmont Stakes attire. (5:15) Julio Jones trade: The Titans could have a historic WR duo. Ryan Tannehill is good, get over it. And why couldn't the Falcons get more for Julio? (21:00) QB #20 Cam Newton: "He still has one of the greatest presences on a football field. It's not just about the passing numbers."...

Jun 07, 20212 hr 36 minEp. 279

Top 40 QB Countdown: #25-21

Chris reveals 5 more QBs in his Top 40 QB Countdown (with a new cool official sponsor), and Big Phil finally stopped dodging us. (7:15) #25 Jameis Winston: "He's a top 10 talent when he plays clean and smart." (15:55) #24 Taysom Hill: "Jameis is a better traditional QB, but tradition is gone." (24:25) #23 Ryan Fitzpatrick: "Fitz-tragic is over. It's done. That's old stuff." (30:50) #22 Ben Roethlisberger: "The Steelers need to take the Brady & Buccaneers route with him" (39:50) #21 Jimmy Garoppo...

Jun 03, 20212 hr 32 minEp. 278

Top 40 QB Countdown: #30-26

Chris continues his Top 40 QB Countdown and Ahmed continues his QB/Coach Royal Rumble Countdown, and it all sounds so much sweeter thanks to their new microphones. (6:40) #30 Mac Jones: "I don't look at him as a normal rookie" (19:05) #29 Andy Dalton: He's in front of Justin Fields now, but for how long? (30:30) #28 Trevor Lawrence: "What can't he do on a football field?" (37:20) #27 Zach Wilson: "His throwing is out-of-this-world special" (47:55) #26 Daniel Jones: "He has the potential to be a ...

Jun 01, 20211 hr 28 minEp. 277

Top 40 QB Countdown: #35-31

Chris reveals 5 more names in his Top 40 QB Countdown, while Ahmed is starting his own countdown. Then, the guys rate some fan-submitted snap counts. (4:35) Chris Simms, Professional Body Inspector: It's an AJ Dillon vs Mike Davis quad-off. (14:30) Simms Top 40 QB Countdown reactions: Chris responds to questions on #39 Justin Fields, #38 Trey Lance, and #37 Kellen Mond. (26:30) #35 Tyrod Taylor: "A great backup like Case Keenum, but with better physical talents" (34:20) #34 Tua Tagovailoa: "I sa...

May 26, 20212 hr 32 minEp. 276

Top 40 QB Countdown: #40-36

It's here! The 2021 edition of the Simms Top 40 QB Countdown begins with numbers 40 to 36. (4:10) Overview: Chris explains the guidelines for his rankings. "It's not what you have done all-time or what you will do 3 years down the road. It's what you can do for me this year, and everyone's on the same team." (7:35) QB #40 Case Keenum: "One of the ultimate backups. You can win a Super Bowl with him." (14:05) QB #39 Justin Fields: " He could be Top 20 midseason. But he could also fall out of the T...

May 24, 20211 hr 11 minEp. 275

Simms Top 40 QB Countdown Preview

With the 2021 Simms Top 40 QB Countdown starting next week, Chris and Paul look back at last year's list. (2:35) Legs & Ass: We need to discuss Mike Davis' quads. (8:30) Simms 2020 Top 40 QBs: Chris self-scouts himself on last year's list. (29:45) 2021 QB Props: Who is the best bet to lead the NFL in pass yards & pass TD? (44:00) QB Jeopardy: We see how much Simms knows about last year's Top 10 QBs....

May 19, 202156 minEp. 274

#AskMeAnything: Chiefs Super Bowl Hangover + QB-Coach Royal Rumble

Simms coaches Ahmed on New York traffic and his snap count before they empty the mailbag with a 100% #AskMeAnything . (10:00) Rookie QBs : How would Chris rank the 2021 Draft class on pure ceiling? Where would Jordan Love rank in this class? Is Fields/Dalton similar to Mahomes/Smith? (22:20) "What If?" QBs : Who is the best QB who hasn't won a Super Bowl? What bust would have succeeded on a better team? And Chris clarifies his stance on Sam Darnold. (31:30) Spider 2 Y Banana : Chris picks his pe...

May 17, 20212 hr 34 minEp. 273

Most Improved 2021 Defenses

After we hit the offenses that improved and declined this offseason on Monday, today we'll hit the defenses. Also, Paul brings the return of QB Jeopardy. (9:15) Week 1 Schedule Released - Chris and Paul talk about the best matchups of Week 1, including Josh Allen vs the Steelers defense and The Darnold Bowl. (23:30) Year In (P)Review: Passing Defenses - Washington is ready to dominate this season, and the Titans can turn it around. (35:40) Rushing Defenses - Are the Bucs a lock to be #1 again? A...

May 12, 20211 hr 19 minEp. 272

Faster than DK? + Most Improved 2021 Offenses

Chris & Ahmed talk about the fastest players in the NFL, predict offenses that will improve and decline this season, and hit the mailbag. But first, they talk about a weekend of old man injuries. (7:15) Faster Than DK? Fresh off DK Metcalf's impressive 100m performance, what NFL players could beat him in a race? (23:00) Year In (P)Review: Passing Offenses - Are the Chiefs the best bet to be the #1 next year? Could the Giants take a big leap forward? (44:00) Rushing Offenses - Don't be surprised ...

May 10, 20211 hr 25 minEp. 271

2021 Rookie Predictions + #AskMeAnything

With the draft in the books, Chris makes some predictions about the 2021 rookies, and we get Big Phil's take on the weekend's events. Then Paul grabs some questions from the mailbag. (4:15) 2021 Rookie Predictions, Offense: Who will be this year's Justin Herbert? Jonathan Taylor? Justin Jefferson? (22:15) Big Phil: How much will Trey Lance play this season? How will Mac Jones let the Patriots go back to their strength? What kind of offense will the Bears run with Justin Fields? (1:01:30) 2021 Ro...

May 05, 20211 hr 27 minEp. 270

Bust The Narrative: 49ers take Trey Lance + #AskMeAnything: 2021 Draft Recap

Simms responds to all the narratives about the 49ers drafting Trey Lance over Mac Jones, and then gives us the 2021 Draft picks he loved and questioned. But first, Ahmed regales us with tales from the Kentucky Derby and then introduces Odafe (formerly Jayson) Oweh. (3:45) Bust The Narrative: 49ers Draft Trey Lance - Did Chris plant the Mac Jones rumor as a smokescreen for Kyle Shanahan? Was Lance San Francisco's target all along? (26:45) 2021 Draft Recap - Jets : They got Chris' #1 QB, but did t...

May 03, 20212 hr 30 minEp. 269

2021 NFL Draft Round 1 Recap

Simms & Florio recap Round 1 of the NFL Draft (4:00) The 49ers pull a shocker going with Trey Lance (16:00) The Bears get aggressive with a trade-up to snag Justin Fields (23:45) Mac Jones falls to Bill Belichick and the Patriots (30:30) Is the Aaron Rodgers era in Green Bay over? (52:30) 2 RBs in the 1st round? The Steelers grab Najee Harris and the Jaguars pick Travis Etienne (57:30) Peter King joins from Atlanta to talk about the Falcons drafting Kyle Pitts (1:01:45) Florio & Simms hand out s...

Apr 30, 20212 hr 39 minEp. 268

2021 Draft Sleepers + GUEST: Trey Lance

On the last podcast before the draft, Chris and Paul talk sleepers, QB skill rankings, and take some of your questions. And after, stick around for Chris' interview with North Dakota State QB Trey Lance. (7:10) Simms Mock Draft revisited - Chris elaborates more on why he had Justin Fields at #32, and names the pick he wants to happen the most (19:05) Robin Hood: Draft Sleepers - Simms stumps for less-heralded prospects like Dyami Brown, Amari Rodgers, Marquez Stevenson, Jaelon Darden, Javian Haw...

Apr 28, 20212 hr 38 minEp. 267

Simms 2021 Mock Draft

The long-awaited Simms 2021 Mock Draft is here! Chris predicts what every team will do in Round 1, highlighted by a surprising fall for Justin Fields. (7:00) Big Board: Chris flips Trey Lance and Justin Fields in his final draft rankings. (13:00) #1 Jaguars - QB Trevor Lawrence (15:20) #2 Jets - QB Zach Wilson (16:30) #3 49ers - QB Mac Jones (18:20) #4 Falcons - TE Kyle Pitts (21:10) #5 Bengals - WR Ja'Marr Chase (23:50) #6 Dolphins - WR DeVonta Smith (25:45) #7 Lions - T Penei Sewell (28:30) #8...

Apr 26, 20212 hr 41 minEp. 266

NFL Draft Interviews: Kellen Mond, Caleb Farley, and Dyami Brown

Ohhh baby. With his Draft rankings in the rearview, Simms talks to a trio of his favorite prospects with Draft Day a week away. (1:40) Texas A&M QB Kellen Mond on why he deserves to be a first-round pick, why he chose to do the 'Zach Wilson Throw' at his Pro Day, and how he self-scouted himself across 4 years with the Aggies. (42:15) Virginia Tech CB Caleb Farley on why teams should take a risk on him, how he talks trash, and his battle in college with Chase Claypool. (1:15:35) UNC WR Dyami Brow...

Apr 22, 20212 hr 41 minEp. 265

2021 Draft Tight End Rankings

Chris is extra excited today for some reason. He and Ahmed answer some questions, welcome back Big Phil to the pod, and then reveal Chris' last draft position rankings: Tight Ends. (5:05) Bengals re-brand (sort of) - The Uniform Police react to Cincy's new threads (8:50) #AskMeAnything - Should Justin Fields and Trey Lance start right away? Would you rather have Mac Jones at #3 or Kellen Mond at #12? Is Davis Mills a good draft sleeper? (26:55) Big Phil joins - Should the Panthers still draft a ...

Apr 20, 20212 hr 33 minEp. 264

2021 Draft Linebacker Rankings

Chris reveals his draft LB rankings, and then he and Ahmed reach into the mailbag. (3:15) LB Scouting Process - Would you rather have a coverage LB or a run thumper? What happened to Isaiah Simmons and Patrick Queen last year? And Chris predicts some 2nd year leaps for the 2020 LB class. (15:30) LB #5 Nick Bolton (Missouri) - How does he compare to Steelers LB Devin Bush? (20:30) LB #4 Jabril Cox (LSU) - How does he compare to other recently drafted LSU LBs? (27:45) LB #3 Zaven Collins (Tulsa) -...

Apr 15, 20212 hr 33 minEp. 263

2021 Draft Running Back Rankings

Chris reveals his Draft rankings for the controversial RB position, and he and Paul take a few more of your draft questions. (1:40) RB Scouting Process - Would Chris draft an RB in Round 1 anymore? How would Chris re-rank last year's RB class? (12:00) RB #5 Javonte Williams (North Carolina) - "A ball of power." (18:35) RB #4 Najee Harris (Alabama) - "He's a tough eval for me. I don't think he's a slam dunk #1 RB." (28:10) RB #3 Javian Hawkins (Louisville) - "He's small. That's where the negative...

Apr 12, 20212 hr 30 minEp. 262

2021 Draft Defensive Tackle Rankings

Chris and Paul reminisce about football movies and Warren Sapp stories before they take some questions and reveal the Simms 2021 Draft DT Rankings. (9:40) #AskMeAnything - Does Jaelen Phillips' concussion history worry Chris? How does Kwity Paye compare to Rashan Gary? Did Jaycee Horn's 40 impressive Simms? Should the Pats pounce on Kellen Mond? (23:45) DT Scouting Process - Is Simms looking for power or speed from his DTs? (27:45) DT #5 Jay Tufele (USC) - "A stout ball of power" (32:25) DT #4 A...

Apr 08, 20211 hr 25 minEp. 261

2021 Draft Offensive Line Rankings

Chris and Ahmed react to the Sam Darnold trade and take some QB draft questions before they dive into Simms' OL rankings. (4:20) Sam Darnold trade - Can the Panthers make the playoffs with him? What positions should Carolina target in the draft? Did the Jets get enough for him? (16:10) QB Questions - Did Chris see enough tape of Zach Wilson under pressure? How risky a pick is Justin Fields? Does Mac Jones have more upside than we think? (37:45) OL Scouting Process - How does Chris differentiate ...

Apr 06, 20212 hr 38 minEp. 260

2021 Draft EDGE Rankings

Simms reveals his chocolate pretzel hot taeks to Paul before he gives his Pro Day thoughts and Edge Draft Rankings. (4:20) Pro Day reactions - Mac Jones let it go, Justin Fields shows better mechanics, and is Kellen Mond a good fit for the Steelers or Patriots? And would Simms rather have Justin Herbert or Zach Wilson? (29:30) EDGE Scouting Process - What does Chris look for? What did he learn from last year? How does the 2021 class compare to 2020? (34:50) EDGE #5 Dayo Odeyingbo (Vanderbilt) - ...

Apr 01, 20212 hr 30 minEp. 259

#AskMeAnything: 49ers trade up (for Mac Jones?) + Zach Wilson's Pro Day

Chris is excited for another episode where of revealing all of the secrets Kyle Shanahan has told him. And he and Ahmed take all of your questions on the big trade for the 49ers and how to react to Zach Wilson's Pro Day. (4:20) 49ers trade up to #3 - Did San Francisco really have to move up so high? Chris doubles down on Mac Jones. Do the 49ers have to trade Jimmy Garoppolo? (25:40) Justin Fields & Trey Lance - Why doesn't Simms think they're as good a fit for Kyle Shanahan? (37:30) Jets - Can t...

Mar 30, 20211 hr 25 minEp. 258

2021 Draft CB & Safety Rankings

Simms laments his busted March Madness bracket before he and Paul hit the top cornerbacks and safeties in the 2021 Draft. (5:05) WR Rankings reactions - Chris takes a couple of questions about Rashod Bateman and Rondale Moore (8:20) CB scouting process: Chris reflects on what he learned from his 2020 ranks and what he's looking for when he watches CBs. (13:50) CB #6 Marco Wilson (Florida) - "Smooth, good hips, but a little lack of burst breaking on the ball." (16:20) CB #5 Paulson Adebo (Stanfor...

Mar 24, 20212 hr 36 minEp. 257

2021 Draft WR Rankings

Ahmed makes his long-awaited return, and Chris reveals his 2021 Draft WR rankings, where his Big 3 is a little different from others you might see. (3:00) Chris explains his process for scouting WRs and looks back at what he learned from last year (12:20) WR #6 Terrace Marshall Jr (LSU) - "aka Justin Jefferson Jr" (20:50) WR #5 Kadarius Toney (Florida) - "He and Ja'Marr Chase are the most dangerous with the ball in their hands." (27:40) WR #4 Jaylen Waddle (Alabama) - "I like him better than I l...

Mar 22, 20211 hr 29 minEp. 256

Free Agency Day 2-3 Recap: Dalton to Bears & WR Landing Spots

Chris gives all his analysis on the second wave of free agency, including Andy Dalton to the Bears and what teams are still hunting in the depressed WR market. (3:30) Quarterbacks: What's the best fit for Mitch Trubisky? Would anyone trade for Deshaun Watson right now? And what about Cam Newton's bad mechanics last year? (22:30) Wide Receivers: Curtis Samuel is putting Washington in the leaderhouse in the NFC East. Chris hasn't given up on A.J. Green. And what teams could want Kenny Golladay and...

Mar 18, 20211 hr 18 minEp. 255