Any merit to Isiah looking good and maybe Vance knows how to develop rookies? If the guy has a decade long successful career and his coach eased him into his rookie year then who cares?
I think we can calm down about Zaven. He'll get there.
My opinion, no. I felt like Simmons looked good last year at times which is what being a rookie is. It is not a shock when a talented player generates more production when he plays more.
For context.
Simmons is within 2% of his completion % allowed last year this year.
Simmons recorded a solo tackle at a higher frequency last year than he has this year on a per snap basis. He is 3% below last years % per snap.
Simmons is being used as a blitzer 6% less than last year when he had decent pressure rates for his # of snaps.
Simmons missed tackle % is also nearly identical to last year as well.
The main difference is the passer rating allowed is significantly lower but that is because he is being used in coverage more than last year. More like a S than a LB.
So, no. I don't think Vance's approach last year helped his development much.