During those nine seconds, Simmons demonstrated a combination of football IQ and athleticism as he saved at least six points for his team. The play also illustrated how Simmons and Fangio's defense work together in lockstep.

"In Vic's system, there's a lot of stress … there's just stress at every position, but I think a little bit more so at the safety spot," Simmons said in late December. "You're asked to do a lot — you're asked to make a lot of the checks, a lot of the calls. … It's just a lot on your plate, call-wise. Basically, not everything's on paper. You go over all these scenarios, through every call, and not every one call is played the same to every offensive formation and set. You really have to compartmentalize the game in front of you and really see how an offense is attacking you to put your defense in the best position to be successful.

"With that being said, I say that obviously this defense is great for myself, but I also say I make it work because I'm good at compartmentalizing what the offense is giving us and breaking it down and using the tools that are given to me to set up our defense to be as successful as possible."

Against the Chiefs, Simmons diagnosed Mahomes' options, sniffed out the play and snagged an interception.

The Broncos hope Simmons continues to make those plays, and they plan to have him back in Denver even as his rookie contract is set to expire.

"We want him back," President of Football Operations/General Manager John Elway said on Dec. 30. "You know the options there. Before we came down [to the press conference], I talked to Justin and said, 'You know what, we want you back.' He's a great football player, but he's a better man. What he does outside of this building and what he's done in Denver has been tremendous — [it's] the type of guy he is. These are the type of guys that we want on this football team. Obviously, we have the franchise [tag] option there, but we'd like to get something done with Justin for the long term."

Simmons' durability — he's played the most consecutive snaps of any defender in the league — and his improved play have him poised to etch his name among the best safeties in Broncos' history.