Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II has earned every penny of his new contract extension, especially coming off of Sunday’s performance against DK Metcalf, where he held him to three catches and 29 yards on just four targets and six tackles and a pass breakup on a third down deep ball.

This week, he’ll likely face off against the Pittsburgh Steelers’ top receiving option.

Denver Broncos CB Patrick Surtain II set to matchup against George Pickens

Patrick Surtain II is somebody you’ll never see respond to bulletin board material, nor will he ever put any out there. He enjoys the challenge of facing opposing teams’ top receiving options.

“I always love the challenge,” Surtain said. “It brings the best out of me going into the week. Throughout the week, it makes me prepare the right way. Knowing the matchup heading into the week, I look forward to those for sure.”

Ahead of Sunday’s matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, their top receiving option, George Pickens, seemingly had some passive-aggressive things to say when asked about facing Surtain or if Surtain was going to follow him on the field.

“Just hope they have their plan correct,” Pickens said in the Steelers locker room. “I don’t really know or care what they’re going to do.” He has a lot of confidence and can create explosive plays downfield. In Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons, Pickens hauled in six catches for 85 yards on seven targets, including a 40-yard catch when facing off against A.J. Terrell.

When asked about going against Surtain, Pickens said it isn’t new for him.

“I went against Pat Surtain in college, so a lot of this stuff isn’t new for me,” Pickens said. “He’s just a good player, just like a lot of other players in here are good players — I’m a good player. There’s a lot of good players around the league.”

Pickens will likely try to talk and play physically on Sunday against Surtain, but the Broncos top cornerback shared a little more praise about his opponent.

“I think he has elite body control in the air,” Surtaid said. “He can track the ball well. He has great ball skills. He’s a playmaker for sure. He’s a great player.”

Denver is also going to have to account for Justin Fields and his mobility on top of some of the Steelers receivers who have explosive play capability, but Surtain and the defense are up for the challenge.