The Denver Broncos managed to do just enough to pull out the win on Sunday night.
Major credit goes to Pat Surtain II, who was listed as questionable with a shoulder injury for the game all week. Thank goodness he was eventually activated, as the Broncos only won by one point.
Against the San Francisco 49ers, he did not allow a single catch despite being targeted six times. That is tied for the most targets without a reception allowed in a game since 2021. He also broke up two passes.
In their Week 1 face-off against Seattle, Surtain lined up against DK Metcalf. Metcalf finished the game with only 36 yards and could not hide his aggravation.
DK Metcalf and Patrick Surtain II getting into it 😳 pic.twitter.com/jGmpqb4r6Z
— ESPN (@espn) September 13, 2022
Through three weeks, when quarterbacks targeted Surtain, they’ve posted a passer rating of just 63.1.
And the Broncos second-year star loves the challenge of going up against the NFL’s top receivers.
“I embrace it a lot, going against premier receivers like that week in and week out,” Surtain said on Tuesday. “You just expect that, especially coming from our division. We’re facing top receivers each and every week, so you just have to come out and do what you have to do. Going against a receiver like that, a top receiver, we just have to—it comes down to film study and your preparation throughout the week.”
Since giving up a touchdown on the first drive against the Seahawks, the Broncos defense has only allowed two additional touchdowns and an average of only 12 points a game.
According to Surtain, the unit is only getting stronger as the season progresses.
“You can see it collectively as a group that we’re all on the same page and out there having fun and making plays,” he explained. “When you get a defense with that much chemistry, you can expect big things. We’re just going to keep going and keep moving forward, so that’s the big thing.”
Surtain will guard Davante Adams, his toughest matchup yet this season, on Sunday. Despite their 0-3 record, the Las Vegas Raiders have some dangerous offensive weapons that can’t be underestimated. Expect Adams and the Raiders to try and challenge Surtain all game.
“It’s going to be a good battle, and [I’m] looking forward to it.”