Star performance by Broncos defender vs. Bengals proved Denver can hang with anyone when he's on his game
The Denver Broncos lost a heartbreaker to the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday, but still control their own destiny for making the playoffs. While fans are still likely hanging their heads a bit after the Broncos let one slip away in overtime, star cornerback Patrick Surtain II gave them a silver lining. As NFL analyst Benjamin […]
The Denver Broncos lost a heartbreaker to the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday, but still control their own destiny for making the playoffs.
While fans are still likely hanging their heads a bit after the Broncos let one slip away in overtime, star cornerback Patrick Surtain II gave them a silver lining. As NFL analyst Benjamin Solak pointed out on X, Surtain held Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase to just three catches for 27 yards on six targets, via Next Gen Stats.
That is extremely impressive given that Chase has by far been the most productive receiver in the NFL this year, leading the position in receptions, yards, and touchdowns. When any other Bronco defender besides Surtain was matched up against Chase, he caught six passes for 75 yards.
Surtain has been a lockdown cornerback since he entered the league in 2021, and is having perhaps the best year of his career in 2024. In 15 games this season he has intercepted four passes, recorded 11 passes defensed, 42 tackles, one forced fumble, and a touchdown. Perhaps most impressively is that Surtain has allowed just 253 passing yards on the year.
NFL insider James Palmer took to X to make a case for Surtain to be in the Defensive Player of the Year conversation.
Palmer is definitely right to make that claim. Consistently being able to take away the opposing team's top receiver each week is not something many cornerbacks can do. Surtain played the biggest role in keeping the Broncos in the game against Cincinnati, because fellow corner Riley Moss had one of the worst performances of his career.
Surtain has the opportunity to finish the year strong in Week 18 as the Kansas City Chiefs will likely sit several of their starters. That means a probable matchup against No. 2 quarterback Carson Wentz and a bunch of backup receivers. If the Broncos can handle business against Kansas City, Surtain's shutdown coverage skills will give them a fighting chance in the postseason.
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