Broncos: Justin Simmons gives Patrick Surtain a one-of-a-kind compliment
2023, much like the previous year, will feature a dynamic duo that every Broncos fan is far too fond of now. They have one of the best safeties in the league and one of the best cornerbacks. It's a huge reason they had the success they did last season when it seemed nothing else would […]
2023, much like the previous year, will feature a dynamic duo that every Broncos fan is far too fond of now. They have one of the best safeties in the league and one of the best cornerbacks. It's a huge reason they had the success they did last season when it seemed nothing else would go their way.
Even in 2023, they can replicate that electric defense because of those two guys. However, one of the biggest reasons is that Patrick Surtain can do something not many can – it makes him the best cornerback in the league.
"Obviously, there are so many great corners in our league, and so many guys that I respect and how they play the game and how well they play that position [that's] so hard in today's league, and obviously, I'm biased, you know. I'm with Pat every day I see him," safety Justin Simmons told the media. "I break down the film, and I see how he effortlessly matches certain concepts when it's a lot harder for others and things of that nature—so being out there every day having the reps with him, coming to work with him – it's just pure joy.
"You know, being able to work with him, he makes my job so much easier. And he's going to be doing that for years and years to come. But having him back there, you know, for us, it just makes us, as I said, the easiest way to say is it makes our job so much easier. You know, almost no one can eliminate one side of the field."
Being able to shut down one side of the field, like we have seen him do so many times in his few years in the league, is elite. Only a few guys in the league can do that, and Surtain is one of them.
Jalen Ramsey can do it, but he isn't what he used to be. He is still a top-five cornerback, though. The other is Sauce Gardner, a rookie last year and only getting better.
Surtain had the second-best Pro Football Focus defensive grade (86.8) of any cornerback last year, along with the second-best coverage grade (86.7) of any cornerback, with Gardner beating him out in both areas. In 12 games last season, he didn't allow more than 25 receiving yards; six of those games were in his final six of the season, as he warmed up towards the end.
In Week 4 against the Las Vegas Raiders, Surtain made things a living hell for one of the best receivers in the league, and some would say the best.
Sure, Davante Adams still had 100 yards receiving, but he will do that regardless. Just know he didn't get that easily by any means. Surtain had two pass deflections, both on Adams and only gave up 70 yards on 50% pass completion.
But shutting down one side of the field and locking up the other team's best receiver aren't the only things he does well. He is becoming a fantastic leader, and he is just being himself. That has allowed him to become a top-three cornerback in the league after two seasons.
"I think Pat is just doing a great job being himself, and he'll continue to grow in that aspect," Simmons said. "And, you know, when you're talking about one of the best corners in the league, guys will just naturally follow you the way that you're leading."
The Broncos have something special with the two guys, especially in Surtain, who has become what we all thought he would. Some people are still mad that the Broncos took Surtain instead of Justin Fields – I'm sure the Broncos aren't.
Featured Image via Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
