‘That’s the type of player he is’ – Broncos’ Pat Surtain gives Nik Bonitto his flowers with strong statement after win vs. Titans
Nik Bonitto, Patrick Surtain, and the entire Broncos defense, take a bow.
The Denver Broncos dominated on the defensive side of the football in their 20-12 victory over the Tennessee Titans. Patrick Surtain II was speaking to the media about the game, about what the team can learn from it, with a shoutout for the defensive front. Specifically, Surtain was asked about fellow game-wrecker, Nik Bonitto, and he had more than a little to say.
He was asked what it was like to be on the field with Bonitto, if he could feel the impact that he was making while he was focusing on his own duties.
“I mean, shoot. As long as I know he’s on the field, I’m very confident,” Surtain said. “I mean, his ability to disrupt games. His ability to affect the quarterback and change the whole situation of the game is pretty special. A guy with his structure, he’s just unbelievable, the things he can do. How he bends around the edge, how he generates pressures, you know I just sit back in awe. Just sit back and watch him go to work. I always say it makes my job easier, you know what I mean? I’m thinking in my head it’s a certain playcall, I be thinking whether one or two seconds he’s gonna get there somehow. Yeah, Nik Bonitto, that’s the type of player he is.”
Bonitto and company had six sacks in the contest, making things a little easier for Surtain. Justin Strnad, Bonitto, Jonah Elliss, Jonathon Cooper, Ja’Quan McMillian and Zach Allen all registered a sack, earning some high praise from Surtain.
Advanced stats tell a different story about Surtain’s performance
While he may not have dominated the box score, registering only one pass breakup, advanced stats told a different story. He didn’t allow a single reception as the nearest defender — the eighth time he’s done so.
Calvin Ridley was eliminated from the game with Surtain in coverage. The lone pass breakup was the only time he saw a pass come his way, and he quickly shut it down.
The defense came up with a key stop, not only preventing a field goal but keeping points off the board entirely. Surtain opened up on the mindset going into that possession. He pointed to the real focus, how the defense worked together as a unit to ultimately make the difference.
“Shoot, it doesn’t matter,” Surtain said. “If they get the ball on the one by the goal line, if they get the ball on the 30-yard line in our territory. It doesn’t matter, it just matters on what we do out there and that’s execute. Our pressure got there, like I said before, every time we were out there on the field the rushers were going to eat, regardless. So that makes it easier for us in the backend. When we cover well in the backend as well [. . .] that results in sacks [ . . . ] When the defense ties it together and we go hand in hand, the result is great [. . . ] his defense has the potential to be greater down the line, so that’s what I’m looking forward to.”
Pat Surtain is an elite cornerback in the NFL
A win is a win is a win. While the offense for the Broncos sputtered, the team was victorious. Getting a peek behind the curtain at the mindset of some of the most elite players in the world is a treat for fans.
Surtain is one of the very best at his craft across the league, and it’s because of how ferociously he attacks it. Back at work to improve, adapt and dominate.
“It’s always important getting the win,” Surtain said. “That’s all that matters, you know what I mean. No matter how it looks, no matter how it may seem ugly, it may seem great, but a win is a win, no matter what. Obviously, I said before, we got a lot to correct in the film room and get better at and learn from. We have a debrief session tomorrow, we’re going to look at the film, see different areas we can correct on, and fix that. At the end of the day, we’ve got a long season ahead of us. I’m very optimistic on what this team can be.”
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