Although Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II’s 2023 body of work hasn’t been as impressive as his All-Pro campaign in 2022, he’s still a top-tier player. Week in and week out, the NFL pays attention to Surtain, particularly the opponents the Broncos face on the schedule.
Even Denver’s non-opponents can’t deny Surtain’s exceptional talent. During an appearance on FS1’s Speak, Philadelphia Eagles All-Pro wideout A.J. Brown discussed Surtain’s rising NFL profile, calling the Broncos’ starter the best in the industry.
Surtain spoke on Tuesday as the Broncos prepare to face the Buffalo Bills this week. Surtain didn’t waste any time in responding to Brown’s compliment.
“It means a lot coming from a player like him—a high-caliber player,” said Surtain of Brown. “But I don’t try to delve too deeply into it because I tell myself this all the time.” I still have a lot to prove in my game, but when you get praise like that from other players, it means a lot.
Brown, a former first-round draught selection, has made a name for himself in Philadelphia. He was named to two consecutive Pro Bowls and was named a second-team All-Pro last season, and he’s already surpassed the 1,000-yard receiving mark this season, so he’s certain to be recognised again.
Surtain has never faced Brown before. The Broncos will not face the Eagles this season, thus the first Surtain vs. Brown clash may not come until the AFC West meets the NFC East in 2025.
Surtain has started all eight games for the Broncos this season, recording eight pass break-ups and an interception, as well as 30 tackles (28 solo). It’s difficult to get individual attention on a team that has been struggling as a whole for the majority of the season, as the Broncos have been.
It’s part of what helped Surtain earn first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honours last season. On a five-win squad, he fought hard every week.
Throw in the Broncos’ 70-point loss to a Miami Dolphins club that scored at will in Week 3, and Surtain’s name looked to fade even further. But, as the Broncos have rallied back, winning the previous two games, including a streak-breaking victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, it appears the Surtain rose hasn’t entirely faded.
Surtain still has nine games left on his Broncos contract, so he has plenty of time to continue developing his 2023 CV. He’s well-deserved of the accolades he receives, and teams honour him every week by throwing against him, but in order to earn Pro Bowl/All-Pro honours again, he’ll need to boost his ball output and start appearing on weekly highlight reels throughout the NFL.
Surtain’s chances improve as Vance Joseph’s defence begins to gel and rediscover its footing. But it won’t be easy, with games against top-tier quarterbacks like Josh Allen (this week), Justin Herbert (twice), Deshaun Watson, Jared Goff, and rising star C.J. Stroud on the horizon.
