Despite their lack of team-wide success this season, the Denver Broncos did have one player who had an incredible individual season.
Patrick Surtain II put together an elite sophomore season this year.
The cornerback position is among the most difficult in the league, given the constant accountability and stress that they are put under.
In just his second year in the NFL, Pat Surtain was named a starter in the Pro Bowl and was named to the 2022 Player’s All-Pro First Team.
Pretty incredible.
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) January 11, 2023
However, Surtain has been able to rise above, and cement himself as one of the league’s best young players.
He has been recognized by his peers as a first-team All-Pro and has also been named a starter in this year’s Pro Bowl.
In two seasons, Surtain has racked up 118 total tackles, one forced fumble, six interceptions, and 24 pass breakups.
Surtain is one of the league’s premier cornerbacks and is a menace to line up against.
He is typically assigned to the opposing team’s best wide receiver, a sign that the Broncos coaching staff trusts him in coverage.
Despite his dominance, however, the Broncos defense as a whole didn’t have their best season.
They allowed 21.1 points per game, almost three points more than they allowed in 2021.
Surtain and the Broncos defense will need to get back on track in 2023 if they want any chance to compete in the AFC West.
Given that the Kansas City Chiefs have proven to be a constant contender, and the Los Angeles Chargers have emerged as a dominant team as well, major changes will need to happen for the Broncos.
This can happen either through the draft or free agency, or a combination of the two.
What will the Broncos decide to do on defense moving forward?
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