The Denver Broncos won their third straight game on Sunday, making them one of the hottest teams in the league right now, especially when you factor in how badly they beat the Las Vegas Raiders and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The win over the New York Jets was not as great, but it was a win nonetheless.
Against the Raiders, though, they beat a team that has beaten them eight straight times. The Broncos hadn't beaten the Raiders since they were in Oakland, back in 2019. That's how badly they needed this win.
It didn't start great, though. In fact, the Broncos quickly went down 10-0 to the Raiders, as quarterback Gardner Minshew through a great touchdown pass to Brock Bowers. But, as soon as Patrick Surtain, the best cornerback in football, got the pick-six, the entire game changed. The offense started to go crazy, and the defense played even better.
Pat Surtain single-handedly took over the game. His two interceptions and pass breakup on Brock Bowers were huge plays in the game. He was the MVP as a defensive player. But, those great plays, stats, and the win were not the only thing he got on Sunday against the Raiders.
He got one of the best gifts one can get in his position, from a guy who is probably one of his idols.
Before the game kicked off, Surtain received Champ Bailey's signed jersey from the man himself. One of the best, if not the best, cornerbacks in Denver Broncos' history, so, yeah, that's probably a guy he looks up to, to say the least.
He explained he's "always wanted to have" Champ's jersey. Now he does, and I bet Bailey loves watching Surtain play. On Sunday, Surtain submitted himself as the undisputed best in the league. He already was a guy considered for it, but to me, he's undoubtedly better than Sauce Gardner. Now, he will continue that elite play against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Broncos are already second in the AFC West behind the Kansas City Chiefs, a win against the Chargers will only help.
