Pat Surtain says Broncos are motivated to avoid repeating pain of 2024's playoff exit

The Denver Broncos were bounced from the postseason in the first round of the NFL playoffs with a disappointing 31-7 loss to the Buffalo Bills in January.

That loss demonstrated that the Broncos still have a ways to go before truly contending with the AFC's elite teams, but it did not negate the progress Denver made in 2024. With the help of an elite defense and a promising young quarterback, the Broncos exceeded expectations last season and reached the playoffs for the first time since 2015.

“We can build on a lot," star cornerback Pat Surtain said after the 2024 season. "Now we know it’s not a good feeling being on the opposite side. We have a lot to look forward to. We learn from it, but a lot goes into what we have been able to accomplish this year.

"Winning 10 games is a huge mark for this organization and this franchise. Yes, [if] we just build — all the guys collectively as a group, we know what we need to do better so [next] time around we won’t have this feeling again.  At the end of the day, I’m proud of this team.”

After making several key additions during free agency and adding more talent in the NFL draft, Denver's squad looks primed to have an even better season in 2025. If the Broncos are able to return to the playoffs this season, Surtain and Co. will be motivated to avoid exiting the postseason with the same feeling they had leaving Buffalo.