Surtain Confident Ahead of Bowers Matchup

The Denver Broncos, clad in their vintage 1977 orange uniforms, delivered a resounding 34-18 victory over their AFC West rivals, the Las Vegas Raiders, in Week 5, snapping an eight-game losing streak against their nemesis. Now, cornerback Patrick Surtain II and the Broncos defense are poised to conquer another challenge: securing their first-ever win at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

Since relocating from Oakland to Sin City, the Raiders have held a firm grip on their home turf, boasting a four-game winning streak against the Broncos. However, Surtain, the Broncos’ elite cornerback, remains unfazed by past struggles, emphasizing the team’s focus on the present and their winning game plan.

“The main thing right now is getting a win, focusing on the game plan, and coming out with a victory at the end of the day,” Surtain asserted. “When you are going into divisional matchups like this, all you need and want is a win. No matter how it may come or occur or what the result may be, all that matters is a win.”

Surtain, a fourth-year player drafted ninth overall by Broncos GM George Paton in 2021, has blossomed into one of the league’s premier cornerbacks. His performance this season speaks volumes, with 23 tackles (16 solo), one tackle for a loss, seven pass deflections, and three interceptions, including a pick-six against the Raiders, resulting in 128 total interception return yards.

His exceptional coverage skills are evident in his statistics: Surtain allows a mere 7.9 yards per reception and an opposing passer rating of just 63.5. As a team captain, he sets the tone for a Vance Joseph-led defense that ranks fifth against the run and consistently sits among the top 10 in nearly every defensive category.

“Obviously, we want to reach the perfect mode, but we are trying to achieve greatness each and every week. That is the goal and standard,” Surtain explained. “We’re fully capable of doing it because we have all 11 guys who are willing to get it right and willing to do what is best for the team week in and week out. When you have a defense like that which is hungry and ready to obtain those goals, the sky is the limit for sure.”

While the Broncos currently hold third place in the AFC West and the Raiders linger near the bottom of the league, this divisional matchup carries significant weight. The Raiders, rumored to be eyeing University of Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders in the upcoming draft, are looking to their current rookie sensation, tight end Brock Bowers, to exploit the Broncos’ defense.

Bowers, the Raiders’ first-round pick, has been a bright spot in an otherwise lackluster offense. He leads the team with 70 receptions for 706 yards and three touchdowns, showcasing his playmaking ability with an eight-catch, 97-yard performance against the Broncos in Week 5, including a 57-yard reception from Gardner Minshew.

Surtain acknowledges Bowers’ rapid development and the challenge he presents. “Very different. They made it key for him to get the ball,” Surtain observed. “You can see how they made it a point of emphasis to give him the ball in any spot and any position. They even have him at ‘X’ [receiver] backside and at his tight end spot at the ‘Z’. He is playing all positions, and they are utilizing him very well. It will be a good challenge for us.”

The upcoming clash between the Broncos and Raiders is not just a battle for divisional supremacy; it’s a showcase of young talent on both sides of the ball. Surtain, the established lockdown corner, faces a formidable test in Bowers, the rising star tight end. The chess match between these two players will undoubtedly be a key factor in determining the outcome of the game.

With a dominant defense led by Surtain and a burgeoning offense spearheaded by quarterback Bo Nix under the guidance of head coach Sean Payton, the Broncos are well-equipped to break their losing streak in Las Vegas. However, the Raiders, fueled by Bowers’ dynamic playmaking ability, will be determined to defend their home turf and upset their division rivals. This Sunday’s showdown promises to be a captivating contest with significant implications for both teams.

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