The Denver Broncos franchise needs to bounce back in 2024, which has been an ongoing story. Does that start with the team's best player?
It's fair to draw that conclusion but in identifying one player for each team that could bounce back in 2024, PFF went for the Broncos' defensive leader, Pat Surtain II.
After the season, Surtain made the Pro Bowl but was not chosen as a First Team All-Pro. However, he is still viewed as one of the league's best cornerbacks. What would a bounce-back season look like for him?
Pat Surtain II needs a bounce-back season for the Denver Broncos, according to PFF
Surtain is still considered one of the league's top shutdown corners and if you ask those within Broncos Country, they will put him at the top of that list. But PFF has some data that could suggest that teams are not as afraid of him anywhere.
Last season, teams targeted Surtain 20 more times than they did in 2022 and he gave up 15 more catches for 284 more yards than he did the year before.
Remember this throw? With the game on the line on Christmas Eve, the New England Patriots went right at him and Devante Parker was able to make the play. Oh, and it wasn't Tom Brady who threw the pass. It was Bailey frickin Zappe.
DeVante Parker vs Pat Surtain
— Carlos Talks Pats (@LosTalksPats) December 25, 2023
The #Patriots veteran receiver won that one 👀pic.twitter.com/PUX1oF30Ob
Surtain did improve upon his tackling numbers, so that is a good sign. He is still one of the league's best and as long as he takes care of his side of the field, as expected, and doesn't get beat by backup quarterbacks, he should avoid a list like this one in 2025.
