Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II is enjoying one of the greatest seasons ever at his position, allowing a lower passer rating when targeted (39.1) than if a QB spiked the ball each play (39.6), according to CBS.
In 14 games this season — Surtain missed a game Oct. 17 with a concussion —- he has put himself in the thick of Defensive Player of the Year discussions, ranking second in odds (+350) per DraftKings Sportsbook as of Friday.
Surtain’s DPOY aspirations could be determined by one matchup: Saturday’s showdown on the road against Cincinnati Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase.
With two games remaining this season, Chase, 24, already has career highs in receptions (108), receiving yards (1,510) and receiving touchdowns (16). If he finishes the season as the league leader in those three categories, as he is now, Chase will become the sixth receiver in the Super Bowl era to achieve that triple crown and youngest ever.
Chase’s elite deep-threat ability will pose a challenging matchup for Surtain. The Cincinnati wideout has hauled in 18 20-plus-yard receptions this season, while Surtain has allowed just one reception of 20+ yards in 2024, an impressive sideline catch by New York Jets WR Garrett Wilson.
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