Broncos' Patrick Surtain II worthy of exceptional nickname

Revis was renowned for following his matchup across the field rather than simply eliminating one side of the field as most cornerbacks do. 

Surtain, similarly to Revis, does not shy from following each opponent's biggest threat across the field. Through four weeks, Surtain has shaded the opponent's No. 1 receiver on 71.3% of their routes, according to Next Gen Stats via NFL Pro.

On a combined 87 routes run against him this season, Surtain has held Garrett Wilson (New York Jets), Mike Evans (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), George Pickens (Pittsburgh Steelers) and D.K. Metcalf (Seattle Seahawks) to a combined seven receptions for 75 yards as the nearest defender —  an average of 19 yards per receiver.

Pickens gave Surtain the most trouble, but penalties assisted in Surtain's statistical success in their matchup. A 51-yard catch following a double move on Surtain was wiped away after a holding penalty. Later in the game, Surtain was also called for a pass interference penalty on Pickens that prevented a 37-yard catch.

Nonetheless, on his 11 times targeted, Surtain has allowed an average of 2.2 yards of separation and 2.4 yards after the catch, both career-high figures if the season were to end today.

Surtain's Revis-esque versatility was on full display in the waning minutes of Sunday's game against the New York Jets. With the game on the line, Surtain —  lined up in the slot across from Wilson — broke up a pass that could easily have resulted in a winning touchdown.

The Jets subsequently attempted a 50-yard field goal, which sailed wide right and cemented Denver's second win.

In a news conference ahead of the Broncos-Jets game, Surtain spoke about the effect that following each team's best receiver has on him.

"I always look forward to the challenge," he said. "Going against the best each and every week, it really brings the best out of you."

Unfortunately for Surtain, he won't have many more elite weapons to add to his shutdown resume for the remainder of the season.

Arguably, his most formidable foe remaining, Davante Adams, requested a trade from the Las Vegas Raiders on Tuesday, which could eliminate two difficult matchups for Surtain this season. The Broncos are scheduled to play the Raiders on Sunday, and Adams is currently listed as questionable with a hamstring injury that held him out of the team's Week 4 game.

The only two matchups in the same tier as the four receivers Surtain has already shut down are New Orleans' Chris Olave in Week 7 and Cincinnati's Ja'Marr Chase in Week 17.

If Surtain can hold his own in those matchups, he could finish with one of the most dominant seasons recorded by a cornerback and officially earn the nickname "Surtain Island."