Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Pat Surtain II is playing like Defensive Player of the Year despite Broncos' struggles

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 11/8/22

Cornerback Patrick Surtain II doesn't have an interception this season, but he should be considered for NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

"With apologies to (Sauce) Gardner and Jalen Ramsey, no cornerback is playing better right now than the second-year superstar in Denver," writes ESPN's Bill Barnwell.

Surtain II hasn't allowed a receiving touchdown this season. He's only allowing four yards per target, the league's fifth-best.

The best cornerback in the NFL is Patrick Surtain II!!

In his last three games, he’s allowed 3 catches on 8 targets for 12 yards!

A pure down CB that plays man & zone against top WRs! #BroncosCountry pic.twitter.com/i72d3UWmSi
— Full-Time Dame (@DP_NFL) November 8, 2022

Additionally, he hasn't been lining up against subpar wideouts.

This season he's had to cover Davante Adams (Raiders), Tyler Lockett (Seahawks), Christian Kirk (Jaguars), and Michael Pittman (Colts). Each is a top target for their team and is top-20 in receiving yards.

Barnwell argued that Surtain II should be in the conversation for Defensive Player of the Year. He ranked him as a top-three candidate, along with Nick Bosa (49ers) and Micah Parsons (Cowboys).

However, it's unlikely Surtain II will sniff the award. According to Oddschecker, he has the 17th-best odds of winning it.

The Broncos (3-5) skidding all over the place hurts his case. The only way he can get more recognition is if Denver bounces back and makes the playoffs, which is unlikely. They have an eight percent chance to make the playoffs, per the New York Times simulator.

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