The Denver Broncos squeaked out a victory over the New York Jets, 13-11 in London, with the Denver defense rising to the occasion and making life difficult for quarterback Justin Fields and the Jets' offense.
Fields was held to only 45 yards passing, as the entire Jets offense mustered only 82 yards in the contest. One of the biggest factors in slowing down Fields and the Jets was that of superstar cornerback Pat Surtain II.
Immediately after the game, Surtain made it clear how he was able to lock down the Jets' No. 1 receiver in Garrett Wilson. Surtain was asked if he noticed Wilson was frustrated on and off the field during the contest, with the Denver defense not giving up an inch.
"Yeah, I think it's hard to get into a rhythm, obviously, with the pressure we generated and the coverage we have," Surtain said. "I saw him, instances, he was a little hurt a little bit. I didn't even really peep it until throughout the game, he seemed like he was grabbing his ribs or something. Yeah, I just think that collectively, as a unit, that's what we try to do. To create pressure and to create frustration among their best players."
#BroncosCountry LIVE: CB Pat Surtain II meets the media after #DENvsNYJ https://t.co/D0QTFNz2HH
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) October 12, 2025
Surtain locked down Wilson, limiting him to only three catches for 13 yards. At the half, Surtain had limited Wilson to only one reception for two yards, a true lockdown corner on one of the league's best young pass catchers.
Patrick Surtain II : 1 tackle & 2 passes defensed (Held Garrett Wilson to 3 catches for 13 yards) pic.twitter.com/MFZihwEmCE
— Lee Harvey (@Sayian_Warrior) October 12, 2025
Being at the top of his game, Surtain was asked about what it meant to take on Wilson and how he tackles such a challenge. Needless to say, Broncos Country was a bit more than a little fired up with his response.
"I take on that challenge, going up against the best each and every week, I don't take that lightly," Surtain said. "Each and every week, through preparation, I always focus on the technical side of things. Try new stuff, try to affect their game. Go out there and just do what I do at the end of the day. I'm honestly thankful that my coaches and teammates believe in me to do that."
It wasn't the first time Surtain was able to limit Wilson in a matchup between the two teams. In the previous three matchups, Surtain has only allowed Wilson to combine for 12 receptions for 109 yards in three games. That brings his total through four games to 15 receptions for 122 yards.
Garrett Wilson when covered by Patrick Surtain in his career:
— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) October 11, 2025
5 REC + 41 Yards
3 REC + 54 Yards
4 REC + 24 Yards
Are you starting Wilson this week? pic.twitter.com/AAoF8ibjBa
Surtain's performance was another reminder of why he's considered one of the NFL's premier shutdown corners. With the win and another dominant showing from Surtain and the entire Broncos defense, the rest of the league has been put on notice, even if it was only against the Jets.
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