Broncos CB Patrick Surtain II could be closing in on major award

Since its inception in 1971, six cornerbacks have won Defensive Player of the Year. Perhaps Denver Broncos CB Patrick Surtain II will become the seventh. 

As of Thursday night, DraftKings Sportsbook lists Surtain (-200) as the DPOY favorite ahead of Pittsburgh Steelers edge-rusher T.J. Watt (+170).

That's a bit of a surprise. Typically, DPOY goes to the league's top pass-rusher. The last CB to win the award was Stephon Gilmore of the Minnesota Vikings in 2019.

Plus, Watt is having a terrific season. In his first 16 games, Watt leads the league in forced fumbles (six) and is tied for fourth in sacks (11.5).  

However, Surtain's dominance is astonishing. Citing NFL Next Gen Stats, Yahoo Sports' Frank Schwab reported Surtain has allowed 33 catches for 279 yards in 15 games. 

"The passer rating for when [Surtain] is targeted is 56," wrote Schwab in a Thursday column. "The worst passer rating of any quarterback this season with more than 200 attempts is [Indianapolis Colts QB] Anthony Richardson at 61.6. That means when they target Surtain, they basically turn into the worst passer in the NFL based on his rating allowed in coverage." 

Surtain also shuts down elite wide receivers.

"Last week, he went up against [Cincinnati Bengals WR] Ja'Marr Chase on 43 routes and limited the star wideout to three catches on six targets for 27 yards, per NFL Next Gen Stats," wrote ESPN's Bill Barnwell in a Wednesday column. "Chase had six catches for 75 yards on 13 routes against Denver's other cornerbacks."  

The Broncos (9-7) are on the verge of clinching their first playoff berth in eight years. If they beat the Kansas City Chiefs (15-1) in their home game Sunday, they secure a wild-card spot. On Wednesday, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid confirmed they're resting starters, which should help Denver. 

If Denver makes the playoffs, that could prove Surtain deserves DPOY. Throughout the season, he has stood out for a team that seems to be resurging.