The Denver Broncos are gearing up to take on the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 4 on “Monday Night Football,” and Pat Surtain II, who inked a four-year, $96 million contract in September 2024, wants his team to be very clear about what they are up against.
Without star quarterback Joe Burrow under center, the Bengals appear weakened, even with stars like Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins at wide receiver.
However, Surtain is urging the Broncos not to discount backup QB Jake Browning.
Broncos CB Pat Surtain II Gets Real About Bengals QB Jake Browning
GettyJake Browning #6 of the Cincinnati Bengals looks on after the game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Browning and the Bengals were on the wrong side of a 48-10 rout by the Minnesota Vikings that featured multiple turnovers returned for touchdowns. There is an expectation that Browning and the Bengals will fare much better against Surtain and the Broncos.
The Broncos ranked sixth in scoring defense and led the NFL in sacks during the 2024 regular season.
Still, Surtain knows better than to overlook any opponent.
“I think he’s very prepared for it. I think he has all the intangibles to succeed. Obviously, it’s a bit of a difference between him and Joe. But I think he fits in pretty well, from what I looked at on film. He can make the throws as needed, as necessary,” Surtain told reporters on September 25.
“We just got to understand their game plan moving forward, and sort of figuring out what they want to do with the offense moving forward.”
Browning has completed 67.8% of his passes for 381 yards and 3 touchdowns.
However, he has also thrown 5 interceptions and has been sacked 4 times. Broncos QB Bo Nix has had his own issues with turnovers. It may be up to Surtain (a two-time First Team All-Pro and the reigning Defensive Player of the Year) and the defense to keep the Bengals corralled.
Pat Surtain II Ready for Bengals Ja’Marr Chase
GettyJa’Marr Chase #1 of the Cincinnati Bengals looks on before the game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Stopping the Bengals will include containing Chase, and Surtain will draw that responsibility for the Broncos in Week 4 on “Monday Night Football.”
Surtain anticipates Chase will be eager to match up against him again, since the Broncos DB got the best of their matchup during the 2024 regular season, a game the Bengals won in overtime. He is also anticipating an entertaining battle.
“It’s going to be a good match-up. Monday night prime time football. So, I know it’s going to be a lot of anticipation going in towards it. A big-time game. So, I feel like everybody going to be ready. Not just this matchup. I think there’s other key matchups all across the board that matter as well, too. So, I feel like everybody’s going to be pumped up, for sure.”
According to Pro Football Focus, Chase caught three of six targets for 27 yards against the Broncos’ best player, Surtain, last season.
Chase caught six of his other nine targets for 75 yards, underscoring Surtain’s effectiveness.
The Broncos would surely trade a big game from Chase for a victory, though. They are looking to get back in the win column following back-to-back losses. Surtain and the Broncos’ defense can have a significant say in that, so long as the offense keeps them out of bad situations.
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