Exclusive: Broncos Must Slow Down Herbert, Allen, and Chargers’ High-Powered Attack, says Star Patrick Surtain II

Patrick Surtain II knows the Denver Broncos have a big test on their hands this week against the Los Angeles Chargers.

The Broncos (1-1) will match up against the Chargers (2-0) in a big AFC West showdown that will determine division supremacy early on in the season. 

Denver is coming off of a rough 29-28 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, but had multiple opportunities to win the game late.

Herbert’s Growth: Extending Plays and Trusting His Receivers 

They'll look to right the ship against the Chargers this week, but they'll have to slow down their franchise quarterback Justin Herbert. Herbert has five touchdowns and zero interceptions this season and has a 127.8 passer rating through the first two weeks of the year. His passer rating ranks second and his passing touchdowns rank third.

"With Justin, what I've seen is his ability to extend plays," says Surtain II in a one-on-one interview of the difference he's seen with Herbert this season. 

"He's been making a lot of plays on the run, more so than what he's been doing before."

Surtain II recognizes a major difference for Herbert has been the play of his receivers. 

What was previously viewed as the weakest part of their team is now one of the strongest attributes of the roster with Keenan Allen, Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnson as the top three wideouts.

"Not saying he couldn't before, but now he's extending those plays, and now he's got receivers that he can depend on," says Surtain II. 

"I think he was waiting for some guys to step up to make plays for them. Obviously they came and they sprung, and they found their ground."

The Broncos will be playing their second consecutive road game after their loss in Indianapolis last week. 

This is a big one considering Denver won't face the Chargers again until the end of the season. Furthermore, if the Broncos lose this one, they'll fall two games back of Los Angeles with the Chargers holding the tiebreaker.

In other words, it'll be more like three games they're falling behind the Chargers.

"The offense is starting to click," says Surtain II. 

"For us as a defense, we have to be able to reach our keys and understand tendencies and how they are trying to attack us. We have to go in ready and ready to compete."

Chargers’ Wideouts Emerging as Major Threats

The reigning Defensive Player of the Year once again gives credit to the Chargers receivers he'll be matching up against this Sunday, singling out the play of Johnson, McConkey and Allen.

Allen has a team-leading 12 receptions for 129 yards and two touchdowns while Johnson leads the Chargers with 150 receiving yards and three touchdown catches. McConkey has 11 grabs for 122 yards.

"That's a big difference from what I've seen from last year to this year, is their receivers are making big-time plays," says Surtain II. 

"Johnson, he's coming along, he's making plays for them. Obviously Ladd, great player, he's their reliable target. Then you have Keenan coming along, a veteran presence who's going to provide that leadership in the locker room. I think that just exudes them a lot of confidence to go in and be able to demonstrate that each and every week."

"Us as a defense, we have to know that this team is high rolling right now," says Surtain II. 

"They're very confident. We have got to come out and be ready to play."

Surtain II Launches New Podcast with Terrion Arnold

Surtain II is starting his own podcast with fellow Crimson Tide alum Terrion Arnold. 

The two cornerbacks are releasing the first episode of their new podcast, "Closed on Sundays," on Wednesday, Sep. 24 on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and all other major platforms. New episodes will be released every Wednesday.

The 25-year-old cornerback says there will be high-profile guests on the show, with a lot of Crimson Tide interviewees. Surtain II and Arnold will talk about their football careers while giving behind-the-scenes stories. Both players played under legendary head coach Nick Saban.

"In terms of this podcast, I'm looking forward to building long-term relationships," says Surtain II of his long-term objective with the podcast. 

"I'm here for the memories, the good times, the times we have on the podcast, being able to have fun with the fans, with the viewers, and see it from a different perspective."