Pat Surtain II Sits Again, Leaving Broncos Secondary to Fend for Itself

Pat Surtain II is sitting out again today, which means the Denver Broncos' secondary is once again operating without its absolute cheat code.

Playing defense without a 2024 Defensive Player of the Year is like trying to parallel park a school bus with no mirrors. You might get it done, but it is going to be incredibly stressful to watch.

"Ian Rapoport reported there is a 'good chance he’s back next week.'"

Ian Rapoport reported Sunday morning that Surtain is unlikely to suit up against the Arizona Cardinals due to the ankle injury that has already cost him the last two games.

Denver is sitting at 4-2 and holding their own in the AFC West, but missing a two-time Pro Bowler against a desperate 2-4 Cardinals team at 4:05 PM ET is a tough break. The Broncos defense is currently giving up 20.8 points per game, which is respectable, but life gets significantly harder when your shutdown corner is stuck in sweatpants.

Anyone looking at the point spread or player props for Arizona's receivers today has to factor in the missing anchor of the Denver secondary. A defense missing its best player completely changes the math on how many deep shots an opponent is willing to take.

The silver lining here is that Rapoport noted a good chance Surtain returns next week. That timing is not just good, it is mandatory, considering the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs are rolling into Denver next Sunday.