In a highly emotional game this year, the Denver Broncos will be missing their star player. With NFL All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain II sidelined due to injury, the Broncos are expected to employ a collaborative strategy against the New Orleans Saints, featuring Levi Wallace, Ja’Quan McMillian, and potentially Damarri Mathis, who is returning from injured reserve.
Surtain suffered a concussion during the first defensive play in Week 6 against the Los Angeles Chargers and has been ruled out for the Saints game. Fortunately for the Broncos, the Saints may also be without their top two wide receivers, Chris Olave (concussion) and Rashid Shaheed (knee), and they will be starting rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler, who is making only his second career start.
This matchup marks Denver head coach Sean Payton’s return to New Orleans, where he coached for 16 seasons, leading the team to nine playoff appearances and a Super Bowl victory.
As reported by The Denver Post’s Ryan McFadden, Surtain’s absence necessitates players stepping into new roles. McMillian, typically a nickel cornerback, will need to adapt to playing outside as well, which has required some adjustment time due to limited practice reps in that position.
Surtain, who recently became the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history with a four-year, $96 million contract extension—$77 million of which is guaranteed—has proven his value this season. His highlight moment came with a 100-yard interception return for a touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 5, marking one of the longest returns in team history.
Drafted ninth overall in 2021 after leading Alabama to a national championship and earning SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors, Surtain has been a two-time Pro Bowler and an NFL All-Pro since 2022. He has not missed a game since his rookie season, maintaining a streak of 40 consecutive games.
The Broncos’ strategy may benefit from the performance of second-year cornerback Riley Moss, who is experiencing a breakout season. Sports Illustrated’s Chad Evans praised Moss as one of the NFL’s top young cornerbacks following the win over the Raiders, where he recorded his first interception and contributed significantly to the game with 39 tackles and five pass deflections.
Moss, a third-round draft pick, has stepped up impressively as a starter, and alongside Surtain’s contributions, he has bolstered the Broncos’ defense.
In the recent victory over the Raiders, Moss played a key role, highlighting the potential effectiveness of the Broncos’ cornerback group in Surtain’s absence.
