Patrick Surtain II On Why The Denver Broncos’ Playoff Season Wasn’t A ‘Surprise’ And His Thoughts On Their Free Agency

Patrick Surtain II isn’t surprised at all over the Denver Broncos’ recent playoff appearance.

The Broncos snapped one of the longest droughts in the NFL, advancing to the playoffs for the first time after nine years in Bo Nix’s rookie season. Despite being pegged with the least-talented roster entering the season with an over/under projected win total of 5.5 wins, Denver vastly exceeded expectations and finished with a 10-7 season.

For the four-year veteran and reigning Defensive Player of the Year, it wasn’t a surprise at all to him.

“I don’t think it was a surprise to me,” says Surtain II in a one-on-one interview. “I think it was much of a surprise to the outside – the media, folks around the league, obviously, they thought we weren’t going to reach that spot, reach that mark as far as making the playoffs and further.”

Although expectations were extremely low for a team that was lacking star talent outside of Surtain – they had just released Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons in the offseason – the Broncos managed to emerge as one of the better teams in the NFL.

“I think obviously we surprised a lot of people outside the building,” says Surtain II. “But I think there was an internal belief within inside the organization that we weren’t going to let that external noise affect our play and affect our destiny.”

The Broncos rode the strong play of their defensive unit and the surprising consistent turnover-free play of Nix to a playoff appearance. Denver’s defense, led by Surtain II, ranked third in scoring defense while Nix turned in one of the best rookie seasons by a quarterback in NFL history by finishing with the most passing touchdowns, touchdowns, completions and passing yards of any rookie quarterback.

He also set NFL rookie records with the most two-touchdown, zero-interception, 200-plus passing yards performances (seven) and most three-plus passing touchdown performances (five).

“Our goal was to make the playoffs and to go even further than that,” says Surtain II. “It wasn’t surprise to us because, we put the work in, we’ve seen it on the field in the off season and it paid off because we took the right approach moving forward and took the right steps. We have excellent coaches and an amazing organization as well too.

“When you have that on your side, I think success is inevitable for us,” Surtain II continues to say.

Patrick Surtain II On The Broncos’ Future And Free Agency Additions

The Broncos were obviously humbled in the playoffs in a 31-7 shellacking at the hands of the Buffalo Bills in their first playoff game. Denver raced out to a quick 7-0 lead before the Bills went on a 31-0 run to close out the game.

The playoff experience – which was a first for many Broncos players – is instrumental moving forward as Denver looks to take the next step into being a Super Bowl contender rather than just a fringe playoff team.

“I think it was great just to have this one year under the belt, especially with Bo, a rookie quarterback, and he’s gonna even gain more confidence with this young team,” says Surtain II. “I think having that experience, we know what it takes to get there. Now it’s all about finishing.”

While the experience is obviously valuable, Denver will need to find ways to beat playoff-caliber competition rather than just feasting on the losing teams. When ignoring the Broncos’ season finale victory over a Kansas City Chiefs squad that sat most of their starters, Denver went 1-5 against playoff teams last season. They were 1-7 against teams with winning records.

Adding more talent to the offensive unit in free agency with tight end Evan Engam and wide receiver Trent Sherfield should only help the Broncos get to the next level as they look to improve on offense after ranking 20th in passing yards last season.

Denver also added former San Francisco 49ers standouts, linebacker Dre Greenlaw and safety Talanoa Hufanga to the mix.

“I think we’re doing great,” says Surtain II of the Broncos’ free agency so far. “I think we’re plugging in guys that fit right away – Hufanga, Greenlaw, Evan Ingram, you know what I mean? Those guys, they fit in right away. I think they make a huge impact towards our roster and our team.”

Patrick Surtain II Releasing ‘Exclusive’ Merchandise Line

Coming off of his first-ever Defensive Player of the Year award, Surtain II is releasing his first-ever “exclusive” merchandise line through Off-Field. The product line mostly celebrates the 24-year-old’s recent DPOY award along with his references to his “PS2” nickname, playing off of the Playstation 2 console.

It’s an “exclusive” drop that is only available through the end of March and features a “DPOY” hoodie along with T-Shirts featuring Surtain’s “PS2” moniker.

“It’s specifically an exclusive collection,” details Surtain II. “The drop is not out for the year. It’s out for a short amount of time. It’s available until the end of this month.”

Surtain II says sales are “good” so far and that it’s the perfect time to release the merch considering he’s coming off of the Defensive Player of the Year award. The 24-year-old became the first defensive back since Stephon Gilmore in 2019 to win the award and just the second cornerback to win it since 2010.

“We’re doing pretty good as far as in sales, ”says Surtain II. “I know that everybody’s, trying to get their merch and gear. I feel like right now it’s a big moment for me, obviously winning Defensive Player of the Year. The merch on top of that speaks volumes as well too.”

The three-time Pro Bowl cornerback says this is the second merchandise drop he’s done with Off-Field and says he had a “heavy” influence over the designs and he’s able to think “outside the box” with his products. He says the DPOY hoodie product is his favorite from the most recent product drop.

“I like the defensive player of the year hoodie,” says Surtain II. “I know that’s been a fan favorite so far. That’s been a very popular purchase out of the merch collection. So I’ll say that or the PS2 shirt as well too with my signature on it, with me holding the ball up in the air during my pick six. I think that’s a very special one as well too.”