Patrick surtain II Crowned PFT 2024 NFL Defensive Player of the Year
In a season where flashy stats frequently enough dominate the conversation, Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II proved that true defensive greatness transcends the box score.Despite not leading the league in sacks or interceptions, Surtain’s dominance on the field earned him the prestigious title of PFT 2024 NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
Surtain’s 2024 campaign was nothing short of stunning. He recorded four interceptions, including a jaw-dropping 100-yard pick-six, and added 11 passes defensed, 45 tackles, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. But his impact whent far beyond the numbers.
what truly set Surtain apart was his ability to shut down the NFL’s elite. According to the Broncos’ official website, Surtain was targeted 16 times on 92 routes while covering five Pro Bowl-caliber players: Ravens receiver Zay Flowers, browns receiver Jerry Jeudy, Bengals receiver Ja’Marr Chase, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, and Raiders tight end Brock Bowers. Against these stars, he allowed just six catches for 56 yards, no touchdowns, and posted an astonishing 8.3 passer rating. He also snagged two interceptions in these matchups, cementing his reputation as a shutdown corner.
The son of former Pro Bowl and All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain, the younger Surtain is not only living up to his father’s legacy but surpassing it. His ability to neutralize the league’s top receivers has drawn comparisons to Broncos legend champ Bailey, a testament to his elite skill set and football IQ.
While Surtain’s performance stood out, other defensive stars also made strong cases for the award. Browns defensive end Myles Garrett tallied 14.0 sacks and led the NFL with 22 tackles for loss. Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson topped the league with 17.5 sacks, while Eagles linebacker Zack Baun recorded 151 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks. Texans cornerback Derek Stingley jr. and lions safety Kerby Joseph also impressed, with Stingley notching five interceptions and Joseph leading the NFL with nine.
Below is a summary of Surtain’s 2024 season compared to other top defensive contenders:
| Player | Team | Position | Key Stats |
|———————-|————|———-|———————————————|
| Patrick Surtain II | Broncos | CB | 4 INTs, 11 PD, 45 tackles, 1 FF, 1 FR |
| Myles Garrett | browns | DE | 14.0 sacks, 22 TFLs |
| Trey Hendrickson | Bengals | DE | 17.5 sacks |
| Zack Baun | Eagles | LB | 151 tackles, 11 TFLs, 3.5 sacks |
| Derek Stingley Jr. | Texans | CB | 5 INTs |
| Kerby Joseph | lions | S | 9 INTs |
Surtain’s recognition as the PFT 2024 NFL Defensive Player of the Year underscores his unparalleled ability to impact games without relying on gaudy stats. His performance against the league’s best receivers and tight ends solidified his status as the NFL’s premier defender.
As the Broncos look to build on their 2024 success, Surtain’s presence in the secondary will remain a cornerstone of their defence. For fans of lockdown corner play, Surtain’s season was a masterclass in excellence—a reminder that greatness isn’t always measured in sacks or interceptions, but in the ability to dominate when it matters most.
What do you think about surtain’s selection as the Defensive Player of the Year? Share your thoughts and join the conversation below!
Patrick Surtain II Crowned PFT 2024 NFL Defensive Player of the Year: A Deep Dive into His Dominant Season
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In a season where flashy stats often dominate the conversation, Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II proved that true defensive greatness transcends the box score. Despite not leading the league in sacks or interceptions, Surtain’s dominance on the field earned him the prestigious title of PFT 2024 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. To unpack his remarkable season, we sat down with NFL analyst and defensive specialist, Marcus Carter, to discuss Surtain’s impact, his shutdown abilities, and what this recognition means for his legacy.
Surtain’s Stellar 2024 campaign
Senior Editor: Marcus, let’s start with the basics. Patrick Surtain II had an unbelievable 2024 season. can you break down his key stats and what made his performance so special?
Marcus Carter: Absolutely. Surtain’s numbers were remarkable: four interceptions, including a 100-yard pick-six, 11 passes defensed, 45 tackles, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. But what really stood out was his consistency and ability to make game-changing plays. That 100-yard interception return for a touchdown was a defining moment—it showcased his athleticism, awareness, and ability to capitalize on opportunities.
Shutting Down the NFL’s Elite
Senior Editor: one of the most talked-about aspects of Surtain’s season was his ability to neutralize some of the league’s top receivers and tight ends. Can you elaborate on how he managed to do that?
Marcus Carter: Sure.According to the Broncos’ official website, Surtain was targeted just 16 times on 92 routes while covering five Pro Bowl-caliber players: Zay Flowers, Jerry Jeudy, Ja’Marr Chase, Travis Kelce, and Brock Bowers. Against these elite players, he allowed only six catches for 56 yards, no touchdowns, and posted an astonishing 8.3 passer rating. He also had two interceptions in these matchups. that’s just incredible. His ability to read routes, stay disciplined, and make plays on the ball is what sets him apart.
Living Up to the Surtain Legacy
Senior Editor: Patrick Surtain II comes from a football family—his father, Patrick Surtain, was a Pro Bowl and All-Pro cornerback. How does the younger Surtain compare to his father, and has he surpassed that legacy?
Marcus Carter: it’s a great question. Patrick Surtain Sr. was one of the best corners of his era, but Patrick Surtain II is not only living up to that legacy—he’s surpassing it. His ability to shut down the NFL’s best receivers has drawn comparisons to Broncos legend Champ Bailey, which is high praise. What’s remarkable is his football IQ and his ability to adapt to different types of receivers. Whether it’s a speedster like Ja’marr Chase or a physical tight end like travis Kelce, Surtain has shown he can handle them all.
The Competition for Defensive Player of the Year
Senior Editor: Surtain wasn’t the only standout defender in 2024. Players like Myles Garrett, Trey Hendrickson, and Kerby Joseph also had incredible seasons. What made Surtain the clear choice for Defensive Player of the Year?
Marcus Carter: It’s true—there were some phenomenal performances across the league.Myles Garrett had 14.0 sacks and led the NFL with 22 tackles for loss, while Trey Hendrickson topped the league with 17.5 sacks. Kerby Joseph led the NFL with nine interceptions. But what set Surtain apart was his impact on the game beyond the stats. He didn’t just make plays—he erased opposing teams’ best weapons.When you can take away a team’s top receiver or tight end, it changes the entire dynamic of the game. That’s why he was the clear choice.
What’s Next for Surtain and the Broncos?
Senior Editor: Looking ahead, what does this recognition mean for Surtain’s career, and how can the Broncos build around him for future success?
Marcus Carter: this award cements Surtain’s status as one of the NFL’s premier defenders. For the Broncos, he’s the cornerstone of their defense. If they can continue to build a strong supporting cast around him—whether it’s through the draft or free agency—they’ll be a force to reckon with. surtain’s presence in the secondary gives them the flexibility to be aggressive in other areas of the defense.The sky’s the limit for this team if they can capitalize on his talent.
Final Thoughts
senior Editor: Marcus, any final thoughts on Surtain’s season and what it means for the future of defensive play in the NFL?
Marcus Carter: Patrick Surtain II’s 2024 season was a masterclass in defensive excellence. He reminded us that greatness isn’t always about the flashiest stats—it’s about making an impact when it matters most. For young players coming into the league, he’s the gold standard for what it means to be a shutdown corner. I’m excited to see how he continues to evolve and dominate in the years to come.
Senior Editor: thanks, Marcus, for your insights. It’s clear that Patrick Surtain II’s 2024 season was one for the ages, and his recognition as defensive Player of the Year is well-deserved.
What do you think about Surtain’s selection as the Defensive Player of the Year? Share your thoughts and join the conversation below!
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