- Broncos' Pat Surtain critical of showing vs. Colts, admits being 'a little lazy' - Denver Gazette Broncos' Pat Surtain critical of showing vs. Colts, admits being 'a little lazy' - Denver Gazette
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Broncos’ Pat Surtain critical of showing vs. Colts, admits being ‘a little lazy’

By September 17, 2025 | updated 23 hours ago

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Adonai Mitchell (10) catches a pass against Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II (2) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)

ENGLEWOOD – The word “lazy” perhaps never has been included in a sentence about star cornerback Pat Surtain II. 

Until now. 

When assessing his performance in the Broncos’ 29-28 loss at Indianapolis last Sunday, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year used that word Wednesday. Surtain is known for his relentless work ethic while being, as he says, “a student of the game.” 

However, Surtain, a week after not allowing a catch on just one target in a 20-12 win over Tennessee in the opener, allowed seven catches on nine targets against the Colts. That’s the most receptions the fifth-year man has allowed in a game since he gave up seven against Las Vegas on Oct. 2, 2022. 

“I know the type of player I am,’’ Surtain said after a practice at Broncos Park. “There were some points where I thought my technique was a little lazy, knowing that I could have been better with my placement, my footwork, knowing what certain routes were coming, but also, they made some great throws, great catches. I feel like I was on them like white on rice. Sometimes they just make good catches, but at the end of the day, it’s a lot to learn from.” 

Surtain suffered a left ankle injury in the second quarter at Indianapolis and missed one defensive play before returning. After the game, with the Broncos having dropped to 1-1, he shrugged off the ankle being a factor in his performance. 

Surtain said Wednesday his ankle is fine entering Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers (2-0) in a battle for first place in the AFC West. He was a full participant in practice and wasn’t even listed on the injury report. 

“It’s been pretty good,’’ Surtain said. “I’m up to speed. I’m up to schedule. Just busy monitoring it and making sure I’m ready to play Sunday.” 

Colts quarterback Daniel Jones completed 23 of 34 passes for 314 yards and a touchdown against Denver’s vaunted defense. Broncos coach Sean Payton said earlier this week the Colts weren’t specifically targeting Surtain, and it was a case of that’s where their offense went. But Payton said he expected Surtain will “want to clean up on a handful of those plays” with his “technique.” 

Surtain did give credit to Jones for his showing. 

“Some throws were crazy,’’ Surtain said. “Credit to Daniel Jones. He made some great throws. But it’s definitely I hold myself to a high standard. That wasn’t one of my best games. I’m going to make sure I learn from it and correct myself.” 

Surtain made the Pro Bowl in three of his first four seasons, tying his father, Pat Surtain, for the number of invitations he got as an NFL cornerback from 1998-2008. Surtain was asked if his father reaches offers advice after he has a disappointing outing. 

“When I have games like that, I think he knows it as well, too, it’s the life of a (defensive back),’’ Surtain said. “Sometimes you’re going to have some rough games, like games where you’re not on top of your game. I think he understands that, but he also knows me, I’m a student of the game. I’m always looking to get better.” 

After two games, Surtain is surprisingly ranked by Pro Football Focus as just the No. 64 cornerback in the NFL out of 89. But you better believe he is looking to turn things around against the Chargers 

“This is a big-time game against a divisional opponent,’’ Surtain said. “Win this game and we’re first in the division. … We are highly motivated.” 

Chris Tomasson

Reporter

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