Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II is the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
He thinks that award has a chance to stay in the Broncos family this season.
However, PS2 isn’t talking about going back-to-back, instead heaping praise on Denver edge-rusher Nik Bonitto. Surtain was asked about Bonitto’s stellar start to the season on Thursday and the DPOY. He made some comments that will get Denver fans excited.
Pat Surtain on if he talks with Nik Bonitto about winning DPOY: He’s on his way to securing that award
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“Yeah, we talk about it for sure. Obviously, he’s quite an athlete,” Surtain said. “Yeah I’m pretty sure he’s aiming for that. Why not? Go get that accolade.”
Through four games this season, Bonitto has 4.5 sacks which is tied for third in the NFL. He has 13 tackles, five of which have gone for a loss, and his 27 pressures lead the league.
Bonitto is wreaking havoc on the opposing quarterback and Pat Surtain II is noticing. It certainly makes the job of the secondary easier when the QB doesn’t have much time to throw the football.
Clearly, PS2 is rooting for Bonitto to keep playing well and ultimately take home the honor. The oddsmakers currently have him at 10-1 to do just that.
“I know it’d be a big opportunity for him to get that, for sure. I mean, he’s on his way to securing that award. I know he’s going to look forward to getting better each and every week. I think it’s in the back of his head for sure that he’s thinking about getting that award.”
If Bonitto does ultimately win NFL DPOY, it means the Broncos season went really well. At least another playoff berth, and perhaps an AFC West title for the first time since 2015.
Bonitto has to keep performing at a high level, but right now, he’s showing no signs of slowing down. And he’s got all the support in the world from teammates like Pat Surtain II.