Signs point to Denver Broncos CB Pat Surtain II missing another game

If the Denver Broncos lost cornerback Patrick Surtain II on the first defensive play against the Los Angeles ChargersThere were concerns about how the secondary would hold up. Fortunately, the Broncos' secondary stepped up and largely held its own through two games without its star corner.

In the Broncos' loss to the Chargers, the defense gave up the most yards of the season and scored the second-most points. The Broncos' offense couldn't do anything for three quarters of the game and gave the Chargers the ball for over 37 minutes. When a defense is on the field that often, breaks and problems happen.

Even without Surtain, the Broncos still had their highest pressure of the season, but unfortunately the secondary had some trouble adjusting without their top player. Riley Moss took over as the top boundary corner and allowed 71 yards on four catches on eight targets. As Moss answered the bell, Ja'Quan McMillian also stepped up and played at the boundary before sliding into the slot as Levi Wallace entered the field.

McMillian struggled and was assessed his third pass interference penalty of the season and a defensive play. The penalty gave the Chargers a first down on a third down play where the pass fell incomplete.

This drive ended with a field goal for the Chargers. McMillian's defensive holding penalty negated a fumble recovery by the Broncos defense late in the game, which would have been huge as they worked to orchestrate a successful comeback.

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Against the Saints, the Broncos had a much easier game due to the injuries they dealt with, including starting quarterback Derek Carr, all three first-team interior offensive linemen and three of their best weapons. The Broncos can only play whoever is facing them, and the defense had to step up and pay attention to the Saints, even if it was mostly staffed by backup players.

The Broncos held the Saints to three points until a garbage-time touchdown after several defensive starters were taken out of the game. Without Surtain, the Broncos did exactly what they needed to do and made things easier for Bo Nix and the offense. The Broncos not only shut down the Saints' offense, but forced turnovers and even scored a touchdown.

Without Surtain, the Broncos went 1-1 and allowed 33 points between games. The defense did a good job.

However, the Broncos need Surtain back as soon as possible. He's the straw that breaks the camel's back on defense, and when the Broncos face stronger offenses that don't attack, they'll have a much more challenging time without their No. 1 corner.

Hopefully Surtain will be back in Week 8 Carolina Panthersand he will stay healthy for the rest of the season. But if he were to miss another game, it would be this one.

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