When the NFL’s best receivers get together to talk shop, one name keeps coming up: Patrick Surtain II. The conversation isn’t about how to beat him, it’s about whether anyone actually can. During a recent training session, even Ja’Marr Chase and Jerry Jeudy seemed stumped by the challenge of facing Denver’s shutdown corner.
What Makes Patrick Surtain II So Difficult for Elite Receivers?
Surtain’s 2024 season solidified why he is widely regarded across the NFL as the best cornerback. His dominance on the field led the Denver Broncos to boast the top-ranked defense in the NFL, earning him a First-Team All-Pro selection and the 2024 AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
One of the clearest ways to understand how his talent is perceived around the league is by listening to how his opponents talk about him. During a training session featuring Chad Johnson, Chase, Jeudy, and other receivers, it became clear why Surtain is currently considered the NFL’s top defender.
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In recent seasons, the NFL’s balance between offense and defense has leveled out after the league experienced a significant offensive surge in the modern era. As colleges continue to produce top-tier wide receiver talent, the counterbalance has been the emergence of elite cornerbacks to contain them.
Surtain has become the NFL’s premier name for shutting down elite wide receivers. It’s hard to find any fundamental weakness in his game, and the way Chase spoke about him shows how even the league’s current leader in yards, receptions, and touchdowns finds it difficult to face him.
How Do NFL Receivers Try To Beat Surtain’s Press Coverage?
During an on-field conversation between Johnson, Chase, and other receivers, Johnson shared his take on beating Surtain on a route. The former receiver suggested staying relaxed pre-snap, dipping the shoulder toward the sideline, and gaining an early edge against the corner’s press coverage, but Chase wasn’t sold.
Trending: Chad Ochocinco talks about how to beat Pat Surtain with Ja’Marr Chase, Jerry Jeudy, and more!
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“In order to put pressure on him, we need to get on his cushion,” Chase said. “You can’t get on his cushion because he’s already there.” Johnson then tried to demonstrate his technique, but as Chase played the role of Surtain, he immediately got his hands on the former wideout, showing how tough it is to pull it off.
This exchange perfectly captures Surtain’s biggest strength. He often lines up in press coverage with outside leverage, making first contact within the first few yards to establish position and throw off the receiver’s route, which works even against the best receivers in one-on-one situations.
The discussion continued as the receivers tried different approaches. One suggestion made to Johnson was using a diamond release to open up Surtain’s hips and cut inside to avoid early contact. Jeudy responded, “Diamond release? On Pat?” and shook his head in disapproval.
Chase then revealed that his strategy isn’t to take Surtain outside because that’s where he feels most comfortable. Instead, he opens up outside with a patient yet aggressive release and breaks inside, expecting the ball on a quick pass. He added that Surtain is the most patient corner in the NFL regarding using his hands.
Every play from @PatSurtainll‘s dominant 2024 season » https://t.co/DRUvoa2aT4 pic.twitter.com/oPLQUMkUGw
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) January 30, 2025
The way the league’s top receivers talk about Surtain shows not only the respect he’s earned but also how much preparation a single player demands from his opponents on game day. When elite receivers are struggling to find answers in practice sessions, it speaks volumes about what Surtain brings to the field every Sunday.
