The Denver Broncos will yet again have a great secondary, but who in that group will lead the team in interceptions this year?
I think this is a worthy question to ask because there’s a few candidates for this honor. I think most of us can agree that the interception leader for the Denver Broncos will be either Justin Simmons or Patrick Surtain II.
Let’s start with Simmons. He’s had multiple interceptions in every season of his career. He’s got 21 so far, and five in each of the last two seasons. His five interception total in 2021 was good for being tied for fourth in the entire NFL. Simmons has shown an insane ability to gravitate towards the ball. His rangy frame and long strides have helped with this.
We all know how good Simmons is. He seemingly gets better every season, and his 14 interceptions over his last three seasons is one of many positive aspects of his game. It would be cool to see Simmons break through that five interception total since he’s been stuck on it the past two seasons.
However, while I love Justin Simmons, I don’t think he leads the team in interceptions this season. I think second-year player and likely future All-Pro Patrick Surtain II will lead the Denver Broncos, and the AFC, in interceptions. In Surtain’s rookie season, he quickly established himself as one of the better cornerbacks in the NFL. His technique was flawless and was that of a seasoned veteran.
His four interceptions were good for being tied for fifth in the entire NFL, and he also had a defensive touchdown when he caught an interception from Justin Herbert. Being that Surtain was simply so good in 2021, I see no reason why he can’t explode in 2022. He has the makings of the next great shutdown cornerback, and I personally liken his game to that of Richard Sherman’s.
Surtain’s 2021 season was better than most starting cornerbacks. He’s got an insane ceiling, and an improved defense overall should lead to Patrick Surtain II having himself quite the year. I think it’s clear that, while both Justin Simmons and Patrick Surtain II are incredibly talented Broncos defenders, Surtain has the much higher ceiling.
I am putting all of my chips in on Patrick Surtain II leading the Denver Broncos, and AFC, in interceptions for the 2022 season.