As the Denver Broncos gear up for a prime-time showdown against the New Orleans Saints, there's a distinct absence casting a shadow over their game plan, Pro-Bowl cornerback Pat Surtain II's availability is in jeopardy. The stalwart of the Broncos' defense is likely to miss Thursday night's game, snapping a 40-game streak due to a concussion he sustained last Sunday. As reported by the Denver Post, "Pat allows us to do things in coverage that most players can’t," stated defensive coordinator Vance Joseph. The team has been attempting to adjust their strategy, having a pair of days to adapt their coverage plans without Surtain, a luxury they weren't afforded when he exited the game against the Chargers.
Surtain's absence is layered onto the Broncos' recent momentum after the team, according to Denver7, came off a three-game winning streak before faltering to the Chargers. The upcoming game, set to air on Denver7, pits the historically dominant Broncos who have won nine out of twelve matchups against the Saints. The Saints, after a blazing start to the season scoring 91 points within two games, have found themselves losing four consecutively to some of the league's frontrunners. Contrasting with Denver's outdoor conditions, the Broncos will be playing under the dome in New Orleans, where forecasts predict the 70s and sunny skies, compared to Denver's low 50s overnight.
The financial implications for fans traveling to the game might elicit some raised eyebrows. As KDVR reports, a hefty round-trip ticket price hovers around $800, while accommodations in proximity to the stadium are comparatively more wallet-friendly at about $150 a night. Given the varying factors, dedicated fans are in for a complex pre-game ritual of budgeting and booking, all in the hopes of seeing their team triumph under the dome.
The pressing question remains, How will the Broncos adjust defensively in the wake of losing a player of Surtain's caliber? Following his early game exit against the Chargers, and being placed under the league's concussion protocol, his progress has been closely monitored. "The concussion protocol generally takes a few days at least, and sometimes a few weeks," per KDVR. As of Tuesday’s status update, Surtain had not been cleared to return to practice, leaving a shadow of uncertainty over this key defensive asset leading up to kick-off.
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