Patrick Surtain II Sends Message Ahead of Matchup With Cowboys’ High-Powered Offense
The Denver Broncos are gearing up for what many inside the building believe is their toughest defensive test yet.
Fresh off a stunning fourth-quarter comeback win over the Giants, Denver’s defense now faces Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys, one of the NFL’s top-ranked offenses.
As Mile High Sports noted, superstar cornerback Patrick Surtain II didn’t mince words when discussing the challenge.
“They nearly lead the league in all the passing numbers,” Surtain said. “They’re balanced, too, strong in the run game and efficient in the air. It’s going to be a pretty good challenge.”
At 5-2, the Broncos are one of the league’s stingiest defenses, but Sunday’s matchup against a Dallas offense averaging nearly 400 yards per game will test that identity.
But Surtain made it clear this week that Denver isn’t backing down:
“They’ve got playmakers everywhere,” Surtain said of Dallas’ receiving corps. “CeeDee [Lamb] is one of the best in the game, strong hands, great route runner, dangerous after the catch. And Pickens brings a different kind of physicality. We know exactly what we’re up against.”
Surtain’s confidence mirrors the tone across Denver’s locker room:
“They’re pretty efficient,” Surtain added. “They nearly lead the league in all the passing numbers, and they can run it, too. It’s going to be a great challenge, but this is what we live for as competitors.”
Broncos Defense vs. Cowboys Offense: Strength Meets Strength
The numbers tell the story of two units at the top of their game.
Dallas leads the league in yards per game (390.6), ranks second in points (31.7), and has allowed just eight sacks all season, which is tied for the second fewest in the NFL.
Dak Prescott has been surgical, completing 71% of his passes for 1,881 yards, 16 touchdowns, and only three interceptions on the season.
Denver’s defense, however, has been equally elite.
The Broncos allow just 273.1 yards per game (third fewest), 4.49 yards per play (second fewest), and 18.1 points per game (fourth fewest).
They lead the NFL in sacks with 34 while also holding teams to a 29.2% conversion rate on third down and a red-zone success rate under 38%.
Edge rusher Nik Bonitto knows what’s at stake:
“He’s [Prescott] a guy who can make a lot of things happen in the pocket,” Bonitto said. “We’ve got to make life easy for the DBs this week.”
Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper, who are both in the top 5 in the NFL in sacks, will look to put more pressure on Prescott and get him uncomfortable.
Denver’s Secondary Proving It’s Among the NFL’s Best
While the pass rush has stolen headlines, Denver’s secondary has quietly become the backbone of the defense.
Surtain continues to shadow top receivers, while Moss, often targeted as the “other” corner, has quietly delivered.
According to Next Gen Stats, Moss has allowed just 20 completions on 45 targets (44%) and only 286 total yards on 264 coverage snaps.
Payton praised his young corner’s resilience:
“[He’s] playing outstanding,” Payton said. “He’s getting a lot of targets, but he’s on to the next play every time.”
That next-play mentality will be critical against an elite Dallas receiving corps led by CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens.
With Denver’s defense leading the NFL in sacks and Dallas’ offense ranking near the top in almost every metric, Sunday’s matchup is shaping up as a heavyweight battle between the league’s best offense and the league’s best defense.
“It’s going to be fun,” Surtain said with a grin after practice. “That’s what you play this game for, to face the best.”
Geno Smith Doesn’t Give Up: "Failure is a Valuable Lesson, Success Will Come When We Keep Pushing"
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith is no stranger to adversity. After a challenging start to the season, Smith’s resilience has been on full display as he continues to push forward with an unwavering commitment to his team, his fans, and his own personal growth. In a recent reflection, Smith shared his mindset on handling setbacks and how every failure is an opportunity to learn and grow.
“Mùa giải này không hề dễ dàng, nhưng tôi không bao giờ từ bỏ. Mỗi thất bại, mỗi trận đấu không như ý đều là một bài học quý giá. Tôi biết rằng để thành công, tôi cần phải tiếp tục làm việc chăm chỉ, không ngừng hoàn thiện bản thân và đội bóng. Dù đối mặt với thử thách lớn, tôi luôn giữ niềm tin vào khả năng của mình và khả năng phục hồi của đội. Tôi tin rằng nếu chúng tôi không ngừng nỗ lực, kết quả sẽ đến, và khi nó đến, nó sẽ xứng đáng với mọi cố gắng," Smith said.
Turning Setbacks into Lessons
For Smith, the challenges faced this season have only strengthened his resolve. Every defeat or setback is a lesson that pushes him to work harder and focus more on improvement. This attitude reflects the kind of leadership that has helped him bounce back from previous struggles, both in his career and in his personal life.
Smith’s philosophy goes beyond just focusing on the game itself; it’s about personal development and team cohesion. "I know that to succeed, I need to keep working hard, constantly improving myself and the team. It’s about building something together," Smith added. The quarterback understands that every small improvement adds up to a bigger picture of success. It’s about staying committed to the process, no matter how difficult it may seem.
Belief in His Team
Despite the ongoing challenges, Smith remains confident in his own ability and the Seahawks’ collective potential. "I always keep faith in my abilities and in the team’s ability to bounce back," Smith said. His belief in the team’s resilience is a reflection of the leadership role he has embraced, even when things are tough.
In the face of a tough season, Smith’s confidence and ability to remain positive are infectious. His leadership style has earned him the respect of his teammates, who look to him as a role model of perseverance. He’s demonstrated that success is not just about physical ability but also about mental toughness and the willingness to continue pushing forward, no matter what the scoreboard says.
Looking Ahead
With a season still ahead, Geno Smith’s words remind us that every game is an opportunity to improve. The Seahawks, under Smith’s leadership, are not backing down from the challenge. As Smith continues to focus on growth, both individually and as a team, he remains confident that success will follow.
"I believe that if we don’t stop working hard, the results will come," Smith concluded. His resolve to keep pushing, even in the face of adversity, embodies the very essence of what it takes to be a leader in the NFL.
As the Seahawks move forward, Geno Smith’s determination and leadership will continue to play a crucial role in their efforts to turn their season around. His mentality—of learning from every setback and trusting the process—will undoubtedly inspire his teammates as they continue their quest for victory.
