Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain, widely respected for his defensive skills in the NFL, recently identified Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes as the league’s toughest challenge. Speaking in an interview with The Athletic, Surtain emphasized the difficulty his team faces when going up against Mahomes twice annually in divisional matchups, underscoring Mahomes’ dominance on the field.

“I mean, we face him twice a year, so we know that’s going to be a challenge,”

Surtain said, highlighting why Mahomes tops his ranking of current quarterbacks.

Recognition for Lamar Jackson’s Development as a Dual Threat

Besides Mahomes, Surtain praised Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson for his evolving skill set. He noted that Jackson’s growth as a passer has made him an even more dangerous player, combining his already well-known rushing abilities with improved throwing accuracy. As a result, Jackson’s threat level has risen in the eyes of defenders like Surtain.

“Lamar’s a problem. He’s getting better and better. He’s a problem, man. I ain’t gonna lie. He’s gotten better at throwing the ball, and that’s dangerous because, you know, everybody knows he can run the ball, but his throw is precise now on the rope. That’s dangerous. That’s tough to beat. So definitely Lamar,”

Surtain shared.

Honoring Josh Allen’s MVP-Caliber Performance

When commenting on Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, Surtain acknowledged Allen’s recent Most Valuable Player award, confirming his status among the NFL’s elite. Although Surtain did not elaborate extensively, he recognized Allen’s sustained excellence as a clear signal of his impact on the sport.

“Josh is coming off MVP year. I mean, he’s been that guy,”

Surtain remarked.

Justin Herbert’s Consistency Makes Him a Formidable Opponent

Remaining within the AFC West, Surtain included Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert among the top quarterbacks to watch. He pointed to Herbert’s talent and steady performance over multiple seasons as key factors that make him a difficult matchup for any defense.

“Herbert. He’s always a tough matchup, just because of how talented he is, you know, how he’s able to be consistent throughout the years. So I’d definitely say Herbert,”

Surtain added.

Agreeing with Joe Burrow as a Rising Talent

During the interview, ESPN reporter Dianna Russini mentioned Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, a suggestion with which Surtain agreed. He affirmed Burrow’s growing reputation as a young quarterback capable of challenging defenses across the league.

“Definitely Burrow,” Surtain said in response.

Bo Nix’s Rapid Progression Spotlights Denver’s Future

Turning the focus to his own team, Surtain expressed strong confidence in Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix, who impressed during his first season as a starter. Nix led the Broncos to 10 wins, passing for 29 touchdowns and 12 interceptions across all 17 games while showing resilience and growth.

“I’m telling you, man, Bo’s gonna be a problem. I’m telling you. I ain’t gonna say too much because I know he don’t like the hype and everything,”

Surtain revealed, underscoring Nix’s potential yet reluctance to draw attention.

Highlighting the improvements Nix has made, Surtain pointed out physical and mental development that promises even stronger performances ahead.

“When he first came in, like, he was ready. He was sound. Everything about him just screamed veteran QB in a way. I feel like this year, you know, he’s more composed, understands the offense even more, more confident, even more vocal. He’s a great leader out there. He brings the offense together. You can just tell he’s been working the offseason … He’s going to be scary,”

Surtain explained.

Implications for the Upcoming NFL Season

Patrick Surtain’s perspective offers a revealing look at the quarterbacks who define the current NFL landscape, particularly highlighting the unique challenges posed by Patrick Mahomes and other emerging stars like Lamar Jackson and Bo Nix. Mahomes’ twice-yearly matchups consistently test the Broncos’ defense, while rising talents signal an increasingly competitive season ahead.

For Denver, the progression of Bo Nix represents a beacon of hope as they seek to build a stronger offense capable of contending within the AFC West. Meanwhile, Surtain’s outlook reflects a blend of respect, caution, and anticipation for the battles to come, marking this as a critical period for the Broncos and their rivals.