Is the young Pro Bowler ready for it?
training camp looks much different these days without the steady veteran presence of Justin Simmons working on the back end of the defense. While Simmons patiently waits by the phone for his next NFL opportunity, the Broncos and head coach Sean Payton are working hard and staying committed to their more youthful talent.
"I think we got younger," Payton said on Saturday. "We had ball production at times. I think that one of those things we felt strongly about was first seeing Riley's development and seeing Mathis' development. We have some young players here we've invested in. I think the reps they're getting now outside—I'm talking about the corners—have been really valuable. Now, in regard to the safeties, we saw Locke come on as the season progressed.
"I think I've been taking that role," Surtain said of asserting leadership this season. "There have been some changes this past year, so I've been taking that role well. That new role is something that I love to be in. Being able to be a leader on this team definitely inspires me to grow and grow each and every day.
Broncos secondary coach Jim Leonhard brings a reputation for being a guy who might make a good head coach one day, so Payton was determined to bring him in to help guide a younger position group. It's still early, but Leonhard's tutelage of the Broncos secondary already impresses Surtain in particular.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Denver Broncos' 2024 MVP Predicted to be CB Patrick Surtain II by NFL.comIt's the easy prediction but the Denver Broncos need it to be someone else.
Read more »
Forecasting Broncos' CB Frontrunners to Start Opposite Patrick Surtain IIDenver Broncos training camp will feature many fierce position battles, including cornerback.
Read more »
Broncos' Patrick Surtain II Voted NFL's No.1 CB: 4 Reasons WhyHere's why NFL personnel view Patrick Surtain II as the best cornerback in the NFL.
Read more »
'Dexter: Original Sin' Images — Christian Slater and Patrick Gibson Take Us BackPatrick Gibson and Christian Slater wash dishes in Dexter: Original Sin
Read more »
Michael C. Hall Delivers a Killer 'Dexter: Original Sin' Sneak Peek to SDCCPatrick Gibson and Christian Slater wash dishes in Dexter: Original Sin
Read more »
5 Key Broncos Not-Named Pat Surtain II Entering a Contract YearIf Patrick Surtain II's imminent extension wasn't enough, the Denver Broncos have five other key contract-year players.
Read more »