Patrick Surtain II has already built a reputation as one of the best young defensive players in football — and now he’s being compared to one of the greatest to ever do it.
Appearing on Ari Meirov’s NFL Spotlight, Denver Broncos defensive lineman Zach Allen made a striking comparison on Surtain’s ability to dominate opposing offenses.
“He takes away half the field. I don’t think we’ve seen that since Revis. … For a guy up front, it’s the best because it gives us an extra half-second or extra second to get there. … I’m a very lucky guy.” — Zach Allen on playing with Patrick Surtain. https://t.co/Ak5JdSgXx6 pic.twitter.com/2kQ00bzyar
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 26, 2025
“It’s kind of crazy. He takes away half the field,” Allen said. “I don’t think we’ve seen that since [Darrelle] Revis”
Revis, of course, is one of the most iconic lockdown corners in NFL history. At his peak, “Revis Island” was a no-fly zone — and Allen believes Surtain is putting together that same kind of résumé in Denver.
Zach Allen Says the Broncos’ Star Corner “takes away half the field” — Just Like Revis Once Did.
Allen continued his praise for the special young cornerback, further elaborating on how Surtain’s performance benefits the whole defense, not just the secondary.
“For a guy up front, I mean it’s the best because you’re able to have that extra half second, extra step to get there. So that makes my job a lot easier,” Allen said. “The fact that I get to play with him… I’m a very lucky guy.”
The praise from Allen isn’t just about talent — it’s about impact.
While Surtain’s stats may not always jump off the page, his ability to erase a side of the field changes how offenses operate. Quarterbacks routinely avoid throwing in his direction, allowing Denver’s pass rush to be more aggressive and giving them more time to get home.
The synergy between Surtain’s elite coverage and the Broncos’ pass rush has become a cornerstone of Denver’s defensive identity — and the results speak for themselves.
The Broncos finished with the No. 1 defense in the league, according to Pro Football and Sports Network’s 2024 Defense + metric. The Denver defense finished first in both EPA per dropback and per rush last season.
Allen, in particular, experienced a notable uptick in performance during the 2024 season, recording a career-high 8.5 sacks. He seems to be crediting Surtain, at least in part, for his great season last year.
As Surtain enters his fourth NFL season, the expectations around him are only growing — and rightfully so. With teammates like Allen publicly crediting his impact, and comparisons to legends like Revis starting to feel earned rather than premature, Surtain isn’t just playing like one of the best young defenders in football — he’s redefining what it means to be a shutdown corner in today’s league.
If 2024 was any indication, the Broncos’ defense runs through No. 2. With players up front feeding off the opportunities he creates on the back end, Denver may have found the formula to dominate on defense for years to come.