Cornerback and Linebacker Return for the Denver Broncos

As the Denver Broncos enter the critical stretch of the 2024 NFL season—fighting for the AFC West title and a top playoff seed—the return of two key defensive players has injected new momentum into the team. After weeks of navigating injuries at cornerback and linebacker, the Broncos have welcomed back both positions’ starters, filling critical gaps that had tested the depth of their defense. These returns aren’t just about adding bodies to the roster; they’re about reinstating elite playmakers who anchor the Broncos’ defensive scheme and elevate the performance of the entire unit. Cornerback and Linebacker Return for the Denver Broncos explores the players’ journeys back from injury, the impact of their absence, and how their comeback positions the Broncos for postseason success.

Cornerback and Linebacker Return for the Denver Broncos first spotlights the cornerback: Pat Surtain II, the Broncos’ Pro Bowl shutdown corner who missed four games with a Grade 2 ankle sprain suffered in Week 8 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Surtain’s injury came at a pivotal time—he’d been having a Defensive Player of the Year-caliber season, allowing just 40.2% of passes thrown his way to be completed and recording three interceptions in the first eight weeks. During his absence, the Broncos’ secondary struggled: opposing quarterbacks targeted Surtain’s replacements (Damarri Mathis and Riley Moss) 68 times, completing 45 of those passes (66.2%) for 589 yards and four touchdowns. The pass defense, which had ranked 6th in yards allowed before Surtain’s injury, dropped to 18th during his absence, and the Broncos lost two of the four games he missed. Surtain’s return to practice in Week 12 was met with relief from coaches and teammates alike, with defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero noting, “Pat is the kind of player who makes everyone else in the secondary better—he takes away the opponent’s top receiver, which lets us be more aggressive elsewhere.”

On the linebacker side, Cornerback and Linebacker Return for the Denver Broncos focuses on Josey Jewell, the Broncos’ starting middle linebacker who sat out six games with a strained hamstring sustained in Week 6 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Jewell, a six-year veteran, is the “quarterback of the Broncos’ defense”—he calls defensive signals, reads opposing offenses, and leads the team in tackles (92 in 2023). Without him, the Broncos’ run defense faltered: they allowed an average of 128.5 rushing yards per game (up from 91.2 before his injury) and saw their tackle efficiency drop by 15%. Backup linebackers Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad filled in admirably, but they lacked Jewell’s experience in reading complex run schemes—opponents exploited this by running between the tackles 42% more often during Jewell’s absence. Jewell’s return in Week 13 was a quiet but impactful moment: he recorded seven tackles, a tackle for loss, and a pass breakup in the Broncos’ 24-17 win over the Kansas City Chiefs, helping hold the Chiefs to just 87 rushing yards. “Having Josey back is like having a coach on the field,” head coach Sean Payton said post-game. “He calms everyone down, makes the right calls, and ensures we’re aligned correctly—you can’t put a price on that.”

Cornerback and Linebacker Return for the Denver Broncos also examines how their comeback has reshaped the Broncos’ defensive strategy. With Surtain back, Evero has been able to revert to the team’s signature “Cover 1” scheme—a look that relies on Surtain to lock down one side of the field while the rest of the secondary plays man-to-man coverage. This has allowed the Broncos to blitz more frequently: in the two games since Surtain’s return, the Broncos have recorded 10 sacks (up from 1.5 sacks per game during his absence) and forced four turnovers. Jewell’s return has similarly unlocked the run defense: the Broncos have held opponents to 76.5 rushing yards per game in the three games he’s played since coming back, including a Week 14 shutout of the New England Patriots’ run game (49 yards on 21 carries). For the Denver Broncos, these strategic shifts have turned a good defense into a dominant one—they’ve allowed just 15.3 points per game since both players returned, down from 24.8 points per game during their absence.

Another key angle of Cornerback and Linebacker Return for the Denver Broncos is the timing of their comeback, which aligns with the Broncos’ most challenging stretch of the season. Over the final five weeks, the Broncos face three divisional rivals (Kansas City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles Chargers) and two potential playoff opponents (Buffalo Bills, Philadelphia Eagles)—all teams with dynamic passing attacks or physical running games. Surtain’s return is critical for matchups against Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill and Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs, while Jewell’s presence will be vital against the Chargers’ Austin Ekeler and Eagles’ D’Andre Swift. Without these two players, the Broncos would have entered these games with significant vulnerabilities; with them back, they’re confident in their ability to shut down opposing strengths. “This is the time of year when you need your best players,” Payton said in a Week 13 press conference. “Having Pat and Josey back now means we’re as close to full strength as we’ve been all season—and that’s exactly where we want to be.” For the Denver Broncos, this timing isn’t just lucky—it’s the result of careful injury management, with the team prioritizing long-term health over short-term gains to ensure both players were fully recovered before returning.

The final layer of Cornerback and Linebacker Return for the Denver Broncos is the impact on team morale and playoff aspirations. Before Surtain and Jewell returned, the Broncos were 6-4 and clinging to a wildcard spot; since their comeback, they’ve won four straight games to climb to 10-4 and take a two-game lead in the AFC West. The players’ return has also boosted confidence in the locker room, with defensive lineman Von Miller noting, “When you see Pat and Josey back out there, it’s a reminder that we have the talent to win the Super Bowl. They’re leaders, and their presence makes everyone play harder.” For the Denver Broncos, these returns are more than just roster additions—they’re a statement that the team is serious about contending. As they head into the final weeks of the season, Surtain and Jewell will be at the center of the Broncos’ defense, leading a unit that now has the potential to carry the team deep into the playoffs. In a league where injuries often derail championship hopes, the Broncos’ ability to get their two defensive anchors back healthy has positioned them as one of the NFL’s most dangerous teams—proving that sometimes, the most important wins of the season come not on the field, but in the recovery room.