After helping power the Broncos to a big victory over the Chargers in Week 12, rookie cornerback Pat Surtain II and running back Javonte Williams have been nominated for the NFL's Rookie of the Week award.
To vote for Surtain and Williams, click here. Voting will remain open until Thursday at 10 a.m. MT.
Surtain played a significant role in the Broncos' dominant defensive effort with two interceptions, a touchdown and five tackles. His first interception halted a potentially game-tying drive as he picked off Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert in the end zone. Then, on the ensuing Los Angeles possession, Surtain caught a deflected pass in stride and returned it 70 yards for a score to put Denver up 21 points midway through the fourth quarter.
"Pat has great hands and great ball anticipation, and both of them came in handy right there," Head Coach Vic Fangio said Sunday night. "Those are big plays. The first one probably saves the three points. They probably would kick a field goal there, although they could've went for it on fourth down. The next one, they're in field goal range again, and it becomes seven points for us. Those are two big swings in the game and big, big plays."
Williams, meanwhile, provided a balanced attack on the ground and through the air, as he recorded 57 rushing yards and 54 receiving yards and a touchdown on the ground. His score pushed Denver to a two-touchdown lead in the first half, but it was a big catch in the fourth that helped clinch the game. After pulling in a swing pass near the right sideline, Williams wove his way downfield for a 42-yard gain that set Denver up in the red zone. Three plays later, the Broncos extended their lead to 21-7.
Williams previously won Rookie of the Week honors after his 111-yard outing vs. the Cowboys in Week 9.