DENVER — Perhaps there was a little Mile High Magic in Sunday's pregame jersey swap.
Ahead of the Broncos' 34-18 win over the Raiders, cornerback Pat Surtain II and Hall of Famer Champ Bailey exchanged autographed jerseys on Denver's sideline — and then Surtain went out and gave his best impression of the first-ballot Hall of Famer.
In front of the author of one of the most memorable moments in franchise history, Surtain made a statement of his own with a 100-yard pick six.
Reminiscent of Bailey's 100-yard interception return in a 2005 Divisional Round win over New England, Surtain's pick six flipped the tone of Sunday's game. With a touchdown, the Raiders would have taken a 14-point first half lead and tested Denver's ability to respond. Instead, in mere moments, Surtain and the ensuing extra point knotted the game at 10. According to ESPN's win probability, the Broncos' chances of winning improved from 19.6 percent to 51.8 percent.
"That was pretty legendary to say the least," Surtain said after the win. "Having a guy like Champ come out there and watch and bring such good energy [was great]. It's expected out there when you have a Hall of Fame player like that come and watch you. I had to capitalize on the opportunities I could get. I had to make that pick six happen and got another blessing with another pick as well too, so that jersey swap was legendary. That's something that I have always wanted to have."
Denver would rattle off 34 consecutive points beginning with Surtain's pick six, and there was little doubt about the importance of the moment.
"That completely changed the game," defensive end Zach Allen said. "… Pat's got my vote for Defensive Player of the Year right now."
Added Jonathon Cooper: "A game-changing play like that brings life back into the team."
Before the play, Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew was 9-of-9 for 115 yards, had guided Las Vegas to a 10-3 lead and was on the doorstep of more points. But Minshew was forced to try to elevate the ball over Jonah Elliss, and Surtain snagged the high pass intended for tight end Brock Bowers.
"The ball was in the air and my eyes got big," Surtain said. "I was like, 'No way it's happening.' Then I caught the ball and I saw … green grass, and I was like, 'Yeah, that's a touchdown.'"
Surtain took off down the sideline and held the ball out as he reached the 20-yard line and cruised into the end zone. A penalty flag initially indicated the play would be called back, but the officiating crew waved off the penalty — and Empower Field at Mile High roared as the touchdown was confirmed.
"I was worried, I was scared and I was tired," Surtain said when he initially saw the flag.
For good measure, Surtain added another interception in the fourth quarter as he deflected a pass and then snagged the ball out of the air.
The interception — this time off Aidan O'Connell — set up the Broncos' final touchdown drive of the afternoon. Aided by the short field, the Broncos' offense cashed in to take a 34-10 lead.
"He's my GOAT," Riley Moss said. "I don't know about you guys, but that's my GOAT. Hell of a day out of Pat. I'm glad that they threw him some and gave him the opportunity to [make plays]."
Moss snagged an interception of his own, as the Broncos picked off the Raiders three times on the afternoon. They also recorded three sacks and allowed just 22 yards and two first downs on seven consecutive drives following Surtain's pick six. Minshew completed just three of his final eight passes for 22 yards and two interceptions, while O'Connell started 1-of-3 with an interception.
"I just think we have developed a good culture," defensive lineman Malcolm Roach said of the defensive performance. "We hold each other accountable when we make mistakes, but we also show love when we make good plays. It's a healthy balance between both. We continue to prepare every Wednesday, and we know we have to win the game on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and the results take care of themselves on Sundays."
Having Surtain on your side — and perhaps a little bit of luck from a Hall of Famer — certainly doesn't hurt, either.
