Broncos' Elite Duo Sharpens Skills in Practice Battles

Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and cornerback Pat Surtain are consistently sharpening their skills through rigorous practice matchups. This "best-on-best" competition sees the elite offensive and defensive players lining up against each other, fostering mutual improvement.

Coach Sean Payton highlights the value of such contests, stating that top players competing together test and refine their abilities. Both Waddle and Surtain, former college roommates, respect each other immensely, acknowledging that these drills make them better.

Waddle finds the challenge of facing Denver's strong 2025 defense, which retains most of its starters, essential for his development. He notes that competing against such a formidable unit prevents the offense from becoming predictable and forces them to execute effectively.

Quarterback Bo Nix has also gained confidence in throwing towards Surtain during practice, a feat he previously avoided. Successfully completing passes against Surtain boosts the offense's morale, reassuring them of their capability to attack elite defensive talent.

Surtain credits Waddle's quickness and ability to change direction with enhancing his own reaction times and defensive maneuvers. This intense practice environment is geared towards preparing both Waddle, who aims for his fourth career 1,000-yard receiving season, and Surtain, who is contending for a second Defensive Player of the Year award in three seasons, for their goals in 2026.