In front of Hall of Famer Champ Bailey, Pat Surtain II creates his own mile high magic with a 100-yard pick six

DENVER – Maybe there was a little Mile High magic involved in the jersey swap before Sunday’s game.

Before the Broncos’ 34-18 victory over the Raiders, cornerback Pat Surtain II and Hall of Famer Champ Bailey exchanged signed jerseys on the Denver sideline – and then Surtain went out and did his best impression of the first-ballot Hall of Famer .

Before authoring one of the most memorable moments in franchise history, Surtain made his own mark with a 100-yard pick-six.

Surtain’s pick six was reminiscent of Bailey’s 100-yard interception return in a 2005 divisional round win over New England and changed the tone of Sunday’s game. With a touchdown, the Raiders would have taken a 14-point lead in the first half and tested Denver’s ability to react. Instead, Surtain and the ensuing extra point tied the game at 10 in just a few moments. According to ESPN’s win probability, the Broncos’ odds of winning improved from 19.6 percent to 51.8 percent.

“That was pretty legendary to say the least,” Surtain said after the win. “To have a guy like Champ watching and bringing so much energy (was great). That’s what’s expected out there when a Hall of Fame player like that comes and watches you. I had to capitalize on the opportunities that came my way.” . I had to execute on that pick six and also got another blessing with another pick, so this jersey swap was something I’ve always wanted to do.

Denver would score 34 straight points starting with Surtain’s pick six, and there was little doubt about the significance of the moment.

“It completely changed the game,” defensive end Zach Allen said. “… Pat now has my vote for Defensive Player of the Year.”

Jonathon Cooper added: “A game-changing move like this brings life back into the team.”

Before the play, Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew was 9 of 9 for 115 yards, had led Las Vegas to a 10-3 lead and was on the verge of more points. But Minshew had to try to lift the ball over Jonah Elliss, and Surtain caught the high pass intended for tight end Brock Bowers.

“The ball was in the air and my eyes got big,” Surtain said. “I thought, ‘There’s no way this is happening.’ Then I caught the ball and saw… green grass and thought, ‘Yeah, that’s a touchdown.'”

Surtain ran down the sideline and held the ball out as it reached the 20-yard line and sailed 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 first saw the flag.

Finally, Surtain added another interception in the fourth quarter when he deflected a pass and then caught the ball out of the air.

The interception – this time by Aidan O’Connell – set up the Broncos’ final touchdown drive of the afternoon. Thanks to the short field, the Broncos’ offense took advantage and took a 34-10 lead.

“He’s my GOAT,” Riley Moss said. “I don’t know about you, but that’s my GOAT. Great day from Pat. I’m glad they threw him something and gave him the opportunity to (make plays).”

Moss snagged an interception of his own as the Broncos beat 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 after Surtain’s pick six. Minshew completed just three of his last eight passes for 22 yards and two interceptions, while O’Connell went 1 of 3 with one interception.

“I just think we 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 the two. We continue to prepare every Wednesday and we know we will play the game on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and the results will take care of themselves on Sunday.”

Having Surtain on your side — and maybe a little luck from a Hall of Famer — certainly doesn’t hurt either.