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For Hall of Famer Champ Bailey, Pat Surtain II creates his own Mile High Magic with a 100-yard pick six
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For 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 during Sunday’s pregame jersey change.

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

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.

Reminiscent of Bailey’s 100-yard interception return in a 2005 Divisional Round win over New England, Surtain’s pick six changed the tone of Sunday’s game. A touchdown would have given the Raiders a 14-point first-half lead and tested Denver’s ability to react. Instead, Surtain and the ensuing extra point tied the game at 10 within moments. According to ESPN’s win odds, 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 come out and watch and bring so much good energy (was great). It’s expected when you have a Hall of Fame player like that coming out to watch you. I had to capitalize on the opportunities I could get. I had to make that pick six happen and also got a blessing with another pick, so that jersey change was legendary.

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

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

Jonathon Cooper added: “Such a groundbreaking game brings life back to the team.”

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

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

Surtain took off down the sideline and held the ball as he reached the 20-yard line and drove into the end zone. A penalty flag initially indicated the play would be called back, but the officiating crew waved away 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.

For good measure, Surtain added another interception in the fourth quarter when he deflected a pass and then cleared the ball out of the air.

The interception – this time to Aidan O’Connell – set up the final touchdown drive of the afternoon for the Broncos. Aided by the short field, the Broncos offense carved out a 34-10 lead.

“He is my GOAT,” said Riley Moss. “I don’t know about you guys, but that’s my GOAT. Great day for Pat. I’m glad they gave him something and gave him a chance to (play).”

Moss had an interception of his own as the Broncos shut down the Raiders three times that afternoon. They also recorded three sacks and allowed just 22 yards and two first downs on seven straight drives after 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’ve 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 play well. It’s a healthy balance between the two. We continue to prepare every Wednesday and we know we have to win the game on Wednesday and Thursday.” Friday, and the results will speak for themselves on Sunday.”

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