Renck vs. Keeler: Can Broncos extend win streak at Houston without Pat Surtain II?

Renck: Can’t stand Pat. Or at least life without him. While a lot of CU fans would be happy to wave goodbye to offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur, even a single Broncos game without Pat Surtain II remains unnerving. Everything went right for Denver in a rout of the Cowboys. Except for this: Surtain hurt his left shoulder and did not play the second half. It raises the question: Can the Broncos win at Houston this Sunday without him?

Keeler: They can. But doing so might come down to one key guy who had a great day against the Cowboys — rookie nickel back Jahdae Barron. Here’s why: Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud was without his WR1, Nico Collins, against the 49ers yesterday … and it didn’t matter. Stroud painted all kinds of brush strokes along the middle of the field in a lightning-release masterpiece: 30-for-39 passing with 318 yards, two scores and a pick. Dude was a slant master, dinking and dunking to his heart’s delight, forcing safeties to creep up and putting linebackers on their heels. Nine different players caught passes. Barron locked down Dallas tight end Jake Ferguson (zero catches, one interception), in what was hopefully a taster of what’s to come. Riley Moss helped keep Lamb/Pickens scoreless. But they’ll have to be even better against quicker Texans targets zig-zagging out of the slot this weekend.

Renck: The Broncos’ picture as a contender is starting to crystallize. They found balance offensively. Bo Nix ditched his uneven past, and the defense showed elasticity but refused to snap. Pulling that off without Surtain on the road represents a much bigger challenge. Vance Joseph builds his game plan around the reigning defensive player of the year, funneling work his way for quarterbacks who would rather eat tinfoil than throw in Surtain’s direction. His absence means Kris Abrams-Draine will likely replace Surtain with Barron staying in his nickel/dime role. Abrams-Draine is a temporary fix. If Surtain faces an extended absence, it makes sense to force-feed Barron into a starting role. Both have potential. But Stroud is a problem. He is a much better quarterback at home — five TDs, one INT, compared to 6-4 on the road — and finally is getting adequate protection.

Keeler: He is, but I’ve got some hope on that front, too. Dallas, according to SumerSports.com, ranks second in the NFL in lowest sack rate allowed, behind only the Broncos. Vance Joseph’s defense still found ways to mess with Dak Prescott, either via second-wave pressure (John Franklin-Myers’ sack) or from pass-rush specialists dropping into coverage (Jonathan Cooper knocked down two passes; Dondrea Tillman had a pick and a deflection). Houston ranks 12th in sack rate allowed — twice the rate given up by the Cowboys. If you can get to Dak, you can get to C.J. But your nickel backs and safeties have to be physical, sound and on their toes.

Renck: The way to cover for Surtain? An Iron Curtain. The Broncos continue to pressure the quarterback at a franchise-record rate. This week, the hits must become sacks. If the DPOY is out, Nik Bonitto must play like one. Joseph must dial up blitzes to create turnovers. If forced to pick on Monday, I don’t believe the Broncos can win without Pat. But there is a path, and it requires Bonitto, Jonathon Cooper, Zach Allen and John Franklin-Myers to write a diary of havoc.