It looked like the Broncos would be celebrating their first trip to the playoffs in almost a decade in the first half of Thursday night’s game against the Chargers, but things went off track from there.
The Chargers outscored Denver 21-6 after halftime to rally for a 34-27 win that kept the Broncos’ champagne on ice. Disappointment and frustration were common themes from Broncos players and coaches after the loss, but cornerback Pat Surtain II turned his attention in a different direction.
Surtain said he thought the Broncos took their eyes off the ball once they took an 11-point lead on their divisional rivals.
“We can’t allow ourselves to relax throughout quarters,” Surtain said, via the Associated Press. “I think today was definitely a moment where we realized that we let that one get away towards the end of the second half.”
Other results from around the league can still push the Broncos into the postseason this week, but Thursday night should serve as a reminder that the best way to take care of business is by handling it yourself.