ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — As the Broncos prepare for a key divisional matchup, cornerback Pat Surtain II and the defense are focused on playing to the standard they set for themselves.

"We are highly motivated," Surtain said Wednesday. "I think we left the field [in Week 2] knowing that wasn't our best, and I think we all know that as a unit. But why not go into this week, knowing it is a divisional opponent, just to put your best foot forward? To have the best game we can possibly have going into this week. … We have to click on all cylinders going up against [Los Angeles]. They have a lot of momentum coming into this week. We understand our opponent, and we know what we have to do at the end of the day."

Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph echoed confidence in Surtain's ability to rise to the moment, noting that he isn't concerned with the cornerback's ability to meet the challenge if quarterbacks continue to target him.

"What we're doing on defense is pushing the ball at Pat sometimes," Joseph said. "So he has to make more plays sometimes, we all have to. I'm not worried about Pat making his plays, I would welcome teams attacking Pat every week."

With a chance to seize the early AFC West lead, Surtain emphasized the significance of the matchup.

"This is a big-time game," Surtain said. "Obviously, a divisional opponent. Win this game, and we're first in the division. That's a big mark that we want to hit, especially early on in the season. It's always good to win those divisional games early on to set you forward for the rest of the season."

J.K. DOBBINS READY FOR LA RETURN

Running back J.K. Dobbins will make his return to Los Angeles this weekend after signing with Denver in the offseason. The former Charger has carried the ball 30 times for 139 yards (4.6 yards per carry) and two touchdowns through the first two games.

"I had a special season last year," Dobbins said. "So, it's a special place to me — SoFi, the fans and LA. But I'm just going there to win the game. I'm going to do whatever it takes to win the game, however that may be. It may be ugly, it may be pretty, but I'm just going there to win the game."

Dobbins acknowledged that the return adds an extra layer of motivation.

"Hopefully I'm going to touch 100 [yards] this week," Dobbins said. "... It would only be right, I'm back where I used to play, and I think God will bless me with that, so we'll see. … I know those guys. I know Derwin [James Jr.], I know Daiyan [Henley], I know all those guys. I was there, so I know what kind of game it's going to be. [A] great defense, a lot of talent, and it's going to be a great game."

Tight end Adam Trautman added praise to what Dobbins has been able to bring to Denver's offense.

"He's been unbelievable," Trautman said. "He's been everything that we hoped he'd be. We are excited to see his progression as well. … He's really good, like very, very talented."

RIZZI CONFIDENT IN WIL LUTZ

After Wil Lutz's late field-goal hit the upright vs. the Colts, Special Teams Coordinator/Assistant Head Coach Darren Rizzi made it clear the team has full confidence in the veteran.

"I don't think Wil Lutz is a guy that you have to overcoach," Rizzi said. "Listen, Wil Lutz is a really good kicker, that missed a kick. It comes down to that. … I think since Wil's been in the league, if you add up all of the kicks he's taken, PATs, field goals, I think he's sixth in a 10-year run in the league. And so, listen, it's no different than Jamal Murray, he's a 93-percent free-throw shooter in the fourth quarter, [but] once in a while he's going to miss one. So that's why they're not gimmes. You still got to go out there, you still got to execute. I have the utmost confidence in Wil — so does the locker room, the coaching staff, everybody, so we're going to rely on his body of work."

Rizzi pointed to Lutz's confidence in big situations as a major strength.

"The best part about Wil is that he wants to be put in those pressure situations, both in practice and in games," Rizzi said. "And we know, listen, Wil's had a lot of big-time kicks, in playoff games, in big games, in fourth quarters. … We're not going to over coach him. We're going to get right back on it."