When the Los Angeles Rams take the field on offense Sunday night against the Denver Broncos, there will be a lot of eyes on one particular matchup: Davante Adams vs. Pat Surtain II. Adams is coming off a 195-yard game where he scored twice against the New York Giants and looked closer to 23 than 33, but Surtain provides a much greater test.
It's one Adams is familiar with, too. During his press conference on Wednesday, Adams spoke about his past matchups with Surtain, calling him the best cornerback in the NFL before becoming teammates with Trent McDuffie.
"Obviously, Pat is probably one of the best DBs in the league," Adams said. "Before coming into this year and playing with Trent, I was saying (Surtain) was the best. That's my guy (McDuffie)
and I see him every day, and that's no slight at Pat. I've had a chance to play against Pat quite a few times now and I love his game, respect it. He's got some length, speed, and a lot of stuff you can't teach at that position. We've had some battles in the past. Obviously, the game where we had the walk-off touchdown there, that was a good memory for me. Then, came back the next time and I can probably say honestly that he probably played a little bit better of a game in Denver versus me than what I played against him, that opener in '23. I have a lot of respect for a lot of guys, but he's definitely up there as far as one of the ones I have the most respect for.”
This will be the fifth meeting between Adams and Surtain, their first since Adams became a member of the Rams. The previous four were all while Adams was with the Raiders, so this will unquestionably be his most favorable matchup yet with Matthew Stafford throwing him the ball.
Here's a look back at their four previous matchups, including stats from Pro Football Focus.
2022, Week 4
- 9 targets, 5 catches, 54 yards, 2 first downs, 2 PBU
This was Adams' first game against Surtain, facing the second-year cornerback with Derek Carr as his quarterback. Carr targeted Adams a total of 13 times, connecting with the star receiver nine times for 101 yards in a 32-23 win over the Broncos.
Nine of those targets came with Surtain in coverage, and Adams caught five for 54 yards with two first downs. Surtain did break up two of the passes intended for Adams, but for the most part, Adams won this matchup.
2022, Week 11
- 5 targets, 4 catches, 85 yards, 3 first downs, 2 TDs, 1 drop
Seven weeks later, Adams and Surtain met again. And for the second straight time, it was Adams getting the better of Surtain. He had seven catches for 141 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winner in overtime from 35 yards out. That score came with Surtain in coverage, one of the two touchdowns allowed by the second-year corner.
Adams finished with 85 yards and two scores against Surtain, with the lone incompletion being a drop.
Carr to Adams for the win! #RaiderNation #LVvsDEN pic.twitter.com/KDdxWWhJ3L
— NFL (@NFL) November 21, 2022
2023, Week 1
- 5 targets, 2 catches, 16 yards, 1 first down, 3 PBU
The next season, Surtain had his best game yet against Adams. He dominated the star receiver, albeit in a loss to the Raiders, allowing just two catches to Adams on five targets, breaking up three passes.
Adams still had a solid game, catching six passes for 66 yards in a 17-16 win, but Surtain did his job quite well by limiting the Raiders star.
2023, Week 18
- 4 targets, 3 catches, 26 yards, 1 first down, 1 PBU
In the 2023 season finale, Adams and Surtain met for what was the last time until this week. Adams caught five passes for 46 yards and a touchdown in the Raiders' 27-14 win, but he had just three catches for 26 yards against Surtain.
This was the most evenly matched battle between these two players, which is what we're likely to see on Sunday night in Denver.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: How has Davante Adams fared against Broncos CB Pat Surtain II in his career?
