Davante Adams and Pat Surtain II have a unique history heading into Sunday night's matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and Denver Broncos. During Adams' time with the Las Vegas Raiders, they faced off regularly, with their first matchup at Mile High being one to remember.
Adams already bested Surtain once during his first season in Las Vegas, and he smoked Surtain again in the Raiders' 2022 overtime victory in Denver later that year. Adams caught the game-winner after freezing the second-year defensive back, and then proceeded to drop one of the most respectful disses of all time.
"He ain't there yet. He's not there yet," Adams said after the game-winner.
Since then, Surtain has arrived as a player, and then some. One of the best cornerbacks in football
and the 2024 Defensive Player of the Year, Surtain looks to shut his fellow All-Pro down on Sunday night. Recently, Adams spoke about the challenges that the Broncos' secondary presents, while complimenting his old AFC West rival.
“They have a lot of guys," said Adams. "Obviously, Pat is probably one of the best DBs in the league. Before coming into this year and playing with Trent, I was saying he [Surtain] was the best. That's my guy 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.”
Adams is made from the same stuff as Surtain, considering their blends of speed, size, length and agility at their respective positions. With two of the best dominating mentally and physically, their impending battle will be a must-watch this week.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Davante Adams praises Pat Surtain II ahead of Sunday's showdown
