Jonathan Rand: The Proof is in the Pads

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by Wallcrawler

The only questionmarks on this defense about playing in pads should be Derrick Johnson and Kendrell Bell.


Derrick Johnson simply because he is a rookie and has to adjust to NFL game speed, and Kendrell Bell because he hasnt played in a while.


Knight and Surtain played all of last season. There is no question that these two men will be ready to bring it on gameday when the pads are on, so Im getting pretty tired of the "We havent seen them in pads" talk.


Theyve seen them play in pads, because thats the reason they are here. Because they have a reputation for getting things done on the field when it counts.

Bell, when healthy was a dominant player as well. All 3 of these guys are former pro bowlers, So I dont really understand the BS about how they shouldnt get carried away, because they havent seen them in pads. As if every ounce of their football skill will suddenly just disappear once they suit up.

I think it's more applicable to guys like Battle, Mitchell, and Fox, who all seem to look very athletic in shorts but look lost in pads...