Lomax to Green 84
Hall of Famer
Obviously there are differences between Payton and the Quan in regards to the position that they play, but there are also some striking similarities:
1. Versatilitiy: Boldin can do almost everything on a football field: block, run, hit, throw, catch, intimidate. Payton could do the same things. Walter was considered the best blocking back of his era, had a great throwing arm, and was reported to be able to punt a ball 60 yards in the air.
2. Heart: Both guys combine tremendous ability with tremendous heart and desire to win.
3. Toughness: Payton had that knack of dishing out punishment before a tackler could get a good lick on him. Boldin may be the nastiest wide reciever the league has seen in a long time.
4. Playing for a chronic loser franchise: Sure the Bears eventually became "Da Bears" and won the Super Bowl, but in the 1970's and early 80's they sucked and Payton was literally a one man band. I remember hearing a guy from the Vikings who said that they would commit 9 guys on their defense to stopping Payton an have 2 corners worry about their recievers. The Cards are making progress, but Boldin is largely unknown outside of Arizona and has experienced the same type of frustration by playing for a loser.
I haven't always been the biggest Quan supporter in the past. I often have said that I think he is overrated on this board and by Cardinal fans. I was flat out wrong!!! I now firmly believe that he is a once in a lifetime football player. Not the fastest guy, but neither was Walter Payton. What Boldin has that others don't is that intangible "it" that simply can't be taught. Payton had it as well.
Long live the Quan!!!
1. Versatilitiy: Boldin can do almost everything on a football field: block, run, hit, throw, catch, intimidate. Payton could do the same things. Walter was considered the best blocking back of his era, had a great throwing arm, and was reported to be able to punt a ball 60 yards in the air.
2. Heart: Both guys combine tremendous ability with tremendous heart and desire to win.
3. Toughness: Payton had that knack of dishing out punishment before a tackler could get a good lick on him. Boldin may be the nastiest wide reciever the league has seen in a long time.
4. Playing for a chronic loser franchise: Sure the Bears eventually became "Da Bears" and won the Super Bowl, but in the 1970's and early 80's they sucked and Payton was literally a one man band. I remember hearing a guy from the Vikings who said that they would commit 9 guys on their defense to stopping Payton an have 2 corners worry about their recievers. The Cards are making progress, but Boldin is largely unknown outside of Arizona and has experienced the same type of frustration by playing for a loser.
I haven't always been the biggest Quan supporter in the past. I often have said that I think he is overrated on this board and by Cardinal fans. I was flat out wrong!!! I now firmly believe that he is a once in a lifetime football player. Not the fastest guy, but neither was Walter Payton. What Boldin has that others don't is that intangible "it" that simply can't be taught. Payton had it as well.
Long live the Quan!!!