The Ravens made a big play today, as reported by our own Aaron Wilson, when they acquired WR Anquan Boldin by giving up a third and fourth round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft.
But, just how big of a move was it for Baltimore?
The Ravens are built up front with a young offensive line and the downhill running style of Ray Rice. That is where they make their money, but with Boldin now in the mix, Baltimore has the type of receiver who can win across the middle of the field, and more importantly, is a game plan nightmare for opposing defenses because of what he can do in the open field after the catch.
Ravens offensive coordinator Cam Cameron will be able to alter his game plans this fall, and with the running game that the Ravens have already established, there will be opportunities for Boldin to make plays in this system. A player who has caught 70-plus passes in six of seven seasons as a Cardinal and has register 44 career TD receptions.
Boldin isn’t the type of receiver who is going to stretch the field vertically outside of the numbers like his now former teammate Larry Fitzgerald or a Randy Moss of the Patriots, but he plays the game like a running back once he can gain leverage on defenders. Boldin can separate in anything from the 3-step passing game to route combinations that get him matched up between the hashes.
Not to mention the fact that Boldin plays the wide receiver position with a style that is conducive to winning football games in the AFC North. He is the type of player you want in your huddle and a new, veteran leader for an offense and QB, in Flacco, who needs that playmaker to aid in his development.
Yes, there is always risk when you hand out a 4-year deal that totals $28-million--with $10-million in guarantees and $25-million in new money--but if you don’t take that risk, how does this offense take that next step?
Boldin’s age (he will be 30 this season) and his injury past had to weigh on the minds of Ozzie Newsome and John Harbaugh in Baltimore, but when you see a player who is as dynamic as Boldin is at WR, know the results he will provide and want to make a push in the post-season, you make that deal.
Just like the Ravens did today.
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So how does Arizona use the two pics and all the money they saved on hamstring therapy? Seriously, this is either a steal for the ravens or a win for the cardinals depending on Boldin's health for the duration of the 2010 season. The Ravens need someone to keep the Steelers safeties from playing the run too comfortably and Boldin should help there.
It's really a win/win. Ravens got a great value, Q got the chance he deserves and the Cards get a chance to continue to build the core of the roster. With Breaston ready for the #2 role and Doucet qoing into year 3 the Cards can look to develop a 4th receiver while hopefully adding another quality player to the defense...
The Cards could maybe consider Randle El since he plays best in a Whiz system? Perfect in the four role as a leading returner and experienced extra wideout.
Doucet is ready to step up big time, he got a lot of reps with Leinert in their practice time as backups and each is ready to move up.
Boldin is great to root for in his return from injury. He is all guts and glory, and playing with that kind of heart sets the tone for an entire team. He's arriving to a place with the same attitude, and a passer with the same skill set. Tall launch platform to tall catch platform, they will rule the middle and force teams to give up an outside matchup one on one to another Raven.
Now combine Boldin's big frame running rub routes against man coverage, or in tandem with Heap over the middle crossing or settling to move chains. The hi-low game is all theirs and Flacco can accelerate his reads.
Now you have to rotate a safety Boldin's way, Ray Rice suddenly gets an extra run alley on the counter or cutback lanes.They entire offense got better with one addition and the Ravens can focus on other areas of acquisition.
Who knows...this might even turn Stallworth into a semirespectable receiver on the other side...
Boldin is a better WR than anyone else the Ravens could have picked up, but he has played only one full season since 2003. Stallworth also was injury prone and an underachiever before his suspension. Boldin will not strectch the field and we will see how he produces without Fitzgerald on his other side. Furthermore, he was hurt for the Cardinals two playoff games in January. Ravens still need to develop a young receiver in the next year or two. The AFC North in 2010 is a three horse race, Bengals, Ravens, Steelers and as most years, will be decided by which team is the healthiest. The Browns may also become more competitive.
Wow, what more can I say that hasn't already been said, it's worth the risk, the contract is reasonable, the deal was fair, Boldin is injury prone (due to his playing style) but as a Raven fan I have to say I'm happy with the deal, significantly improves one of the two major weaknesses of the team so now we play the big IF game, IF boldin stays healthy it was a steal, but that is a big IF!
Very good article.
Thanks
Hey anyone know where I can pick up some cheap prada sunglasses or get a good deal on coach handbags? Have I come to the right place?
I don't see this as much of a risk by the Ravens. They gave up a third and fourth and got a fifth back. They're not on the hook for a lot of guaranteed money either. It will be interesting to see if the Ravens can remake their roster on the fly and replace their aging stars and still remain competitive. They certainly have done so thus far and they could score some crucial defensive replacements in the draft.
lmao nice teamwork mark f and CHEAP EYEGLASSES
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Mar 05, 2010
09:37 PM
Ravens will be the favorites to win the AFC North with Boldin.... always were one WR away. Let's see if it works.