Ravens Debates: Derrick Mason Vs Anquan Boldin

The two most impactful receivers in Ravens history were Derrick Mason and Anquan Boldin. Which player was better? This is the latest edition of Ravens Debates.

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Derrick Mason played with the Ravens from 2005-2010. When he got to Baltimore Kyle Boller was stumbling at the quarterback position. When he left, Joe Flacco was becoming a great quarterback. He recorded 477 receptions for 5,777 and 29 touchdowns while playing for the Ravens.

Mason’s best statistical season came in 2007. With the Ravens waffling from Boller to the equally disappointing Troy Smith, Mason still put on a show. The veteran receiver pulled in 103 receptions. He had 1,087 yards and 5 touchdowns. This is impressive on a 5-11 team with no competent QB.

In his first five seasons with the Ravens, Mason had four 1,000 yard seasons. He was a leader who provided a spark. Mason played in the league for 16 years, by the time he began to wear purple he had seen it all. He was a very cerebral football player. He did the little things and set a great example.

Mason’s biggest legacy may be the role he played in the development of Flacco. Mason was his comfort zone. He gave Flacco a reliable receiver. Mason was never afraid to get in Flacco’s face to teach him a thing or two but he showed him a lot of mentorship.

Boldin played with the Ravens for three years. He had 186 receptions as a Raven for 2,645 yards and 14 touchdowns. Boldin gave the Ravens a big bodied wide receiver who could go up and get every jump ball.

Boldin and Flacco clearly had a special chemistry. Flacco never hesitated taking a shot with Boldin, because he knew the veteran receiver would catch it. This chemistry was on display in Super Bowl XLVII when “Joe Cool” called on Boldin in a big spot. Flacco audibled to a pass on a third and short, and threw a dart of a back shoulder pass to Boldin. It was a clutch moment between a quarterback and receiver who were perfect for each other.

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While Boldin gets a ton of love (rightfully so) for being a Super Bowl hero, we cannot undervalue Mason’s impact. Mason played in almost two times more games with the Ravens. He had four 1,000 yard seasons in Baltimore, a feat Boldin never accomplished in Baltimore. Mason had one year with his former Titans teammate, Steve McNair. It was like an oasis in the desert. The next year the Ravens quarterback play was as pitiful as ever.

The argument can be made either way. Boldin had a great impact on the Ravens Super Bowl run in 2012. Mason has a larger body of work with the Ravens and dealt with lesser quarterback play for his first three years in Baltimore. That is why my vote has to go to Mason. Both receivers are Ravens legends. Both receivers showed a certain toughness and an unmistakable amount of heart. Mason did more with less while he was wearing the Purple and Black.

Next: Baltimore Ravens: A History Of Strong Rebounds

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