Baltimore Ravens Legends: Anquan Boldin

Anquan Boldin Was A Super Bowl Hero For The Baltimore Ravens

One of the best players in Baltimore Ravens history, Anquan Boldin will always be a fan favorite. He played in Baltimore for three seasons and he played an instrumental role during the run to Super Bowl XLVII.

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In 2010, he brought excitement to the Ravens offense. He had 64 receptions for 837 yards and seven touchdowns. Despite a critical drop in the Ravens playoff loss to the Steelers; it was clear that Boldin was going to play a huge role for the Ravens.

In 2011 he had 57 receptions for 887 yards and three touchdowns. He made big plays, averaging over 15 yards per reception. In all three seasons in Baltimore, Boldin had at least ten receptions over twenty yards.

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In 2012, the big play maker had 17 receptions that gained over twenty yards. He had 65 receptions for 921 yards and four touchdowns in the regular season. It was in the 2012 playoffs where he made his biggest impact.

Boldin’s game elevated in that memorable playoff run. He caught 22 passes for 380 yards. He had four touchdowns. When the Ravens needed a first down, desperately in Super Bowl 47, Joe Flacco trusted number 81. Flacco audibled to a pass play on a pivotal third and short. He threw a back shoulder pass for Boldin, putting it where only he could get it. Boldin made the play.

Boldin was one of the big pieces of the Super Bowl puzzle. He was a big bodied receiver, who brought in all the tough passes. All Flacco had to do was to give Boldin a chance and he would haul in the pass.

In a stomach turning twist of events, the Ravens traded Boldin to the San Francisco 49ers. Months after being a Super Bowl hero, Boldin was no longer part of the team. More than anything it was a salary cap heavy decision.

Boldin ended up being successful for the 49ers. In Jim Harbaugh’s offense he had back to back seasons with over 80 receptions and 1,000 yards. The Ravens possibly tried to part with Boldin before his performance declined; yet if that’s the case, the move was entirely too early.

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Boldin was a play-maker that you could rely on. He caught the 50/50 balls and brought the toughness of a linebacker to the wide receiver position. He may have only played three seasons with the Ravens but they made a gigantic impact.