Anquan Boldin Would Be Perfect Band-Aid For Ravens
By Tyler Beard
Anquan Boldin was a Super Bowl hero for the Baltimore Ravens. Now, the Ravens should bring him back.
Anquan Boldin is available, and it seems like just yesterday he was a Raven. It’s hard to believe that it’s been four years since the Baltimore Ravens won the Super Bowl. Joe Flacco put together one of the greatest playoff runs by a quarterback, but he had some help along the way from a feisty, veteran receiver.
Anquan Boldin had 921 receiving yards in the regular season and was a key factor in getting the team into the playoffs. However, his value skyrocketed in the playoffs, as the receiver had 380 receiving yards and four touchdowns. The Ravens received the Lombardi Trophy and Boldin was praised for his efforts.
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Things changed quickly in the offseason though when Boldin became too expensive and the Ravens chose to part ways with the veteran. Four years and two teams later, he still has a strong presence in the league and the Ravens are looking for a new possession receiver.
Boldin is coming off of a career-low 584 yards with the Detroit Lions, but he still managed to score eight touchdowns. The free agent has decided to come back for another season and John Harbaugh has expressed interest in the former Raven.
So why is this a perfect match?
Flacco spent last season uncomfortable in the pocket, with receivers that had difficult times getting open. Steve Smith Sr.,’s retirement made the situation worse, as the top two receivers on the depth chart are now speedy run-and-go players and don’t give Flacco a possession option.
Boldin helped give Flacco a comfortable outlet in the passing game for three seasons and the two players were comfortable with each other. The veteran receiver is looking for a spot where he can make one more playoff run and Baltimore is where he secured his only Super Bowl.
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A reunion is perfect for both sides, as Boldin can mentor a young receiving core and has another chance at getting back into the playoffs. He’ll also have a high usage rate, as Flacco would rely on the former Raven to become his number-one receiver again.
It’s impossible to expect Boldin to be his 2012-self, as he’s almost 37-years-old. However, he still offers the same passion and fire he first brought when he entered the league; and the Ravens need that type of receiver to keep the passing game alive.
The Bottom Line:
There hasn’t been a lot of talk of Boldin’s market interest, besides Harbaugh’s comments. It seems it might be a battle between Baltimore and Detroit, where Boldin was able to connect with former offensive coordinator Jim Caldwell.
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Boldin won’t be expensive and it all comes down to where he’s most comfortable. It looks like it’s the Ravens’ battle to lose and it would be a disappointment if both sides can’t reach a reunion. Boldin has the chance to give the team the possession receiver they lack and to give Flacco more confidence in the passing game.