Baltimore Ravens: Reuniting with Anquan Boldin is a Must

Dec 11, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Anquan Boldin (80) runs after a catch during the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bears at Ford Field. Lions win 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Anquan Boldin (80) runs after a catch during the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bears at Ford Field. Lions win 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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January 7, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Anquan Boldin (80) runs the ball against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half in the NFC Wild Card playoff football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
January 7, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Anquan Boldin (80) runs the ball against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half in the NFC Wild Card playoff football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

No signs of slowing down

The Ravens should have never parted with Boldin in the first place. Since leaving Baltimore in 2013, Boldin has statistically never had a poor season.

San Francisco 49ers

Boldin played a major role in the San Francisco 49ers passing game where he notched +1,000-yard seasons in his first two years (2013 and 2014) while averaging 84 catches per season. In contrast, the highest amount of catches per season Boldin has had as a Raven was 65. Even in 2015, his worst season statistically in recent years, Boldin made his impact in the red zone where he recorded 3 TDs inside the 20. Keep in mind that Colin Kaepernick, who threw for under 2,000 yards, was his quarterback that year.

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Detroit Lions

Although not the team’s no. 1 receiver, Boldin still had plenty of impact on the Detroit Lions’ passing game. Boldin was more of a role player while mainly serving as a possession receiver behind Golden Tate and Marvin Jones. But it was a role that Boldin excelled in where he caught 8 TDs on the year, which was his highest amount since 2011 while playing for the Arizona Cardinals. 6 of those 8 TDs came inside the 20, as once again Boldin displayed his strong ability to be a dominant force in the red zone. Although his receiving yards weren’t flashy, his tendency to find the end zone is what paved him a vital role in the offense.