The Baltimore Ravens just signed a star receiver in Michael Crabtree. Here are three big things to think about, starting with his immediate impact in Baltimore:
The Baltimore Ravens have a number one receiver. They have a guy who is a legitimate threat to any secondary. The number one thing that Crabtree brings is the ability to turn the passing game into points. Crabtree may be coming off a down year in terms of receptions and yards, but he still had eight touchdowns. Crabtree is going to an offense that needs him desperately so his targets are going to go up. The 30-year-old receiver will have a chance to shine in a purple jersey.
Crabtree is a good route runner and a player that can go up and get the football. The Ravens need receivers that can make Joe Flacco better. It would be nice if Flacco would elevate the game of the players around him, but we’ll have to settle for receivers that raise his play. Crabtree has one thing in common with the most succesful receivers the Ravens have had (Derrick Mason, Anquan Boldin and Steve Smith Sr.) and that is toughness. When you hear the phrase “Play Like A Raven” think about Crabtree.
I could see Crabtree having a monster 2017 season. He is the automatic go to guy of the offense. The Ravens are going to keep adding to the offense this offseason, but it’s hard to see somebody topping Crabtree. With more targets and a good situation, Crabtree could catch 75 passes and hover around 1,000 yards. He has a chance to score eight touchdowns for the fourth consecutive season. When the Ravens need a big first down or a touchdown in the red zone, Crabtree is the player Flacco will turn to.