Baltimore Ravens: John Brown is the Ravens true no.1 receiver
All the hype this off-season surrounded Michael Crabtree, but as it turns out John Brown is the Ravens true no.1 wide receiver in 2018.
A lot of times when we think about how a team’s no.1 wide receiver should look, we picture a big, strong individual who can go up and catch everything thrown his way. So, when the Baltimore Ravens signed Michael Crabtree during this year’s off-season, it seemed logical to assume that he would immediately be the Ravens top receiver. At least, that’s what we believed to be true.
It’s hard not think that, however. After all, Crabtree has caught 25 touchdowns over the last three seasons (all with Oakland) and has been a box-out type of player throughout his career. Crabtree’s signing with Baltimore reminded many fans of an Anquan Boldin type of player; the guy who will fearless go across the middle and be a red-zone threat for Baltimore. At no point did we truly realize how high we were setting our expectations for the now 31-year old receiver.
In fact, we didn’t even consider the possibility that Crabtree would be Baltimore’s second receiver behind another man the Ravens signed in Free Agency: John Brown.
But let’s be honest, who truly believed this to be true? After all, John Brown has struggled to stay healthy throughout his career. In fact, in his final season with the Arizona Cardinals, Brown played just ten games (five starts) and only had 299 receiving yards and three touchdowns. How quickly we’ve forgotten that Brown had 1,000-yard season back in 2015 despite starting just 11 games and appearing in 15.
And now we flash forward to 2018 and we are seeing a John Brown that many thought would become a breakout star in Arizona. Through two games with Baltimore, Brown has made big-play after big-play. Whether it’s catching insane touchdowns or finding open-space to work the field, Brown has shown off incredible talent and looks to be Joe Flacco’s new best friend.
Now this article isn’t here to slam Michael Crabtree or any of the other fine receivers Baltimore hosts. Instead, we’re here to talk about John Brown’s incredible start to the 2018 season. It looks like he could be here to stay for a while.
Next. Baltimore Ravens: 3 players who need to step up in C.J. Mosley's absence. dark
The 2018 season is still very young and developing. Overreactions will always happen, but it’s really hard not to get excited over what we’ve seen from John Brown thus far. If Brown keeps playing the way he is, he is unquestionably the Ravens top wide receiver and could sign an extension by season’s end.