BLOG: Boldin Must Raise His Game
The Ravens traded for Anquan Boldin in 2010 with the hope that the 2003 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year would help lead the team deep into the playoffs and become a go-to guy for QB Joe Flacco. Well, Baltimore did make it into the playoffs but Boldin dropped a would be touchdown pass in the fourth quarter of the division round loss to the Steelers. When Flacco needed a receiver to make a big play, he usually relied on Derrick Mason.
This season, Boldin has to be the main man for Flacco. He needs to be a leader WR. A three-time Pro Bowler with the Arizona Cardinals, Boldin's 2010 numbers ( 64 receptions, 837 yards, 7 TD's) weren't horrible but they may have been below expectations.
With Mason and Todd Heap gone, Boldin becomes Flacco's most reliable option. He is the only established veteran receiver on the Baltimore roster. Of course, it will up to Joe Flacco to get him the ball and develop a relationship with Boldin similar to the one he had with Mason and Heap.
For the Ravens to reach their full potential in 2011, Flacco needs to take his game to another level. Anquan Boldin can help him do that. This season, Boldin needs to be up to that challenge.
BH