Anquan Boldin Not A Number #1 Receiver?

[Guest RBates]

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but i think Aquan is a good receiver just not a great one. The reason we picked him up is because of his ability to make the tough over the middle grabs and his work ethic. His blocking skills are off the charts as well with that said, he is not a true Number one receiver you don't have to double him because of his lack of speed. The real reason he is a Raven is because he scorched our D in 2007 180 plus yards and 2 scores. But with our receiving core he will post great numbers. Oh and by the way 1000 yard seasons are not that good it averages out to be about 63 yards a game. In this league where you can't touch a receiver that's mediocre.

[flynismo]

[quote name='RBates' date='31 May 2010 - 03:47 PM' timestamp='1275338820' post='416196']
I hate to be the bearer of bad news but i think Aquan is a good receiver just not a great one. The reason we picked him up is because of his ability to make the tough over the middle grabs and his work ethic. His blocking skills are off the charts as well with that said, he is not a true Number one receiver you don't have to double him because of his lack of speed. The real reason he is a Raven is because he scorched our D in 2007 180 plus yards and 2 scores. But with our receiving core he will post great numbers. Oh and by the way 1000 yard seasons are not that good it averages out to be about 63 yards a game. In this league where you can't touch a receiver that's mediocre.
[/quote]


Horrible, ill-informed post. Sorry.

Q demanded double coverage constantly even as a #2 in AZ. And it is very obvious (well, to the rest of us apparently) why. The best WR in the league after the catch, a great route runner, a guy who is open even when he is covered because of his size and ability to outfight any DB in the game for the ball, his incredible hands and knack for catching passes he has no right to be catching, a fearsome player in the red zone. He is the complete package. He does not need to run a 4.25 being as amazing as he is after the catch...if you catch up to him, what are you going to do? Lay the hit stick on him? Good luck with that. Then there is what he brings to the table as a blocker....the only other guy in the league who can block like Q is Hines Ward. No one else in the league is even close to those two.

So what is the only knock you can possibly raise against Q? That he doesn't run as fast as Yamon Figurs or Jerome Mathis or Devery Henderson? If speed was so important, why did they suck so bad, and why is Q a perrenial Pro Bowler, and a future Hall Of Famer?

Yeah, 1000 yards seasons are nothing special...62.5 yards per game is okay, but not great. But it's a good thing Q averages a lot more than that. Look at his production. It speaks for itself. I haven't even bothered checking what his yards-per-game average is, because I know it is probably going to be around 80-82 yards per game. Which, by the way, puts him near, if not at the top in the entire league. Anquan can flat out dominate a game and win it for you singlehandedly, as he has proven many times over his career.

I can't believe that I actually have to defend ANQUAN BOLDIN'S status as an elite wide reciever.
But hey, Brandon Marshall, Larry Fitzgerald and Reggie Wayne aren't any faster than Q and are not true deep threats, so clearly the are not true #1 recievers either!! Spread the news, before anyone else buys into the hype!

[WinnipegRaven]

[quote name='RBates' date='31 May 2010 - 02:47 PM' timestamp='1275338820' post='416196']
I hate to be the bearer of bad news but i think Aquan is a good receiver just not a great one. The reason we picked him up is because of his ability to make the tough over the middle grabs and his work ethic. His blocking skills are off the charts as well with that said, he is not a true Number one receiver you don't have to double him because of his lack of speed.[b] The real reason he is a Raven is because he scorched our D in 2007 180 plus yards and 2 scores[/b]. But with our receiving core he will post great numbers. [b]Oh and by the way 1000 yard seasons are not that good it averages out to be about 63 yards a game[/b]. In this league where you can't touch a receiver that's mediocre.
[/quote]

So we picked up Q mainly because he torched us in one game? I mean I could pretend to understand if Q came from the Steelers or the Bengals. But to say that's the REAL reason we went after him is crazy.

In his career Q has played 95 games for 7520 yds, and by the way, that's 79.1 yds/game. I wouldn't dare call that mediocre.

When he was with the Cards it was damn near impossible to double him because you have the likes of Fitzgerald on the field at the same time. So what do you do? Double team Fitzgerald who is most likely going for a deep pass, or Boldin who is most likely somewhere in the middle of the field, playing his role as a possession reciever. The answer is obvious.

We sure are going to be getting lots of different looks this season when it comes to our offense.

[DocMartin]

[quote name='Milton145' date='28 May 2010 - 03:07 PM' timestamp='1275073665' post='415413']
Most Ravens fans will make up their face when they see this but others may agree. Hopefully if they disagree they can back it up better than this guy did.
[/quote]
Wow, another "expert" Prisco is making judgment on Boldin. Needless to say, Boldin hasn't played the single game for the Ravens, yet, but Peter "Expert" Prisco has already put the label on him, go figure.
If anything, Peter Prisco is overrated, big time. He would say anything to get a headline .....

[berad]

[quote name='RBates' date='31 May 2010 - 04:47 PM' timestamp='1275338820' post='416196']
I hate to be the bearer of bad news but i think Aquan is a good receiver just not a great one. The reason we picked him up is because of his ability to make the tough over the middle grabs and his work ethic. His blocking skills are off the charts as well with that said, he is not a true Number one receiver you don't have to double him because of his lack of speed. The real reason he is a Raven is because he scorched our D in 2007 180 plus yards and 2 scores. But with our receiving core he will post great numbers. [b] Oh and by the way 1000 yard seasons are not that good it averages out to be about 63 yards a game. In this league where you can't touch a receiver that's mediocre.[/b]
[/quote]

1,000 yards is not 'mediocre'. The fact of the matter is that only about 22 players, on average, reach that mark each season. That's a very low percentage considering the hundreds of receivers in the game. Believe what you want about Anquan Boldin but 1,000 yards is an accomplishment in the NFL.

[1/28/01]

[quote name='berad' date='31 May 2010 - 05:39 PM' timestamp='1275341962' post='416216']
1,000 yards is not 'mediocre'. The fact of the matter is that only about 22 players, on average, reach that mark each season. That's a very low percentage considering the hundreds of receivers in the game. Believe what you want about Anquan Boldin but 1,000 yards is an accomplishment in the NFL.
[/quote]
I agree sir.....nice post

[Romo Ravens]

[quote name='RBates' date='31 May 2010 - 12:47 PM' timestamp='1275338820' post='416196']
I hate to be the bearer of bad news but i think Aquan is a good receiver just not a great one. The reason we picked him up is because of his ability to make the tough over the middle grabs and his work ethic. His blocking skills are off the charts as well with that said, he is not a true Number one receiver you don't have to double him because of his lack of speed. The real reason he is a Raven is because he scorched our D in 2007 180 plus yards and 2 scores. But with our receiving core he will post great numbers. Oh and by the way 1000 yard seasons are not that good it averages out to be about 63 yards a game. In this league where you can't touch a receiver that's mediocre.
[/quote]

Sorry, but if you can't spell his name, then you can't talk about his game.

[1/28/01]

[quote name='Romo Ravens' date='31 May 2010 - 07:18 PM' timestamp='1275347892' post='416253']
Sorry, but if you can't spell his name, then you can't talk about his game.
[/quote]
Love it.....anyone that knows me knows that irks me so bad!!!

[flynismo]

[quote name='berad' date='31 May 2010 - 04:39 PM' timestamp='1275341962' post='416216']
Believe what you want about Anquan Boldin but 1,000 yards is an accomplishment in the NFL.
[/quote]

And if anyone doubts that, have them ask Clayton or Stallworth how easy of a feat that is.

[1/28/01]

[quote name='flynismo' date='31 May 2010 - 07:23 PM' timestamp='1275348217' post='416256']
And if anyone doubts that, have them ask Clayton or Stallworth how easy of a feat that is.
[/quote]
Ha, aren't they both about 50 yards shy and haven't sniffed it any other time?

[FerrariFan87]

Well, he's [b]our [/b] "number 1" WR and that's just fine with me.

[Marc2k6]

Pete Prisco? Please! I'm not at all concern what some 5-6 pencil pushing sports reporter thinks about Boldin. Boldin is our #81, line him up in any position and stop him.

[1/28/01]

[quote name='Marc2k6' date='31 May 2010 - 08:16 PM' timestamp='1275351384' post='416282']
Pete Prisco? Please! I'm not at all concern what some 5-6 pencil pushing sports reporter thinks about Boldin. Boldin is our #81, line him up in any position and stop him.
[/quote]
That got my blood pumping!!!! Can't wait for this year!!!!! When do season tix's come again? (Kidding)

[azdx]

[quote name='FerrariFan87' date='31 May 2010 - 03:39 PM' timestamp='1275349166' post='416262']
Well, he's [b]our [/b] "number 1" WR and that's just fine with me.
[/quote]

Sorry to intrude your board again, but Q can be a legit #1, and Prisco is an idiot.

You have to understand that the Cardinals have had really no run game save for last year. And even then, the balls were being thrown to Fitz, Breaston, and even Tim Hightower had over 60 catches. The fact that Boldin still made it over 1K is amazing given the roster.

And to the person that said you have the best WR trio, I would not trade Fitz, Breaston and Doucet for your trio and a box of cracker jacks. But you don't need that because you can run.

NFL.com has some great videos. Here is one.

[url="http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/09000d5d814c4a1b/Boldin-39-yard-TD"]Boldin TD vs. Vikes[/url]

[Radinho84]

[quote name='azdx' date='01 June 2010 - 01:34 AM' timestamp='1275370455' post='416368']
Sorry to intrude your board again, but Q can be a legit #1, and Prisco is an idiot.

You have to understand that the Cardinals have had really no run game save for last year. And even then, the balls were being thrown to Fitz, Breaston, and even Tim Hightower had over 60 catches. The fact that Boldin still made it over 1K is amazing given the roster.

And to the person that said you have the best WR trio, I would not trade Fitz, Breaston and Doucet for your trio and a box of cracker jacks. But you don't need that because you can run.

NFL.com has some great videos. Here is one.

[url="http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/09000d5d814c4a1b/Boldin-39-yard-TD"]Boldin TD vs. Vikes[/url]
[/quote]
that video makes me even more smiling from ear to ear. can´t wait the season to start!!!

[ravensfan160]

The whole concept of a "true #1 receiver" is based on two things. 1) They like them to be big, meaning at least 6'2". The only receiver I can think of that breaks that stereotype is Steve Smith. 2) Sad to say is the 40 time. The same reason Boldin fell into the 2nd round is the same reason some people will never consider him a "true #1".

The fact is a player doesn't need top end straight line speed to beat a corner or safety deep. A great double move is more effective and consistently productive anyway IMO. I can't wait to see Q prove all his critics wrong yet again.

On a side note...in the same article the guy called Troy Polamalu overrated as well.

[johnny86]

I seem to remember bolding being a no.1 in arizona, and doing quite well before larry fitzgerald came in and took that team over.........is he a home run hitter? no...is he a solid no.1? absolutely

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='johnny86' date='02 June 2010 - 03:08 PM' timestamp='1275505699' post='416928']
I seem to remember [b]bolding[/b] being a no.1 in arizona, and doing quite well before larry fitzgerald came in and took that team over.........is he a home run hitter? no...is he a solid no.1? absolutely
[/quote]

His name is [b]Boldin[/b].

[johnny86]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' date='02 June 2010 - 02:32 PM' timestamp='1275507130' post='416940']
His name is [b]Boldin[/b].
[/quote]


My bad spelling police........anquan kenmile boldin

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='johnny86' date='02 June 2010 - 03:43 PM' timestamp='1275507810' post='416942']
My bad spelling police........anquan kenmile boldin
[/quote]

Didn't mean to be a stickler. I've just seen his name misspelled so often.

[johnny86]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' date='02 June 2010 - 02:58 PM' timestamp='1275508689' post='416949']
Didn't mean to be a stickler. I've just seen his name misspelled so often.
[/quote]


Its all good, I've been watching him since he was at FSU, i never heard anyone mispronounce or spell his last name, but his first name is what usually gets people.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='johnny86' date='02 June 2010 - 04:02 PM' timestamp='1275508968' post='416957']
Its all good, I've been watching him since he was at FSU, i never heard anyone mispronounce or spell his last name, but his first name is what usually gets people.
[/quote]

Listening to talk radio, there was a time when I thought half the city thought his name was Antwan.

[Romo Ravens]

[quote name='johnny86' date='02 June 2010 - 11:43 AM' timestamp='1275507810' post='416942']
My bad spelling police........anquan kenmile boldin
[/quote]

Hate to be the English Police, but the first letters of his name should be capitalized.

Just giving you a bad time.

[BuckWilds]

Some no-name writer says something controversial to grab attention and get hits for his article(s)... Now that's rare.

[RavensAllTheWay]

[quote name='azdx' date='01 June 2010 - 01:34 AM' timestamp='1275370455' post='416368']
Sorry to intrude your board again, but Q can be a legit #1, and Prisco is an idiot.

You have to understand that the Cardinals have had really no run game save for last year. And even then, the balls were being thrown to Fitz, Breaston, and even Tim Hightower had over 60 catches. The fact that Boldin still made it over 1K is amazing given the roster.

And to the person that said you have the best WR trio, I would not trade Fitz, Breaston and Doucet for your trio and a box of cracker jacks. But you don't need that because you can run.

NFL.com has some great videos. Here is one.

[url="http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/09000d5d814c4a1b/Boldin-39-yard-TD"]Boldin TD vs. Vikes[/url]
[/quote]
I remember that play. It was pretty sick, kinda like a "Fitzgerald" type catch. In other words, it was a great catch and a good run also. Like I said already, Boldin, while he may not be as talented as Fitz, can still do a lot of the same things Fitz can, and it's the physicality, toughness and intangibles like that that he brings to Baltimore.

[Boldinmore]

I mean i dont give a damn what the critics say, Anquan is an amazing receiver. Do I think he is a number 1? Yes. Do I think he is better than Mark Clayton being on the field? Hell yes. Hopefully our guys show the critics the Ravens arent just a smashmouth football team.

[Guest RBates]

[quote name='WinnipegRaven' date='31 May 2010 - 05:11 PM' timestamp='1275340314' post='416203']
So we picked up Q mainly because he torched us in one game? I mean I could pretend to understand if Q came from the Steelers or the Bengals. But to say that's the REAL reason we went after him is crazy.

In his career Q has played 95 games for 7520 yds, and by the way, that's 79.1 yds/game. I wouldn't dare call that mediocre.

When he was with the Cards it was damn near impossible to double him because you have the likes of Fitzgerald on the field at the same time. So what do you do? Double team Fitzgerald who is most likely going for a deep pass, or Boldin who is most likely somewhere in the middle of the field, playing his role as a possession reciever. The answer is obvious.

We sure are going to be getting lots of different looks this season when it comes to our offense.
[/quote]
You said it i didn't possession receiver. A better Keshawn Johnson. With the 65.2 i was referring to the gentleman that ranted how a 1000 yard season made you a good receiver. Apparently some of you misunderstood me so let me rephrase. The guy is perfect for what we want him to do and that is block and make the tuff grabs. When you say a number one receiver you make me think of a top flight receiver like Fitz, Andre Johnson, Calvin Johnson, Brandon Marshall, Randy Moss or one of those guys. Make no mistake in this offense he has the tools to be a special player. But a true number one, wow that's a stretch. Ravens fans are such fans that we can't say anything that seems to be a little negative about our team without getting negative rep points. Watch football then argue, and at the end of the day ill be the one laughing like i told these guys. Anything less than 1500 and 10 td in this offense with the talent surrounding him is shortcomings. Can we at least agree on that.

[berad]

[quote name='Boldinmore' date='03 June 2010 - 12:05 AM' timestamp='1275537922' post='417147']
I mean i dont give a damn what the critics say, Anquan is an amazing receiver. Do I think he is a number 1? Yes. Do I think he is better than Mark Clayton being on the field? Hell yes. Hopefully our guys show the critics the Ravens arent just a smashmouth football team.
[/quote]

What's wrong with being a 'smashmouth' football team? That's a great thing in my book. Hopefully, with the addition of Boldin, we'll be even more so.

[berad]

[quote name='RBates' date='03 June 2010 - 12:27 AM' timestamp='1275539232' post='417150']
You said it i didn't possession receiver. A better Keshawn Johnson. With the 65.2 i was referring to the gentleman that ranted how a 1000 yard season made you a good receiver. Apparently some of you misunderstood me so let me rephrase. The guy is perfect for what we want him to do and that is block and make the tuff grabs. When you say a number one receiver you make me think of a top flight receiver like Fitz, Andre Johnson, Calvin Johnson, Brandon Marshall, Randy Moss or one of those guys. Make no mistake in this offense he has the tools to be a special player. But a true number one, wow that's a stretch. Ravens fans are such fans that we can't say anything that seems to be a little negative about our team without getting negative rep points. Watch football then argue, and at the end of the day ill be the one laughing like i told these guys. [b] Anything less than 1500 and 10 td in this offense with the talent surrounding him is shortcomings. Can we at least agree on that.[/b]
[/quote]

WOW. You're asking a HUGE amount. I can hardly wrap my head around those numbers, you're assuming stellar play by every single player on the offense. I hope you realize how uncommon a 1,500 yard season is - only about one player a year reaches that number. My goodness, I don't even know how to respond...

If you're expecting Boldin to put up those numbers, I would prepare to be disappointed. That's entirely unreasonable. And, furthermore, it's a contradiction of the rest of your post. You go from comparing him to Keyshawn Johnson, saying he isn't a true first receiver, and on to how he should put up those monster numbers. Did I miss something?

Now, I expect Anquan to be good in this offense. He may put up some good numbers but I'm not thinking 1,500; that's just ridiculous. I don't think any reasonable person would be contemplating that stat-line.

[Ngata92NT]

[quote name='RBates' date='02 June 2010 - 11:27 PM' timestamp='1275539232' post='417150']
You said it i didn't possession receiver. A better Keshawn Johnson. With the 65.2 i was referring to the gentleman that ranted how a 1000 yard season made you a good receiver. Apparently some of you misunderstood me so let me rephrase. The guy is perfect for what we want him to do and that is block and make the tuff grabs. When you say a number one receiver you make me think of a top flight receiver like Fitz, Andre Johnson, Calvin Johnson, Brandon Marshall, Randy Moss or one of those guys. Make no mistake in this offense he has the tools to be a special player. But a true number one, wow that's a stretch. Ravens fans are such fans that we can't say anything that seems to be a little negative about our team without getting negative rep points. Watch football then argue, and at the end of the day ill be the one laughing like i told these guys. [b]Anything less than 1500 and 10 td in this offense with the talent surrounding him is shortcomings. Can we at least agree on that.[/b]
[/quote]

.... no. Statistics mean nothing to me. If Boldin wins games for us I'm happy. A #1 receiver isn't defined by the numbers he puts up but by how he affects the game. We have other good receivers (Mason, Stallworth) who will be vastly improved by his presence. Both Boldin and Mason deserve double coverage, freeing up Heap, Clayton, Williams, Pitta, Dickson, McClain and Rice.

Of course I expect production from Boldin, but to say it's his failure if he doesn't break 1,500 yards is stupid. Think about how many weapons we have, there just isn't that many yards to go around. Only Andre Johnson had that many yards last year and that's because he's and absolute monster and they throw to him every play. Boldin doesn't have to be Andre, lets just let him be Boldin (its worked out well for him so far).