Derrick Mason Flying Under The Radar

[Milton145]

People have seemed to be caught up in the Boldin and Stallworth hype (rightfully so) while Derrick Mason's name has been on the DL. Mason, at age 36, may not have burner speed and may not be known for his ability to go downfield (but he can very well do it) but he is still one of the most important pieces to this offense. Derrick Mason may not be a big name receiver but he has quietly put up 1,000 yard seasons with his superb route running ability. He is Flacco's favorite weapon (for now) and one he is most comfortable with which will even further develop him as a great QB now with less pressure on Mason as the only receiving threat for Baltimore the past few years. He may not be a huge redzone threat, but he can definitely make some plays on 3rd down and every once in a while [url="http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/09000d5d814979f6/Mason-10-yd-TD"]out jump someone who has 3 inches on him in the redzone[/url], or [url="http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/09000d5d81463c0f/Mason-45-yd-catch"]make a huge grab downfield[/url].

The guy is my favorite player in the NFL. Just giving him a shoutout since I feel his name has been lost in the Boldin and Stallworth hype.

[repooponus]

Trust me nobody in b-more is forgetting about d-mase but i bet a lot of other teams do.

[PuRock]

Mason isn't flying any true fan's radar. I expect Mason to have an incredible season. He and Flacco have already established a connection. Plus instead of facing #1 CBs like all of last year (and putting up awesome numbers in doing so), he'll be facing #2 CBs mostly and he should fare quite well.

Boldin on the other hand will command the spotlight from defenses and we'll have to see how he does. He doesn't have Fitzgerald commanding defensive attention anymore.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Mason end up with more receptions than Boldin, But Boldin getting the greater yardage.

[Ed_Reed20]

Mason doesn't get love from the fans in the off-season. That's just the way it is. However, when he's catching first downs against #2 and #3 CBs during the seasons and play-offs, he'll be celebrated,

[ed.s52]

Mason is the peice of consistency we need in our passing game. He is vital for SOOO many reason but one simple one is, what if Bouldin isnt what we expect him to be and Stallworth... just plain sucks. What if our receivers havent developed the connection that ussually takes years to build in the NFL? And, not to mention, Mason will be working on #2 corners now with no double teams.

Maybe its just me, but I expect Mason to explode this year. If anybody can put up multiple 1,000 yard season with absolutely no support, while being double teamed with the NFL's top corners, what would be the logical conclusion when he is now in a powerhouse of an offense facing the secondhand corners of the NFL, the #2's.

WOW! Thats what comes to my mind. This will be a hell of a year for Mason, and if he does take the spotlight from Bouldin, Bouldin will just do his thing and dominate #2's like he has been doing most of his career.

This will be one hell of a season in Baltimore

[Ngata92NT]

[quote name='ed.s52' date='18 June 2010 - 10:42 PM' timestamp='1276918950' post='423596']
Mason is the peice of consistency we need in our passing game. He is vital for SOOO many reason but one simple one is, what if Bouldin isnt what we expect him to be and Stallworth... just plain sucks. What if our receivers havent developed the connection that ussually takes years to build in the NFL? And, not to mention, Mason will be working on #2 corners now with no double teams.

Maybe its just me, but I expect Mason to explode this year. If anybody can put up multiple 1,000 yard season with absolutely no support, while being double teamed with the NFL's top corners, what would be the logical conclusion when he is now in a powerhouse of an offense facing the secondhand corners of the NFL, the #2's.

WOW! Thats what comes to my mind. This will be a hell of a year for Mason, and if he does take the spotlight from Bouldin, Bouldin will just do his thing and dominate #2's like he has been doing most of his career.

This will be one hell of a season in Baltimore
[/quote]

It's BOLDIN

And of course Mason will have a great year, for the many reasons my fellow posters have already mentioned. What makes you think that people have forgotten about Mason?

[Ed_Reed_Pick_Six]

[quote name='ed.s52' date='19 June 2010 - 07:09 PM' timestamp='1276927745' post='423616']
Do I Care?

Bouldin
Bouldin
Bouldin
Bouldin
Bouldin
Bouldin
Bouldin
Bouldin
Bouldin
Bouldin
Bouldin
Bouldin
Bouldin
Bouldin

Boldin? no its Bouldin
[/quote]
I assure you its Boldin, posting poor spelling again and again is silly.

[ed.s52]

[quote name='Ed_Reed_Pick_Six' date='18 June 2010 - 11:13 PM' timestamp='1276931591' post='423618']
I assure you its Boldin, posting poor spelling again and again is silly.
[/quote]

I know its Boldin... just felt like doing that.

I might just order a custom made jersey with Bouldin on the back, just for kicks.

[Ed_Reed_Pick_Six]

[quote name='ed.s52' date='19 June 2010 - 08:21 PM' timestamp='1276932076' post='423619']
I know its Boldin... just felt like doing that.

I might just order a custom made jersey with Bouldin on the back, just for kicks.
[/quote]
Lol, if you do, please take a photo!

[CustomUserName]

[quote name='Milton145' date='18 June 2010 - 11:22 PM' timestamp='1276917749' post='423589']
People have seemed to be caught up in the Boldin and Stallworth hype (rightfully so) while Derrick Mason's name has been on the DL. Mason, at age 36, may not have burner speed and may not be known for his ability to go downfield (but he can very well do it) but he is still one of the most important pieces to this offense. Derrick Mason may not be a big name receiver but he has quietly put up 1,000 yard seasons with his superb route running ability. He is Flacco's favorite weapon (for now) and one he is most comfortable with which will even further develop him as a great QB now with less pressure on Mason as the only receiving threat for Baltimore the past few years. He may not be a huge redzone threat, but he can definitely make some plays on 3rd down and every once in a while [url="http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/09000d5d814979f6/Mason-10-yd-TD"]out jump someone who has 3 inches on him in the redzone[/url], or [url="http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/09000d5d81463c0f/Mason-45-yd-catch"]make a huge grab downfield[/url].

The guy is my favorite player in the NFL. Just giving him a shoutout since I feel his name has been lost in the Boldin and Stallworth hype.
[/quote]

Mad props on Mason being your favorite, Reed and Lewis aside Mason is my favorite too. He's not flashy, a showboat, distracting, he plays through injuries, and puts up the most consistent numbers for someone his age.

I remember earlier this offseason being asked how I'd feel if TO became a Raven. I said "I'd hate it, he's a cry baby, a cancer, and we already have a better WR" the person asked me who and I responded "Derrick Mason, he puts up similar numbers without flashy Pro-bowl QBs, last year had 200 more yards, never complains, and one of if not the best route runner in football."

Seriously, I'm surprised he's not mentioned as a Hall of Fame candidate with over 11K yards

[Ed_Reed_Pick_Six]

Would love to see him play a big part in a run to the title!!!

[Twoo]

Mason flies under the radar every year during the offseason- then on game day he's double teamed.

[edreedfromtheu]

Don't worry, my friend. We'll be seeing PLENTY of Michael Jackson dances in the end-zone this year. If everyone on the offense stays healthy, the rest of the country will actually be HAPPY to see the Ravens on national televised games this year because the Ravens finally have an offense that should be scoring lots touchdowns.

But I do expect a slow start in Week 1. That Jets defense is very talented, and Rex Ryan will have extra motivation and creativity in his schemes.

After Week 1 though... the offense and Derrick Mason should put on quite a show!

[justifythegame]

[quote name='Milton145' date='18 June 2010 - 11:22 PM' timestamp='1276917749' post='423589']
People have seemed to be caught up in the Boldin and Stallworth hype (rightfully so) while Derrick Mason's name has been on the DL. Mason, at age 36, may not have burner speed and may not be known for his ability to go downfield (but he can very well do it) but he is still one of the most important pieces to this offense. Derrick Mason may not be a big name receiver but he has quietly put up 1,000 yard seasons with his superb route running ability. He is Flacco's favorite weapon (for now) and one he is most comfortable with which will even further develop him as a great QB now with less pressure on Mason as the only receiving threat for Baltimore the past few years. He may not be a huge redzone threat, but he can definitely make some plays on 3rd down and every once in a while [url="http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/09000d5d814979f6/Mason-10-yd-TD"]out jump someone who has 3 inches on him in the redzone[/url], or [url="http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/09000d5d81463c0f/Mason-45-yd-catch"]make a huge grab downfield[/url].

The guy is my favorite player in the NFL. Just giving him a shoutout since I feel his name has been lost in the Boldin and Stallworth hype.
[/quote]

As opposed to the last 4-5 years in bmore? Get outta here dude. I was one of the people complaining about great receivers like Mason flying under the radar years ago along with others like Hines Ward (yeah i said it!). Where were you when Mason was really not getting any recognition? This is the first time Mason is actually getting some credit. With Mason hitting FA, and rumors of retirement the last 2 years, Mason finally got a lot of the recognition he deserved as a #1 receiver, with a number of teams interested in him like the Dolphins. And as of this point, Mason is getting noticed even more because Boldin is here. Now the Ravens receiving core is recognized as an elite group by many. Just having one #1 receiver doesn't get you that, but because Mason re-signed, people recognize the group of receivers as a threat. Mason gets plenty of credit now, but my problem is everyone who forgot about him when he carried the ravens receiving attack alone before now. And trust me, you don't need to come here and convince ravens fans anything about Derrick Mason, we've watched him all these years. Its everyone outside bmore and tennesee who don't get that running your mouth isn't what makes you a great wr.

[darklight1216]

Baltimore fans haven't forgotten about Mason. Personally, I didn't even get excited about Boldin until Mason was re-signed. After all, when Boldin is injured, who's going to pick up the slack - Clayton?

Fans other teams seems to think pretty highly of him as well. I've seen Redskins fans talk about how dangerous the Ravens passing game could be with all of the receivers (including Mason) that are present.


I think that Mason is the all time leader in single season receptions and career receiving yards for both the Ravens and the Titans (but not the Oilers).

He gained the most total yards in an NFL season (2960). He may still own the record for most kick return yards in a single postseason (437), but I need to check on that one.

Since 2000 he is third in receiving yards in December (2830) and second in touchdowns (20).

He has eclipsed 1,000 recieving yards 8 times in the last 9 years, and defied the odds against the [url="http://boards.baltimoreravens.com/topic/10003-free-masons/page__p__209140__fromsearch__1&#entry209140"]Free Masons[/url]

[Ed_Reed_Pick_Six]

[u]I'll tell you the exact sort on fan base that won't appreciate a Derrick Mason - the Bengals fans.[/u]

I'm sure you've all read their comments more than I have, but my god, they make him sound like one of the worst receivers alive!

PS - thanks to whoever dropped the '[i]20 years since Cincinnati has won a Playoff game[/i]' stat yesterday - I used it to own a Bengals fan before! [img]http://boards.baltimoreravens.com/public/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif[/img]

[XxSizzleXx]

I really won't be surprised if Boldin and D-Mase both eclipse the 1,000 yard mark. You can't double them both as both of them normally require, and if they do Ray Rice will tear the snot out of their midfield. IMO retaining Mason was ALMOST as important as bringing in Boldin.

[BuckWilds]

Mason is going to probably have a really fun year. "Mason needs help!" was the mantra for quite a few people. I'm glad he's got the help he deserves now.

[Milton145]

People misunderstood how I meant to use "flying under the radar". I'm not saying we Ravens fan have been forgetting about him, but mostly other teams/media/people etc. are forgetting what a dangerous weapon he can be as a #2 Receiver now since he's been so consistent as a #1.

I'll try to use the Bengals as an example. I was hearing some analysts talk about how they need a WR to [i]compliment[/i] the #1 in Ochocinco. For us it was "Ravens need a true #1" but we really already have a #1 in Mason.

That's what I was getting at when I said "Mason is flying under the radar" and could have a huge year because of it. I would also like to note that Mason was more productive than Boldin last year as well.

[kash96ravenstotalfan]

Not only is Mason a great team player and great WR, he is also a really nice, friendly, accessible player that does not travel with an entourage. I regularly frequent his monday night radio talk show (last year was at the Blue Stone Grille in Timonium). He donates alot of his personal time to the community year after year. I think he is the ultimate team player, and a great mentor for the younger players. LOVE D-Mase.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='CustomUserName' date='19 June 2010 - 05:42 AM' timestamp='1276940542' post='423624']
Mad props on Mason being your favorite, Reed and Lewis aside Mason is my favorite too. He's not flashy, a showboat, distracting, he plays through injuries, and puts up the most consistent numbers for someone his age.

I remember earlier this offseason being asked how I'd feel if TO became a Raven. I said "I'd hate it, he's a cry baby, a cancer, and we already have a better WR" the person asked me who and I responded "Derrick Mason, he puts up similar numbers without flashy Pro-bowl QBs, last year had 200 more yards, never complains, and one of if not the best route runner in football."
[b]
Seriously, I'm surprised he's not mentioned as a Hall of Fame candidate with over 11K yards[/b]
[/quote]

Being a major part of a deep postseason run and having a huge showing in the Super Bowl will probably help Mason a whole lot in that area. Realistically Mason probably will have to play about 3 more seasons(including this year) of highly productive football to place himslef into serious consideration for the HOF. However he atleast deserves a mention right now.

[Alexir]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' date='19 June 2010 - 06:36 PM' timestamp='1276987000' post='423732']
Being a major part of a deep postseason run and having a huge showing in the Super Bowl will probably help Mason a whole lot in that area. Realistically Mason probably will have to play about 3 more seasons(including this year) of highly productive football to place himslef into serious consideration for the HOF. However he atleast deserves a mention right now.
[/quote]

Dunno about Hall of Fame but a Ring of Honor would be great! Best Free agent we ever signed! (free agent, not trade)

Also, what are his chances of reaching 1,000 reception mark within the next 2 seasons? If he was still number 1 I would say greatly. But he needs 137 at a number 2 position. It's possible and I hope he gets it.

[Milton145]

It's very possible. He just needs to duplicate this season's receptions and he'll pass the mark. We are going to pass more consistently throughout the year (barring injuries to Flacco) so I can definitely see it happening.

EDIT - I could very well see this playing out kind of like New England. Mason gets the bulk of the targets and catches while Boldin gets the big plays in the deep middle. (not saying Mason'll be getting over 100 receptions for those of you who like to jump to conclusions. But with some pressure coming off of him it's [i]possible[/i] he can get 85-100.)

[K-Dog]

[quote name='XxSizzleXx' date='19 June 2010 - 04:27 PM' timestamp='1276979223' post='423696']
I really won't be surprised if Boldin and D-Mase both eclipse the 1,000 yard mark. You can't double them both as both of them normally require, and if they do Ray Rice will tear the snot out of their midfield. IMO retaining Mason was ALMOST as important as bringing in Boldin.
[/quote]


so true, so true.

Jeezz, just get this season started will ya?

[Ed_Reed_Pick_Six]

The question really is: [u]Would we want it any other way?[/u]

[AwakenTheDemon]

I never underestimate Derrick. I loved the guy when he was a Titan, and I was pumped to see him sign with Baltimore. Hands down, Mason is one of the most reliable and toughest receivers in the league (how many wide outs could have played with one arm as well as he did against Dallas?). I'd love to see other teams pay more attention to Boldin and play Mason loosely.

However, on NFL.com's latest fantasy article about players to avoid drafting, Derrick Mason is listed. Apparently, adding Boldin and Stallworth has made him nothing better than "a fourth string option". I don't buy it.

[ed.s52]

[quote name='AwakenTheDemon' date='19 June 2010 - 08:39 PM' timestamp='1277008793' post='423819']
I never underestimate Derrick. I loved the guy when [b]she[/b] was a Titan, and I was pumped to see him sign with Baltimore. Hands down, Mason is one of the most reliable and toughest receivers in the league (how many wide outs could have played with one arm as well as he did against Dallas?). I'd love to see other teams pay more attention to Boldin and play Mason loosely.

However, on NFL.com's latest fantasy article about players to avoid drafting, Derrick Mason is listed. Apparently, adding Boldin and Stallworth has made him nothing better than "a fourth string option". I don't buy it.
[/quote]


Are you suggesting something?

[AwakenTheDemon]

[quote name='ed.s52' date='19 June 2010 - 11:42 PM' timestamp='1277008971' post='423820']
Are you suggesting something?
[/quote]

No, not really. It was an innocent typo, honest.

[ed.s52]

I see you editted it.

[Ed_Reed_Pick_Six]

Lol, that same article suggested Palmer, Roethlisberger and Ochocinco are all going to have poor fantasy seasons.

Yes, Michael, those QBs are facing a tough schedule!