Since the Ravens acquired receiver Anquan Boldin in the off season, whispers of Baltimore winning it all in 2010 has been considered to be a good bet by many throughout the NFL. Boldin will bolster the passing game and help developing QB Joe Flacco increase his TD and yardage totals. Boldin’s devastating physical attacks on cornerbacks and safeties after the catch should help open up the running game even more. Ray Rice owners rejoice!
The Ravens then signed WR Donte Stallworth, a definite deep threat to fill another need position, one the Ravens have not had in some time.
But what about WR Derrick Mason? He has been the only real receiving threat on the team the last few years other than their often injured TE Todd Heap and RB Ray Rice. Will Mason be forgotten with the signing of Boldin and Stallworth? Not likely and here’s why.
Flacco has created a comfort zone with Mason. It will take Flacco some time to engage Boldin as his # 1 WR then look to Mason as his second target. Flacco and Mason will still hook up often while opposing defense’s focus on stopping Rice and doubling up Boldin. Mason will concentrate on short to medium range passing routes in man coverage. The Ravens did not sign Boldin and Stallworth to remain a run only offense. They are in the midst of a Super Bowl run and recently signed QB Marc Bulger to back up Flacco. Another great depth move.
Boldin will no longer be playing weak cornerbacks in the NFC West. He will be playing against some good teams in the AFC North. Plus, they have one of the toughest schedules in the league in 2010.
Boldin is an injury magnet and has missed 9 games in 3 years. Mason would step right back in to his WR #1 role if this should happen again. And since Boldin seemingly can’t stay healthy, count on Mason to assume the # 1 WR position for those games that Boldin is out.
The Ravens have an aging defense. While they still can stop the run very effectively they have big question marks at cornerback and safety. Ed Reed, their ball hawking safety leader had reconstructive hip surgery in the off season and it is still not known if he will make it back for the start of the season. If not, the Ravens will be exploited in the passing game and might have to put up more points than ever before to win games. This will help Mason’s value as well as their other offensive players on the team.
Mason has three consecutive 1000 yard seasons. If his numbers decline it should not be by as much as some fantasy writers are predicting. He still is a borderline # 2 receiver and should not be ignored on draft day. You might actually see a slight bump in TD’s since the Ravens would be smart to utilize him in the red zone in passing situations as the more attention will be paid to Boldin and Rice.
The perception of Mason’s dwindling fantasy production might make him a very attractive pick up if he is still hanging around in the mid to late rounds of your draft. Don’t buy into the negative predictions; he still has a little gas left in his 36 year old tank.
James