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Derrick Mason Returning To Baltimore Ravens with Two-Year Deal

Posted on 11 March 2010 by NFLShare

You can view the original article on NFL News and Rumors by clicking here.

(Always good to make a play on the Squeelers )

All of a sudden, what had been commonly referred to as a weakness on the Baltimore Ravens’ roster is now flush with depth.

The Ravens re-signed savvy veteran wide receiver Derrick Mason to a two year deal, further bolstering a unit that has already added new No. 1 receiver Anquan Boldin and former No. 1 receiver Donte Stallworth this offseason.

The cupboard was somewhat bare behind Mason before, but the Ravens all of a sudden have arguably one of the deepest four wide receiver sets in the league when you throw in last season’s No. 2 receiver Mark Clayton .

This really helps to balance out their offense. They have one of the most heralded rushing attacks in the league anchored by arguably the best young offensive line in the game. In addition to being piloted by one of the leagues’ best young quarterbacks in Joe Flacco .

Their inability to throw the ball in the playoffs is what led to their demise; Flacco had a 39.4 QBR to go along with three INTs. If everyone in the bolstered receiving corps can stay healthy and be productive (ala, complete opposite of 2008 Seattle Seahawks), there is no reason to count this team out of playoff contention next season under any circumstance.

AFC, look out, this team is starting to look scary. Can you see a glaring weakness anywhere? I can’t.

Read more Baltimore Ravens news on BleacherReport.com

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Mason to return to Ravens; agrees on 2-year deal (AP)

Posted on 10 March 2010 by NFLShare


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After twice reaching outside the organization to enhance their wide receiving corps, the Baltimore Ravens secured one of their own Wednesday night: two-time Pro Bowl player Derrick Mason. Mason, an unrestricted free agent, agreed to a two-year deal with the team he joined in 2005. Mason's future with the Ravens appeared unclear after the Ravens obtained free agent wideout Donte' Stallworth…

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Ravens Team Report (Yahoo! Sports)

Posted on 10 March 2010 by NFLShare


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The Ravens finally have the frontline receiver they have coveted for several years.

The question now is, can Anquan Boldin stay any healthier than the Ravens’ other injury-plagued wide receivers?

Boldin and a fifth-round pick were acquired from Arizona for third- and fourth-round picks this year.

“Anquan is a player who makes the tough catches and he is outstanding getting yards after catches,” said Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome. “He will also help the running game with his blocking skills. He’s a very tough competitor and, with the way he plays with passion, he’ll fit right in with the foundation we have for our team.”

Boldin will likely start opposite Derrick Mason, if Mason returns.

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Ravens make up for lost time, sign Anquan Boldin to aid ailing passing game (The Canadian Press)

Posted on 08 March 2010 by NFLShare


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OWINGS MILLS, Md. – Ozzie Newsome has lamented his poor judgment about Anquan Boldin for years.

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Chargers claim RB Mason off waivers from Redskins (The Canadian Press)

Posted on 08 March 2010 by NFLShare


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SAN DIEGO – The Chargers have claimed running back Marcus Mason off waivers from the Washington Redskins, beginning the process of restocking their backfield.

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Boldin on Baltimore: ‘It’s a place that fits me’ (AP)

Posted on 08 March 2010 by NFLShare


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Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Anquan Boldin(notes) speaks during a news conference after the NFL team announced the signing of the former Arizona Cardinals wide receiver to a four-year, $28 million contract Monday, March 8, 2010, at Ravens headquarters in Owings Mills, Md.

Ozzie Newsome has lamented his poor judgment about Anquan Boldin for years. Newsome decided against selecting Boldin in the 2003 NFL draft. Given the opportunity to make things right, the Baltimore Ravens general manager couldn't resist trading for the three-time Pro Bowler. The Ravens introduced their new primary wide receiver to the media Monday, and although Boldin signed a lucrative contract…


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Roethlisberger, accused of sexual assault, hires high-profile Atlanta lawyer (The Canadian Press)

Posted on 08 March 2010 by NFLShare


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MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. – A high-profile defence attorney hired by Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger on Monday disputed a college student's claim that the two-time Super Bowl winner sexually assaulted her at a Georgia nightclub.

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2010 NFL Free Agency Fantasy Implications: Anquan Boldin to the Baltimore Ravens

Posted on 05 March 2010 by NFLShare


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On Friday, while the Chicago Bears were spending money, the Baltimore Ravens acquired a big new target for Joe Flacco . Arizona dealt Anquan Boldin and a fifth-round pick in the upcoming draft to the Ravens in exchange for Baltimore’s third- and fourth-round picks.

While the assumed fantasy impact of this trade initially appears to be significant, further study proves that it is likely a break-even proposition for both Flacco and Boldin.

In 2009, Boldin caught 84 balls for 1,024 yards and just four touchdowns in 15 games in the high-powered Arizona offense. Because the Cardinals saw Steve Breaston and Early Doucet emerge as secondary threats behind Larry Fitzgerald while Boldin was struggling with leg injuries at the end of the regular season, the time finally came for the Cardinals to part ways with the star receiver.

If Boldin had stayed in Arizona, there is a strong chance his production would have fallen off in 2010 both because of the crowded receiver group in the desert and the reality of Kurt Warner retiring. Anyone who has watched Matt Leinart in the last few seasons has cause for concern when considering any receivers in Arizona moving forward.

However, any expectation that Boldin’s numbers will increase in Baltimore’s system leaves room for disappointment.

The Ravens are replacing Derrick Mason , their leading receiver from last year who is considering retirement (again), with Boldin. Last year, though, Mason’s numbers as the top receiver in Baltimore were nearly equal to Boldin’s as a No. 2 in Arizona. Mason caught 73 balls for 1,028 yards and seven touchdowns.

Unless John Harbaugh plans a dramatic philosophical change in Baltimore, Boldin owners should expect production on par with what they received from Boldin, or Mason, last year. And while Boldin is a bigger, younger target than Mason, Flacco owners should expect moderate growth in his third season if any over his 2009 production.

In Arizona, though, any owners of Fitzgerald should be concerned moving forward. While Doucet and Breaston showed flashes of ability over the last couple seasons, Boldin is a known commodity.

Taking an established, respected No. 2 receiver and Warner out the offense surrounding Fitzgerald means he’ll be doubled on every third down until one of the other Cardinals weapons proves to the league that they deserve special attention.

 

The Verdict

Avoid: Leinart

Sell: Fitzgerald

Hold: Flacco, Boldin

Buy: Breaston, Doucet (both with hesitation), Beanie Wells

Read more Baltimore Ravens news on BleacherReport.com

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Kevin Walter Stays Put With Texans (SportingNews.com)

Posted on 05 March 2010 by NFLShare


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Texans wide receiver Kevin Walter was one of the free-agent sleepers at his position, but he should be happy he…

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Ravens Get Their Man in Anquan Boldin: Baltimore Gets the Offense it Needs

Posted on 05 March 2010 by NFLShare


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The Baltimore Ravens hit their first home run of the offseason, and the MLB year hasn’t even begun yet.

By trading their third and fourth round draft choices to the Arizona Cardinals, the Ravens were able to acquire WR Anquan Boldin, who is about as legit a No. 1 receiver as it’s possible to get without drafting one and waiting three years for him to develop.

Injury history aside, Boldin does nothing but produce and, now that he has his new contract, should be quiet and content. In his seven NFL seasons, he has gone over 80 receptions five times and past the century mark twice. He’s a big, tough receiver who isn’t afraid to catch the ball and take a whack in the open field.

And he’s Joe Flacco’s new best friend.

Flacco, the young Baltimore quarterback, has taken his team to the playoffs twice in his mere two NFL seasons, and even more impressively, has a 3-2 record in the postseason. His team’s identity is built on its always solid defense and a recently re-tooled offensive line. With Ray Rice and Willis McGahee, the Ravens also feature a strong backfield, capable of churning out the tough yards.

What Flacco and the Ravens lacked, however, was a passing game that made opposing defensive coordinators nervous.

No more.

Baltimore started its offseason by signing the recently reinstated Donte Stallworth. Unlike the Saints and the Browns before them, the Ravens understood who Stallworth is and what he does best: work from the slot as a No. 3 receiver. They know that Stallworth was a good addition, but not the answer.

With Boldin, the Ravens have found the answer, at least for 2010.

The trio of Boldin, Stallworth and Derrick Mason give the Ravens about as good a stable of receivers as could be asked. Mason and Flacco have a good chemistry together, but despite his productivity, Mason could no longer be asked to carry the torch.

Now he’s just one of three.

The downside here is that all three will be the wrong side of 30 before the season is out. All have dealt with injuries in the past, and no doubt those hamstrings and groins will be a bit more brittle with age and wear.

Baltimore has a bit of work to do yet on this receiver corps, and that involves finally removing the albatross that hangs around the neck of General Manager Ozzie Newsome, College Scouting Director Eric DeCosta, and the rest of the men in what is the best draft room in the NFL.

They need to draft a decent receiver and actually develop him.

Kyle Boller aside, the Ravens worst first round draft choices have come at the receiver position. Travis Taylor, taken in 2000, barely passed as an NFL backup, let alone the quality starter you expect from No. 10 overall. Mark Clayton, 2005’s first rounder, has been better, but is best suited as a No. 3 or No. 4 receiver on your roster.

The Ravens have other needs more pressing than wide receiver, and can afford to draft a receiver later and develop him (though no one should say no to Dez Bryant should he fall past No. 20).

Baltimore, with no immediate and pressing needs for a 2010 championship push, may now look to trade down and possibly out of the first round on draft day. With a couple of second rounders and a third, they could take a defensive playmaker or two and snag a receiver prospect who would enter 2010 as both an insurance policy and a future investment.

Imagine a Baltimore squad fully loaded for 2010 with Boldin, Mason, Ed Reed and Ray Lewis. Then think of the future with a prospect or two behind each of those key players.

Think the Steelers have a shot at regaining the AFC North crown anytime soon?

Quoth the Ravens: Nevermore.

This article also appears at quoththeravens.com, the author’s Ravens blog.

Read more Baltimore Ravens news on BleacherReport.com

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