2010年6月29日星期二

In Arizona, Boldin developed a special pitch-and-catch bond with Warner

Baltimore has not had a true No. 1 wide receiver since a guy named Raymond Berry was catching passes from a guy named Johnny Unitas. In fact, in the brilliant front-office career of general manager Ozzie Newsome, it's worth pointing out that the Ravens have never had a wide receiver selected to the Pro Bowl. That's the only offensive or defensive positional grouping at which they (wholesale Arizona Cardinals Jerseys)have never had a player earn that honor, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

And though the Ravens reached the second round of the AFC playoffs last year, their passing game -- which finished 18th in the league -- proved to be a liability against the Colts, who beat them 20-3 in an embarrassing divisional round loss. But an anemic passing game has plagued this franchise since its rebirth in 1996.

Make no mistake about it, Boldin knows what's at stake here, even if he's downplaying his role. He understands there will be a serious adjustment from the multi-dimensional, pinball wizard, wide-open Cardinals offense with veteran Kurt Warner in the shotgun to the run-first, inside-out offense run by classic dropback quarterback Joe Flacco, who is entering his third year.

In cheap Arizona Cardinals Jerseys, Boldin developed a special pitch-and-catch bond with Warner. "He always knew what I was doing -- we didn't have to say anything to each other," said Boldin, who said he will stay in the Baltimore area to work out with Flacco for four weeks before the start of training camp in late July.

But will there be enough footballs to go around? Last season, the Cardinals' offense lined up in a four-wide receiver set 314 times, by far the most in the league. The Ravens lined up four-wide just 16 times last year, fewest in the league.

And Boldin, who does not demand a double-team, needs a strong receiver on his opposite side to help occupy coverage. That means veteran Derrick Mason, who led the team with 1,028 receiving yards last year, Mark Clayton and newcomer Donte' Stallworth will be fighting for playing time. And don't forget halfback Ray Rice, who led the Ravens with 78 catches last season.

没有评论:

发表评论