Is Anquan Boldin the most important receiver in Detroit?

When Bob Quinn signed the 14-year veteran wide receiver, Anquan Boldin in the 2016 offseason, many believed his main effect to the roster would be his attitude and locker room presence. Little did they know, he would be come an impact player who would win them football games.

The 2015 Walter Payton Man of the Year has quickly found a role in the Lions offense as a physical, reliable slot receiver, similar to Larry Fitzjerald’s new found role in Arizona. Though he doesn’t possess the speed that many look for in slot receivers (Edelman, Cobb, and Landry) the old man strength, reliable hands, and experience make up for lack of agility as Boldin has proved himself a valuable asset on the inside. Though the Lions look to rely on tight end Eric Ebron, Boldin has found a role that not only compliments Ebron, but allows him to fill the hole in the even that Ebron is injured, which seems to be always.

Experience
Boldin’s impact shines when the plays break down. His experience over 14 years allows him to understand what Stafford wants from him, what the defense is giving him, and how to position himself to make a big play. In the Thanksgiving game against the Vikings, we see two back to back plays in which Stafford finds Boldin on broken plays.

Here Boldin motions down to the numbers to run a quick hitch. Though not Stafford initial read, he recognizes that Stafford is holding onto the ball and moves parallel to the line of scrimmage to find an open spot in the defense. Though the gap is small and low, Anquan adjust to the play making a nice hands catch roughly a foot from the ground.

Here on the next play, lined up on the outside Boldin runs a slant route. After the cut, the corner Trae Waynes has great position underneath the route but his head is turned away from the quarter back. As Stafford rolls right, Boldin makes a quick move back to the flow of the play and is wide open for the touch down.

Just to beat a dead horse here, lets go back to the Tennessee game. As Stafford scrambles to extend the play, Boldin finds himself in the end zone on one side of a player whose back is turned to Stafford. Matthew literally points to the other side of the players (the right side) and Boldin gets the message. Stafford launches it for a touchdown.

Clutch Factor

It is not surprise that when the Lions need a big play, Stafford has looked to Boldin to make those plays. Whether it be a red zone rub route combination or a big third down conversion. Boldin has been tremendous in clutch situations.

Look to the Washington game 18 seconds left on the clock, Boldin shoots vertical finds space in the zone, and shows solid effort after the catch to get into the end zone.

Similar situation, early in the Eagles game. The Lions need a big play on 3rd and 11. Philly dials up insane pressure absolutely destroying Matthew Stafford on the release. This doesn’t stop Boldin making an excellent catch over the corner and stumbling down to the one yard line.

So far in 2016, Boldin has caught 48 of his 66 targets for 392 yards and six touchdowns. While those numbers aren’t flashy, he has accounted for 28 first downs and a key piece of the pie that is the 7-4 Detroit Lions. While many may claim that Golden Tate and Marvin Jones are the top targets on this pass heavy offense, Boldin brings more to the table in terms of experience, blocking, and reliability. Without the threat that Boldin creates over the middle, Tate and Jones would have more attention focused their way.

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