Last offseason around this time, critics and analyst were raving about the depth of the New York Giants' defensive line. They had lost Michael Strahan to retirement but added Chris Canty from the Dallas Cowboys and Rocky Bernard from the Atlanta Falcons to their already talented group of linemen that included pass rushers Osi Umenyiora, Justin Tuck and Mathias Kiwanuka.
The hype about the Ravens' wide receiver core is garnering the same praise despite the fact that the group has yet to play a down together. At the end of last season, many pointed out the receiving core as one of the weaknesses of the team. Ray Rice led the team in receptions with 78 and Derrick Mason came behind him with 73 receptions.
Much has changed since the 20-3 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. The Ravens traded away a third and fourth round pick to the Arizona Cardinals for Anquan Boldin and a Cardinals fifth round pick. The Ravens also signed free agent Dante Stallworth to a one year contract and drafted Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta, two of the top four tight ends in this year's draft. It is evident that Ozzie Newsome and co. have worked to put more playmaking talent around Joe Flacco so he can begin flourish in Cam Cameron's offense sooner than later.
All these pieces look good on paper but we have to see how all of this talent comes together in between the white lines. Will Boldin put up the same kind of numbers he did in Arizona when he was the counterpunch to the beastly Larry Fitzgerald? Does the run game continue to be the focal point of the offense? Which receivers will make the team and which will not? These are the questions that must be asked and answered before we deem this receiving core one of the best in the league because a good group of receivers makes plays and gives their quarterback options. We will have to observe what options will be available to Flacco come week one after injuries or other free agent signings.
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