Why the Cards Can't Part Ways with Anquan Boldin

(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

It’s week 17 and I’m watching the Cardinals struggle against a waning Seahawks team early in the first quarter when our entire section begins to chant, “Same ‘ol Cardinals!”  Four Kurt Warner touchdown passes later, it was obvious that these weren’t the “same ‘ol Cardinals” anymore.  So why would they jeopardize their chances of another Super Bowl run in 2009 by parting ways with their Pro Bowl receiver, Anquan Boldin?

Let’s face it; Arizona didn’t exactly set the regular season on fire finishing one game above .500 in the NFL’s worst division. But they peaked at the right time and brought the playoff scene to their house for the first time since 1947 and finished one defensive stand short of a Super Bowl win. 

The Cardinals finished the 2008 regular season ranked second in passing offense, throwing for 292 yards a contest and put up the third most points in the league at just over 26 points per game. There are three obvious keys to this explosive offensive production: Kurt Warner, Larry Fitzgerald, and Anquan Boldin. So why would the front office even think about dealing one of those pieces now that things are finally coming together? 

As the draft approaches and questions linger, management is holding steadfast to their commitment to their Pro Bowl receiver, but the rumor mill seems to be working overtime and Boldin is not a happy camper. His current agreement runs for another two years, but he has clearly outperformed his contract and is demanding market value compensation.  He is seeking a contract similar to that of his counterpart, Larry Fitzgerald.

So, should the front office pay the wideout? Absolutely. Boldin is the best number two in the game and a perfect complement to Fitzgerald’s great hands and excellent leaping ability. If you’re of the opinion that AZ would be fine without Boldin, let’s take a closer look at the impact of his departure. In 2008, Boldin caught 89 balls, accumulated 1,038 yards, and scored 11 touchdowns…in only 12 games. He’s big, physical, aggressive, and not afraid to go over the middle and make tough catches in crowds. He is an expert at catching balls near the line of scrimmage and breaking big runs, having finished second in the league (behind Wes Welker) in yards-after-catch with 595 yards. This aspect of Boldin’s game allows the offense to keep defenses from pressuring Warner, and allows their QB a reliable option to check to before the snap.  

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