Anquan Boldin Expected to Play Saturday in New Orleans; Do the Cards Even Need Him?
 

Coming off the highest-scoring game in NFL playoff history, the Cardinals are expected to have a key piece of their offense returned for Saturday's game against the New Orleans Saints..



Anquan Boldin, the often-whiny-over-his-contract but explosive wide receiver, is expected to return to the field after suffering knee and ankle injuries that left him sidelined for last week's game.


The question, however, is do the Cardinals even need Boldin?


Certainly he is a nice weapon to have, but his replacement and team statistics indicate Boldin may be better off on the sidelines.


Boldin's replacement, fourth-in-the-rotation wide receiver Early Docuet, pulled in two of the Cards' five touchdowns last week.


Here are team statistics on Boldin, courtesy of the NFL:


In the seven games Boldin missed over the last two season, the Cards have gone 6-1, averaging 33.9 points per game as opposed to games where Boldin has played, when the Redbirds are 17-13, averaging 24.5 points per game.


We're not saying there aren't other factors at play when looking at the stats (quality of opponents, who was playing quarterback, so on) or necessarily that Boldin isn't the best man for the job, but this is the playoffs -- making it worth considering that he should be used sparingly.


Anquan Boldin Expected to Play Saturday in New Orleans; Do the Cards Even Need Him? - Phoenix News - Valley Fever

Re: Anquan Boldin Expected to Play Saturday in New Orleans; Do the Cards Even Need Him?
 

That's like asking to we need Lance Moore. Of course Meachem is good too, and we won a lot of games without Moore, but I feel a lot more comfortable when he's at least available.

Re: Anquan Boldin Expected to Play Saturday in New Orleans; Do the Cards Even Need Him?
 

Wont matter..D Sharp will pop that ankle and he wont wanna catch nothin..

Re: Anquan Boldin Expected to Play Saturday in New Orleans; Do the Cards Even Need Him?
 

let him play. that way when we beat them they have no excuses!

Re: Anquan Boldin Expected to Play Saturday in New Orleans; Do the Cards Even Need Him?
 

I want all ther players ready to play . Saints under rated and under dogs the rest of the way. All welcome to enjoy the ride ,but all doubters can get of the wagon now. I have been a Saints fan since I was five years old with many tears and dreams of a Superbowl title and I still believe.I really don't know how I will feel once a life long dream would come true. True Saints fans stand proud and cheer our team to VICTORY !!!
KajunPower@yahoo.com

Re: Anquan Boldin Expected to Play Saturday in New Orleans; Do the Cards Even Need Him?
 

Welcome Kajunpower....

Re: Anquan Boldin Expected to Play Saturday in New Orleans; Do the Cards Even Need Him?
 

The Cardinals are now 7-1 with out Boldin under coach Whis..but he is still a great weapon to have and from what I've heard around here he could still be used as a 3rd/4th WR in 4 receiver sets if he is around 80%...not a bad 4th option to have...

Re: Anquan Boldin Expected to Play Saturday in New Orleans; Do the Cards Even Need Him?
 

Boldin is a dangerous WR and to think he isnt is pretty foolish. This guy is no chump that is going to get pushed around on the field. I understand not wanting to admit that, but seriously there are not many WR's in the NFL that are as respected by thier peers as Boldin. The guy is like a LB after he gets the ball.

Personally if he is not healed I would rather he sit because Warner loves him as a target and tends to look for him. And if he is off on his speed because he is not healed this really could play into the Saints hands. But if he is healed man that changes the game. Not only is he a tough WR he is one hell of a run blocker.

Man I cant wait for Saturday.

Re: Anquan Boldin Expected to Play Saturday in New Orleans; Do the Cards Even Need Him?
 

I don't think anyone here is questioning Boldin's ability. He is a top-notch receiver, no doubt. There was even a debate in here earlier this season on who had the best WR corps. Many of our guys said we did. I agree that our receivers are solid and deep, but I also said that the Cardinals receivers would have something to say about being up there, too. Fitz, Boldin, and Breaston are excellent receivers. Now with the emergence of Doucet and also having Urban, the Cardinals receivers are even more potent.

Having said that, this Saints' team is not just going to lie down for them. They will have a fight on their hands. The Saints will have a chip on their shoulder and will be inspired in this game. Finally being healthy in the defensive secondary is going to be key. There are some playmakers back there, and they aren't afraid to hit people in the mouth. The Cardinals will definitely have to bring their A-game.

Re: Anquan Boldin Expected to Play Saturday in New Orleans; Do the Cards Even Need Him?
 

I agree but i think a less than 100% Boldin is not too helpful for the cards right now

Re: Anquan Boldin Expected to Play Saturday in New Orleans; Do the Cards Even Need Him?
 

Cant disagree! I watched several Saints games this year and it seems that everytime I did the one thought in my mind was "Damn these guys are for real". This is a match up that I personally have been hoping for. I think these are the two best teams in the NFC if not the NFL. And the two teams have very similar styles. This will be a very good game and I in no way expect the Saints will be laying down for anybody. And I know the Cards wont.

Re: Anquan Boldin Expected to Play Saturday in New Orleans; Do the Cards Even Need Him?
 

We are almost mirror images..ecxept when healthy i think our D is better..and the dome will be so loud its gonna be real hard for your team to hear much less think...

Re: Anquan Boldin Expected to Play Saturday in New Orleans; Do the Cards Even Need Him?
 

Seems Boldin and now LB Gerald Hayes are both gameday decisions after not practicing on Wednesday.

ESPN Report

Re: Anquan Boldin Expected to Play Saturday in New Orleans; Do the Cards Even Need Him?
 

I still think it's a smoke screen. Boldin's knee and ankle can't be healed in 3 weeks. But if he plays he plays I still like our chances to win by 10.

Re: Anquan Boldin Expected to Play Saturday in New Orleans; Do the Cards Even Need Him?
 

Suit him up. Send him out. Give us all you got.

We're waiting...


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Re: Anquan Boldin Expected to Play Saturday in New Orleans; Do the Cards Even Need Him?
 

just watched mike and mike in the morning and it sounded very doubtful that boldin would play

boldin is likely not going to be in action which is fine with me

the packers screwed up because they thought their offense would get stagnant without him but the reality is that their offense is the same, just with a different piece in the puzzle

Re: Anquan Boldin Expected to Play Saturday in New Orleans; Do the Cards Even Need Him?
 

Boldin adds the YAC that Doucet or Breaston doesn't. I'm glad he will be watching if that is indeed the case.

I caught Mike and Mike this morning just as they were saying "now predictions for the Sunday games". Did you catch their predictions for the Sat games?

Re: Anquan Boldin Expected to Play Saturday in New Orleans; Do the Cards Even Need Him?
 

The game is one of fantastic offenses. Cards will have very good backups if Boldin does not go. But as the man said:

Quote:

Originally Posted by strato (Post 191795) ...... when healthy i think our D is better....

and that my friends is the game breaker:bng:

Re: Anquan Boldin Expected to Play Saturday in New Orleans; Do the Cards Even Need Him?
 

Having our best two corners back in the line up is great. Before Porter and Greer went down we could stop any body. Chuck them hard at the line and throw off their timing routes.

Re: Anquan Boldin Expected to Play Saturday in New Orleans; Do the Cards Even Need Him?
 

SO is he playing or not?? I am just glad Greer & Porter are back!!

Re: Anquan Boldin Expected to Play Saturday in New Orleans; Do the Cards Even Need Him?
 

Johnny Villarreal from KTAR 620..just said he hasnt practiced in 2 weeks..so im saying no...but you never know