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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

G504

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.

strato

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

WhoDatDieHard

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

kajunpower

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

strato

Welcome Kajunpower....

ZOna_style

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...

DieHardCard

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.

D_it_up

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.

DrewDat

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