Close Call #9: Anquan Boldin vs Roddy White

[Miller]

If you need a refresher on the rules for the series or a run down of previous match-ups? Here is the rules and history thread:
"Close Calls 2009" - A Sports Outlaw Exclusive
Remember, this is based on re-draft leagues and non ppr scoring.

Today's Match-up:

Anquan Boldin vs Roddy White

Last Year's Stats:
Anquan Boldin - 12 gms - 89 rec - 1,038 rec yds - 11 rec TD - 67 ru yds - 1 TD
Roddy White - 16 gms - 88 rec - 1,382 yds - 7 rec TD's - 4 ru yds

Today's Match-up is between two of the leagues stars at WR. White exploded on to the scene last year with almost 1400 yds receiving. They have added another receiving threat in Tony Gonzalez, will this continue to limit his red zone looks? Can Ryan and White do it two years in a row? Boldin in only 12 games had nearly 90 receptions and 11 TD's. Those are monstewr numbers and scary to think what he can do if healthy all year, but that's the kicker, can he stay on the field? Also, with his contract situation, will he even be in Arizona this year. Also to be considered is Warner's health, if he can't make it another full season can Leinart come in and sustain Boldin's production? These are just some of the questions you will need to answer in today's close call.

 

[Miller]

Don't get me wrong, I don't have anything against White here, but this one is simple. It's BOLDIN! Boldin is a STUD when he's on the field and I don't think he's exactly fragile, just some tough injuries. Look at last year, if not for a brutal head shot that broke his face he plays all year. And when he did play? WOW, 11 TD's in 12 games! 89 rec in 12 games! His numbers last year project to 118 rec - 1384 - 15 TD's. White's big upside is his yards.....but a closer look shows his ypg are identical with Boldin's, and he's much less of a TD threat than Boldin is. Atlanta added another major redzone target in Gonzo which may further limit White's TD numbers.....

So you get similar yds per game, and more receptions and more TD's with Boldin.....slam dunk for me, Boldin it is, I think he stays healthy this year and make a scary fantasy duo with Fitz.

 

[ExperiencedRookie]

I'm going to lose this battle no matter what because I can't make any solid statistical points. This is rare for me.

I love Roddy. I love Atlanta's offense. Do I think Roddy is good for 80+ receptions, 1300+ yards and 10+ TDs? Yeah I do. Do I think Boldin is? Not really. Why?

This is where I'm going to hit the debate wall though. This is all gut for me. I have no good reason to take White over Boldin. It is like Miller said, a clear cut, no Close Call. Yet here I am taking White. Why?

Does Boldin strike me as injury prone? Not really.

Does Warner worry me? Yeah, a little.

Does the Superbowl loser stigma mean anything? It seems to.

Can Arizona be better on offense than they were last year? NO!! Can Atlanta? YES!!

 

[Hammered]

Boldin is a STUD, but if he doesn't have a decent QB throwing to him how much can he do. Think about this. Could he get the same numbers with Chad Pennington, Sage Rosenfels, Brain Greise, or any of the rookie QB's that are likely to start? I think not. If Boldin stays in ARI then yes he's your man. But by default I think White takes it.

 

[Miller]

Boldin is a STUD, but if he doesn't have a decent QB throwing to him how much can he do. Think about this. Could he get the same numbers with Chad Pennington, Sage Rosenfels, Brain Greise, or any of the rookie QB's that are likely to start? I think not. If Boldin stays in ARI then yes he's your man. But by default I think White takes it.

So you think Boldin leaves Arizona still?

 

[Cooley Cadets]

Does Warner worry me? Yeah, a little.

Can Arizona be better on offense than they were last year? NO!! Can Atlanta? YES!!

Warner if he goes down is definitely a concern but Leinart has the potential of being able to step in and performing sufficiently. That is definitely better than if Ryan were to go down.

Arizona, depending on the new RB being an improvement could be better if your measurement does not simply rely on an improved W-L record.

 

[ExperiencedRookie]

Warner if he goes down is definitely a concern but Leinart has the potential of being able to step in and performing sufficiently. That is definitely better than if Ryan were to go down.

Arizona, depending on the new RB being an improvement could be better if your measurement does not simply rely on an improved W-L record.

Warner has a better backup but also has a higher probability of ending up injured.

I think he's not even 100% right now.

When I spoke of improvement, it was all for fantasy purposes with no W/L record in mind. Wasn't even considering the run game either since this is about Boldin. Not sure how an improved run game would change Boldin's numbers either. This team didn't do squat on the ground last year.

More rushing attempts/yards should equal less receptions/yards I guess.

 

[Miller]

More rushing attempts/yards should equal less receptions/yards I guess.

I don't think it will....not like they are turning into a run first team. If anything, it opens up the offense more and gives them another thing to worry about and less attention they can shift to Boldin.

 

[ExperiencedRookie]

I don't think it will....not like they are turning into a run first team. If anything, it opens up the offense more and gives them another thing to worry about and less attention they can shift to Boldin.

You could be right. I need to find a case similar to this where a team increased running attempts by addition of a new RB and see how it changed the passing numbers.

Any suggestions?

 

[ExperiencedRookie]

You could be right. I need to find a case similar to this where a team increased running attempts by addition of a new RB and see how it changed the passing numbers.

Any suggestions?

I got one that proves your point Miller.

In 2007 Carolina had 505 passing attempts to 451 rushing attempts.

Steve Smith posted 87 receptions for 1002 yards and 7 TDs.

In 2008 Carolina added JStew and DeAngelo emerged. They had 414 passing attempts to 504 rushing attempts.

Steve Smith posted 78 receptions for 1421 yards and 6 TDs.

The team ran more, threw less and Smith had a bigger year while playing 1 less game.

 

[cctekguy]

Boldin's tude is showing. He's the unhappy #2 on a team with a brittle QB and no running game. He's also being stalked by Breaston for catches.

White is the undisputed #1 on a team with a solid QB and a running game that will keep defenses close to the line.

Boldin could easily repeat his '08 numbers but I don't think he will. He's gonna pout, posture and ride minor injuries to the bench.

I know this is just one man's stinking opinion, but hey....It's all I've got at this point.

 

[Phicinfan]

I am going White. I think Fitz and an even more improved Breaston hurt Boldin's value. Add to that I am still not sold he stays with Arizona for the whole year....and if Warner goes down.....Boldin is toast.

Of course you could say that in Atlanta also.

But I think the addition of Gonzales, and more passing to ease use on Turner...promotes a great year for White.

 

[Miller]

Boldin's tude is showing. He's the unhappy #2 on a team with a brittle QB and no running game. He's also being stalked by Breaston for catches.

White is the undisputed #1 on a team with a solid QB and a running game that will keep defenses close to the line.

Boldin could easily repeat his '08 numbers but I don't think he will. He's gonna pout, posture and ride minor injuries to the bench.

I know this is just one man's stinking opinion, but hey....It's all I've got at this point.

But he hasn't been happy in two years....and on the field he is nothing but top notch. Boldin has not been one to let his contract effect his play and I don't know why it will change now.....not like this is a new issue.

He's also one of the toughest SOB's in the league and not someone I see "riding minor injuries to the bench".

 

[cctekguy]

He's also one of the toughest SOB's in the league...

If you're saying that he (as a human being) has the integrity and intestinal fortitude to perform despite his personal grievances, than I bow to your superior knowledge of his character.

Personally, I smell a "Ocho Uno" coming on. :shake:

 

[ExperiencedRookie]

Although I'm voting White here, I gotta agree with Miller.

Boldin has had 'tude problems for a while now and still continues to make it happen on the field.

I've seen nothing from him that makes me think he will suddenly become a turd on the field because he's unhappy or that he'll sideline himself with minor injuries.

 

[Miller]

If you're saying that he (as a human being) has the integrity and intestinal fortitude to perform despite his personal grievances, than I bow to your superior knowledge of his character.

Personally, I smell a "Ocho Uno" coming on. :shake:

And what makes you say that other than a blanket stereotype???

This is not new.....I say that he can perform despite his personal grievances because he HAS performed despite his personal grievances.

2007 - Felt he deserved an extension, still had a good season despite missing 4 games. 12 gms, 71-853-9
2008 - No extension, fat contract to Fitz....demanded a trade.....ended up showing up after his trade demand did not work. His personal grievances effected him so much all he did was go out and averaged almost 87 yds and almost a TD a game.....

Looks like that I don't need to have superior knowledge of his character, I just need to open my eyes and actually look at the situation and his performace despite the situation.

Also on his character....despite the contract dispute and wanting out of Arizona how many times have you heard Anquan speak publicly about this? How many teammates has he tossed under the bus?? In fact, what is one thing he has done in the public that would backup the accusation of having a bad attitude??

For all the malcontents in the league, Boldin may be one of the few to go about his in a somewhat quite way. his agent speaks....he does not.....

Sorry, just don't buy the contract issue being a negative, it hasn't in the past, i don't see what has changed.....what am I missing???

 

[Runnik's Hambones]

Thanks for putting this one up Miller!

I love this debate so far guys. I went ahead and selected Boldin because I think he's the superior receiver. With an entire year under his belt he would have had the best numbers out of ANYONE!

I love White this year and I'm a true believer in him. I love Atlanta's offense and I think White's numbers will improve this year.

The reason I like this debate so much is because I've had at least 4 mocks where I was stuck in the 3rd round with these two receivers and I was not sure which one to take. I think, even though I like Boldin more, that I selected White most of the time because I had it in my mind to take Ryan a couple of rounds later.

 

[WesDawg]

The perception this year will be that Boldin is a #2 to Fitzy's #1, especially after Larry's ridiculous postseason run in '08. I beg to differ. If anything this returns to the same 1/1a situation that's existed in their offense prior to AQ getting his face rearranged in the Jets game. Fitz will obviously be the first or second WR off the board in most leagues this year, but AQ has a good chance to equal or exceed his more heralded running mate. This will also keep Breaston from repeating his breakout '08 as well.
As for this particular close call.. It's very clearly Boldin, and that's no offense at all meant to White, who is emerging into a borderline slamdunk WR1.
AQ takes the PPR and scoring by a bunch, whereas White may get the edge in yards.
Unfortunately for White, I'll take the guy who gives me the best chance at seeing 10 catches and a TD every week as opposed to 5 for 105 and no scores.

 

[cctekguy]

And what makes you say that other than a blanket stereotype???

Ummmm....Nothing. :runaround:


...but blanket stereotypes are the total extent of my knowledge.

Doesn't mean I don't want to get in there and pitch a few. :trampolin

Statistically quantified or not, I'd still be willing to wager that White will outperform Boldin this year even if my opinion IS based on voodoo.

 

[eaglechick]

i can't believe that this is close, and i'm glad to see all the white-love. can you please spread it around a little so Q drops into my hot little mama paws?

in my ppr leagues last year, boldin was the number one per game scorer (yes, overall) by a decent margin (1.5 ppg more than brees, 2ppg more than A.Johnson, 2.5ppg more than fitz, etc.), and averaged 5 ppg more than white

in non-ppr, boldin was still the number one per game WR, averaging 0.4, 0.6, and 1 ppg more than fitz, andre, and smith.

as miller has already mentioned, last year, Q was also unhappy with his contract etc. his injury was a freak occurrence--and he still came back and scored big points after his coconut was crushed. the man is a STUD!

not that white isn't a great option. i expect strong numbers from him this year. but given the choice between the two, i'll take Q all day