Mason a Catchy Target

Two-time Pro Bowler Derrick Mason is having another noteworthy season, leading the NFL with 49 receptions heading into Week 7. Netting 18 catches on 3rd-down, (also best in the league), Mason is truly enjoying himself on the field.

"I came in with the philosophy to just go out there and try not to let anything bother me or get underneath my skin," Mason said. "If the ball is not coming to you, don't worry about it. Just go out there and play."

He has done just that, becoming an even greater weapon for the Ravens as a result. Mason has led Baltimore in receptions each week while amassing 451 yards and one touchdown. He is well on his way to surpassing last year's mark of 68 grabs and is on pace to record 130 catches, a single-season feat that would put him second all-time in the NFL record books.

"You've got to love Derrick and the way he works," head coach Brian Billick said. "He works as hard as any receiver as I've been around, and I've been around some guys that have worked pretty hard. He's playing as well as I've ever seen him play."

Though the receiver may be working hard, the outspoken Raven gives credit to his teammates, rather than himself, for his fast start this season.

"You have to give the [offensive line] kudos because of what they were thrust into," Mason said. "These young five guys, they're holding it up for us. What they're doing now is going to pay dividends going forward, because if anything should happen [either] across the board or on the front line, then we know we have some guys that are able to come in and get the job done."

That young offensive line has helped protect both Kyle Boller and Steve McNair, the two individuals responsible for connecting with Mason. Though much has been made in the media of the back and forth use of the two quarterbacks, Mason admits that the down-field threat on offense is present despite who is under center.

"With ‘Mac' [McNair], we have a deep-ball threat and with Kyle, we have a deep-ball threat," Mason said Wednesday. "It doesn't matter. We threw the ball down the field last week because that's what the defense dictated. What they did when they packed seven or eight in the box [was] they more or less dared us to throw the ball outside. That's what we did"

Though Mason leads the league in receptions, he is 13th in the NFL in receiving yards and only has one touchdown, a 13-yard catch against Arizona nearly four weeks ago.

The receiver has remained positive however, noting that the offense has the talent and experience to convert the big plays.

"You can't just concentrate on me, you've got to concentrate on [all of us]," Mason said of fellow two-time Pro Bowler Todd Heap and wide receivers Mark Clayton and Demetrius Williams. "We've got enough quickness to make those plays down the field."

"However Buffalo chooses to play their defense, we've got to counter with something," he continued. "So if they choose to back off, then we have to make the best of that. But if they want to press, we have to be able to go down the field and make some plays."

As the Ravens take on Buffalo this Sunday, Mason will look to continue his offensive success and hopefully head into the bye week 5-2. The receiver values the opportunity to take the field with his teammates and make the most of their hard work and preparation. But there's no doubt that he'll be having a good time, too.

"I'm going to enjoy playing with these guys for as long as I can," Mason said on Wednesday. "I'm going to voice my opinion here and there, but it's not going to be because of self-esteem. It's going to be because I want to make the team better. I'm just going to enjoy the season and I'm going to enjoy [it] for what it's worth and let the rest worry about itself."