If you weren’t already sweating bullets over the Ravens’ subpar receiving corps before Derrick Mason abruptly announced his retirement Monday, now might be the time to start panicking.

Unless the Ravens can coax Mason out of hanging up his cleats or acquire a receiver of a similar caliber (I’m not sure which would be easier), they won’t be taking the next step in 2009 — a trip to Miami for Super Bowl XLIV.

In fact, without a bona fide No. 1 receiver like Mason to pair with second-year signal caller Joe Flacco, a return trip to the playoffs doesn’t look like such a sure thing after all.

Mason was unquestionably Baltimore’s most valuable offensive player in 2008, battling through double teams and a late-season shoulder injury to haul in 80 passes for 1,037 yards and five touchdowns.

In the past couple of seasons, Mason, 35, had lost some of his speed, but he still flashed the same skills and smarts that made him one of the top possession receivers of this decade. He was a crafty on-field technician — running crisp routes, finding holes in coverage and getting his mitts on most of the passes that came his way.

The wily veteran was instrumental in Flacco’s first-year success. He was often Flacco’s first (and sometimes only) read as the Ravens simplified the aerial attack for their rookie quarterback. And more often than not, Mason was able to find a way to get open even though pretty much everyone in the stadium knew Flacco would be looking his way in obvious passing situations.

Flacco showed signs of improvement at offseason mini-camps, but sans Mason, it will be a different story during the season. Throwing to a bunch of should-be second-stringers isn’t exactly an ideal situation for a young, developing franchise quarterback.

Fifth-year wideout Mark Clayton is better suited to be a slot guy than a go-to guy.

Injury-prone Demetrius Williams can’t be counted on to be a regular contributor.

Kelley Washington recorded just one catch with the Patriots in 2007 and 2008.

Marcus Smith has some potential, but most young receivers don’t fully tap into it until their third year in the league.

The speedy Yamon Figurs was released a couple of seasons ago. … Wait, what? He’s still on the squad?!? Who knew?

Earlier in the offseason, Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome said he was comfortable with the team’s motley crew of receivers, but he has to be slamming the panic button now.

Don’t be shocked if Newsome reconsiders trading for one of the two disgruntled Pro-Bowl receivers, Anquan Boldin and Brandon Marshall. Or he might sign a free agent like Marvin Harrison or — gulp — Plaxico Burress. One thing is certain: The Ravens have to do something drastic to fill Mason’s void before Week 1.

If they don’t, they could be sitting at home like Mason when the playoffs roll around.

Matt Vensel is a content creator for b. Contact him at matt@bthesite.com.

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