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OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The Baltimore Ravens have placed significant trust in Rashod Bateman, and he is beginning to prove his worth this season. While Bateman’s career has seen a mix of progression and setbacks, he is currently hitting his stride, showing the consistent performance that the Ravens had hoped for when they selected him as a first-round pick in 2021. This year, his health issues seem to be behind him, which in turn has strengthened his rapport with quarterback Lamar Jackson.
In a tightly contested game against Cincinnati last week, with the Ravens facing a crucial third-and-goal situation from the 5-yard line, Jackson threw a well-placed pass to Bateman in the end zone. Earlier in the drive, Bateman had made a couple of receptions, contributing to Baltimore’s narrow 35-34 victory. “I think this offense is definitely a living unknown,” Bateman commented. “We’ve got guys all over the place that can make plays and we continue to show that,” reflecting the diverse skill set the team possesses.
When the Ravens initially selected Bateman, they were constructing an offense designed to maximize Jackson’s abilities. However, injuries hampered Bateman’s early contributions; he missed five games in his rookie season due to a groin issue and managed just six games in 2022 because of foot complications. Though he was able to participate in all 16 games last season, he could only muster 32 receptions. With the Ravens drafting another first-round receiver, Zay Flowers, who has quickly emerged as a leading target, questions arose regarding the potential chemistry between Jackson and Bateman.
Despite these concerns, the Ravens showed faith in Bateman. Instead of simply exercising the fifth-year option available to them, they granted him a contract extension through 2026, a decision he described as “out of nowhere.” This season has seen Bateman flourish, already amassing 31 catches for 501 yards—just 14 yards short of his career high—and he has eclipsed his previous best with four touchdown receptions.
“We’re just balling right now. We’re just playing football,” Jackson remarked after Bateman’s impressive 59-yard touchdown reception during a game against Tampa Bay last month, where Bateman totaled 121 yards. “He’s been doing a good job at getting open—it’s just getting him involved with what’s going on. We have a lot of dynamic guys on the offense, and sometimes it’s tough for him to get the ball. But with how it’s been going each week, defenses have to focus on so many players. It’s like, ‘Who do we have to guard? Who do we have to double?’ And in one-on-one matchups, I love our receivers.”
The Ravens do not require Bateman to reach All-Pro status; Flowers continues to impress in his second season, and tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely are also significant assets. The addition of running back Derrick Henry has enhanced Baltimore’s offensive capabilities, making them the top-ranked unit in the league. Jackson’s inclination to distribute the ball means numerous receivers have an opportunity to shine, exemplified by Tylan Wallace’s 84-yard touchdown catch-and-run last week. Additionally, newcomer Diontae Johnson will face off against one of his former teams this week as the Ravens take on Pittsburgh.
With the offense performing at such a high level, it underscores the importance of teamwork. “The media said that me and Lamar don’t have a connection, but we do,” Bateman asserted recently. “I think we’re doing a good job of showing it this season, with a lot of work put in that goes into that.”
In other news, safety Kyle Hamilton was limited in practice due to an ankle injury, while Likely (hamstring), linebacker Kyle Van Noy (illness), and defensive end Brent Urban (concussion) were able to fully participate.
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