Rashod Bateman Has Big Breakout Game For The Baltimore Ravens

It was the game that Baltimore Ravens fans were waiting for, the breakout for rookie Rashod Bateman.

Somehow, some way, the Baltimore Ravens are still leading the way in the AFC North despite a slew of injuries. With corner super thin, the offensive line hanging on, and an entirely new running back group, John Harbaugh and Lamar Jackson have done enough to keep this team afloat as the playoffs near. With Jackson going down Sunday in Cleveland, someone needed to step up. Tyler Huntley played well in relief, but it was the breakout game for Rashod Bateman that brought about headlines, even in defeat.

Bateman had a breakout game to help drive the Ravens offense, catching seven passes for 103 yards on the afternoon.

His first catch of the day was a big one that helped the Ravens get into field goal range on a two-minute drill. Bateman took a simple quick out and made two defenders miss after the catch, gaining 20 yards and setting up the kick. He was heavily involved in the quick game the rest of the way, and was able to create after the catch on a few occasions.

Bateman also picked up a couple chunk plays down the field. His first one was a great late adjustment in the route to work back inside against tight coverage, where he made the play and nearly got into the end zone. His second one set up the final points Baltimore would score on the day, tracking it well into his hands down the field on a good throw from Huntley.

Bateman brings an element to the Baltimore Ravens that has long been needed. His release package was excellent, and his explosion/burst into his steam allows him to create initial separation. He is fluid in his routes and efficient in his breaks, and he’s showing that ability to win at the catch point like he did back in 2019 for Minnesota.

The Ravens can count on Rashod Bateman to make these plays down the stretch, and he should be treated as a “1B” behind star tight end Mark Andrews (or a “1C” if you’re a bigger fan of Marquise Brown). Still, his ability to win in all three phases (initial separation, thriving at the catch, good field vision post-catch) makes the Ravens offense a dangerous one despite the injuries.