By Anthony Licciardi
Rashod Bateman is the heir to the Baltimore Ravens’ WR1 throne. With that crown comes expectations, targets, and, hopefully, production. More than anything else, his new role adds attention from every direction.
Attention from superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson. Attention from fans expecting a 1,000 yard sophomore season. Attention from fantasy analysts labeling him a breakout candidate or bust. Attention from the best cornerback opponents have to offer.
The 2021 first-round pick is stepping into the spotlight after a quiet, but inspiring rookie campaign. In a passing offense yet to show up in January, Bateman’s presence could make or break Baltimore.
The Ravens’ offensive X-Factor, Bateman can fly them to new heights.
Bateman can help silence football’s most annoying fans.
You know ‘em. I know ‘em. If you don’t know one, it might be you.
The aforementioned Jackson won a unanimous MVP award. He’s been to the playoffs every year when both healthy and not behind the ghost of Joe Flacco’s past. Regardless of his ranking across the league, you can count the quarterbacks coordinators would rather face on one hand. Jackson is an elite playmaker and easily one of the 10 best quarterbacks on the planet.
Yet, there are droves of NFL fans waiting to tear him down at every chance they get. They’ll claim he isn’t a good passer, that he can’t win when it counts, that he’s an injury away from irrelevancy. Few face the pressure to bring home a Super Bowl championship like Jackson.
With Bateman’s help, Jackson can set the narrative straight. The Minnesota product failed to make up a fifth of Baltimore’s targets or air yards last season, but there’s reason to believe he can take advantage of the vacancy left by Marquise “Hollywood” Brown.
For one, the design of the passing offense is largely built to sustain two primary pass catchers. Tight end Mark Andrews is one, and the team’s best outside receiver being the other. Now Bateman’s spot, he’ll see more early progression looks and likely earn more trust with his passer.
Additionally, Bateman combines athleticism and nuance to become a dependable target. He separates well to all levels of the field and has the ability to break off big plays after the catch. He attacks man, zone, and press well and has the collegiate production to back him up.
For the sane, projecting a Bateman jump is like relishing in Jackson’s greatness. It’s right there in front of us, waiting to be appreciated.
If he can surpass FanDuel’s line of 850.5 receiving yards (-112 odds), there’s a good chance we talk about those Ravens deep into the winter.