The Baltimore Ravens are coming off an impressive 2023 NFL season in which the team reached its true potential, with superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson returning to form as the league’s NFL MVP, which he has now won twice.
However, even though the Ravens looked like the best team in the league heading into the NFL playoffs last year, they were exposed once they reached the AFC Championship Game against the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs.
Jackson looked like a different quarterback entirely as he seemed afraid to run while his favorite target in the passing game, then-rookie wide receiver Zay Flowers, made a big mistake on a scoring play that might’ve cost them the game.
With that still fresh in their minds and the rematch set to take place this week on September 5 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, the Ravens are determined to take it to another level in 2024, with Jackson hinting at the team having a secret weapon at wide receiver.
Jackson recently told the media via the team’s X account that wideout Rashod Bateman will have a “great year” in 2024.
“I believe [Rashod Bateman] gonna have a great year,” Jackson said. “Sneaky year. A lot of people be sleep on him, but I believe he’s going to have a great year.”
“I believe @R_bateman2’s gonna have a great year.” @Lj_era8 pic.twitter.com/JTgCzsbVrc
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 1, 2024
Bateman is heading into his fourth season with the Ravens, where he hasn’t made much of an impact on the football field, with his best year so far coming in his rookie season, catching 46 passes for 515 receiving yards and a touchdown.
With Flowers and tight end Mark Andrews potentially getting the bulk of the attention in the passing game in 2024, things might open up for Bateman, which might bode well for a breakout season in Baltimore.
