Rashod Bateman knew what he could do if healthy, but three years of battling injuries dampened the start of his NFL career.
However, 2024 has brought good health for the former first round pick, and with that has come the Bateman breakout.
Bateman had his first two-touchdown game in Sunday's 35-14 win over the Giants, leading the Ravens pass game that torched New York. It was yet another strong Bateman game during a season full of them.
"I think I've definitely shown myself that I am what I say I am," Bateman said. "And hopefully, I've shown the Ravens fans, this organization, Coach 'Harbs' (Head Coach John Harbaugh], 'Monk' [Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken] – whoever – that I am a playmaker. And earning Lamar [Jackson's] trust [and] teammates' trust, it's been big."
Bateman's 80 receiving yards against New York brings his season total to 664, easily a career high. He now has seven touchdowns, more than his first three years in the NFL combined. Only Mark Andrews (eight) has more receiving touchdowns this season for the Ravens.
Bateman's first score Sunday came from 49 yards out as Lamar Jackson found the wide-open receiver deep in Giants territory. Bateman made two defenders miss after the catch, including hitting one with a clean juke before giving the Ravens a 14-0 lead.
"I think that's the first time actually scoring with some juke moves since I've been in the NFL, so I was definitely impressed with that one," Bateman said. "But a lot of work went into that. Me and Lamar [Jackson], we practiced that all week this week, and we brought it to life."
On the ensuing Baltimore possession, Jackson fired a pass to Bateman in the back of the end zone. Bateman, who separated from his defender, leaped for the catch, and got both feet down for the touchdown.
Bateman has three touchdowns of 40+ yards and is averaging 17.5 yards per reception. But he knows he's more than just a deep threat. He can win at any level.
"I just pride myself on being a full receiver – not just a deep threat, [but also] intermediate, short, long," Bateman said. "You never know what the team is going to need from you, so you've got to be prepared for it all."
Bateman has clearly earned Jackson's trust, and now that he's fully healthy, Bateman is taking off.
"'Bate' is that guy," Jackson said. "We call him 'Batman' for a reason, and that's just amazing. It was long overdue, I believe. There have been plenty of times that I felt he should've had multiple touchdown games, but things happen in the backfield. We can't get to him sometimes, but he's just working. He's grinding. [He keeps his] head down and is just trying to win."
