The connection between Rashod Bateman and Lamar Jackson was scorching hot Saturday, much like the weather.
When Bateman caught Jackson's first pass of practice, scooping up a low 10-yard hitch pass for a first down, it was a sign of things to come. Bateman caught four passes from Jackson during the afternoon, including two deep crossing patterns that both gained more than 20 yards.
Bateman got huge separation on his first long catch over the middle and presented an easy target for Jackson. Then on his final catch, Bateman never broke stride and ran hard through the ball to make the reception in heavy traffic over the middle.
Despite missing some practice time earlier in the week, Bateman didn't miss a beat on Saturday. It was an encouraging sign that the chemistry between Jackson and Bateman is building as the season moves closer.
"It was great to see, building a rapport with him and Lamar and the other receivers," Wide Receivers Coach Greg Lewis said. "I think the sky's the limit for him in this offense with the guys that we have here.
"Change of direction, getting in and out of breaks, having him out there being able to do that. I watched him in college, you see all these spectacular moves he can do. He's showing up, and he's done a great job throughout this whole camp. We just want to continue to build off that."
Here are my other observations from the final day of six straight practices heading into an off day on Sunday:
- Ravens who were not on the field included Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum, cornerback Trayvon Mullen, and wide receivers Devontez Walker and Deonte Harty.
- Tight end Mark Andrews used his strength to catch a 5-yard touchdown pass from Jackson in the corner of the end zone. Daryl Worley made contact with Andrews near the goal line, but Andrews muscled his way for the score by falling over the pylon.
- Derrick Henry had several nice runs in practice, bouncing outside to find running room on his two longest carries. Much is made of Henry's strength, and rightfully so, but he's showing he has the speed and vision to bounce outside for yards when there's no running room between the tackles.
- Malik Harrison made a nice play from his linebacker position, closing in on Henry and warding off a stiff arm to stop him from converting on fourth down.
- Jackson showed his quest for perfection after one drive ended, throwing his helmet to the ground in disgust. The touchdown pass to Andrews was the only time the offense reached the end zone during simulated drives. Working against a defense as strong as Baltimore's, that gives Jackson so many different looks, is a great way for the two-time MVP to sharpen for the regular season.
- During one of his breaks during practice, Jackson went back to the bench and shook hands with some youngsters who eagerly ran out of the stands when he acknowledged them. Jackson's magnetism with the fans, especially young ones, has been on display each day he's been at camp.
- Justin Madubuike and Travis Jones batted down passes by Josh Johnson on back-to-back plays. The defensive line had another strong day in the trenches, with Madubuike and Jones leading the way.
- Punter Jordan Stout boomed at least three punts more than 60 yards, and all of them had significant hang time. Stout could be a major weapon helping the Ravens flip the field whenever they're stopped deep in their own territory.
- In addition to Bateman, Zay Flowers and Tylan Wallace had strong days at wide receiver and were favorite targets for Jackson.
- Owen Wright picked up positive yards on several inside carries, continuing his strong camp. Wright and rookie running back Rasheen Ali figure to get consistent work during the Aug. 9 preseason opener against the Philadelphia Eagles.
