Flowers set franchise rookie records for receptions (77) and receiving yards (858) last season but feels more polished entering his second season. As he learns more about defensive strategies and watches more film, Flowers says the game is slowing down for him.
"It was faster [last season], so I was just off all instincts," Flowers said. "I was just playing football."
Flowers had an eventful AFC Championship game against the Chiefs with five catches for 115 yards and a touchdown, but he also lost a critical fumble near the goal line at the start of the fourth quarter of Baltimore's 17-10 loss. Flowers insists this isn't a revenge game for him, and that he turned the page on last season.
"I just want to have a better season," Flowers said. "We've been working toward our main goal which is winning a championship. Last season was last season. I use it as fuel but it's a new season. If I think about that, then I'm going to mess myself up for this season."
Rashod Bateman Feels Good About Chemistry with Lamar Jackson
Rashod Bateman has enjoyed his healthiest summer since joining the Ravens, giving him ample reps with Lamar Jackson.
That time together is another reason Bateman can't wait for Week 1. He's expecting to have his best season, and his budding chemistry with Jackson is part of the reason.
"I think it's at a good point right now," Bateman said. "We put in a lot of work. I was able to do training camp, so we're looking forward to it.
"This is my first offseason fully healthy, training camp fully healthy. I know I missed a couple of days, but this is the longest I've been on the practice field since I've been here. I'm definitely excited to go out there and do my thing."
The attention that Flowers, Mark Andrews, and Isaiah Likely draw from the defense could present opportunities for Bateman to work against single coverage, and he's eager to take advantage. Numerous Ravens including Jackson, Zay Flowers, and Head Coach John Harbaugh have said they expect Bateman to have his best season. While Bateman doesn't mind hearing that, his confidence is already high, largely because he's healthy.
"It doesn't really do anything for my confidence, it just shows me that this team and this organization believes in me," Bateman said. "I've always had the confidence in myself to play football and do the things I need to do. But to sign an extension here shows that (General Manager Eric) DeCosta, (Owner Steve) Bisciotti, Lamar, Harbaugh, (Offensive Coordinator Todd) Monken, whoever it is, it shows they all believe in my abilities. A peace of mind comes with that."
Flowers has noticed Bateman being locked in daily since the start of camp.
"He's going to have good one this year," Flowers said. "You can tell he's been focused in the meeting rooms, he's been talking to Lamar, he's just been getting involved with everyone and more involved in the offense. I feel it'll be a great year for him."
Trenton Simpson Can't Wait to Open Season as Starter
The moment Trenton Simpson has waited for is almost here.
The second year inside linebacker will take strong emotions into Week 1 as the successor to Patrick Queen as a starting inside linebacker. Simpson saw plenty of snaps during the preseason, but he's looking forward to the intensity level being ramped up against the Chiefs.
"I'm super-excited for the opportunity and I feel blessed," Simpson said. "I've taken this week of practice very seriously, focusing on the small details. I'm ready to do my job."
Simpson knows he may be targeted in pass coverage by a veteran quarterback like Patrick Mahomes, who may be looking to test a young player. Mahomes is one of the game's best at improvising and extending plays and Simpson has seen numerous examples of that studying tape.
"He's uses his feet to get guys open and they work off of him," Simpson said. "He's got a great IQ, and he's been in the league so long. But this game will tell us where we need to go. It's only Game 1, but you play your best and learn from it."
