Coming off a record-setting rookie season, Zay Flowers is the Ravens' unquestioned No. 1 wideout entering 2024. He will get a ton of opportunities, and he's eager to show there's more to his game.
As he enters Year 2 in Baltimore, Flowers has his sights set on catching more deep balls.
"I feel like I can go get them. If they're in the air, I'll go get them," Flowers said on the first day of training camp. "That's one of the things I want to improve [upon] to answer your question. I'll say that's one of the things just hitting more deep balls. Because that's what I did in college, so I want to come out and try to hit more this year."
Last season Flowers averaged 11.1 yards per catch, tied for 68th in the league. He showed big-play flashes, particularly in the AFC Championship game when he had a 30-yard touchdown and a 54-yard reception, but he wants to do it more consistently this season.
"[It's] probably just running more of them and working on them with [Lamar Jackson], and working on them with the group, honestly, because I don't think we had a lot last year, so we want to come out and improve," Flowers said.
The Ravens averaged 28.4 points per game last season ranking No. 4 in the NFL, and if Flowers can improve as a deep threat, Baltimore's offense can get even better in 2024.
Bateman Taking Training to New Level
For the first time in a long time, Rashod Bateman had a fully healthy offseason. Entering Year 4 with a new contract, Bateman has put in a lot of work this summer as his role in the offense increases.
"This is the first offseason that I've been able to really dive into what I wanted to," Bateman said. "I trained a lot – three [to] four times a day, every day – so hopefully, it pays off. I did a lot of working out this summer, for sure."
A video of Bateman doing jumping drills was recently posted on social media, and it's clear that he has some juice going into the season.
Bateman Working to Earn Trust of Teammates and Coaches
With three injury-plagued seasons, Bateman is continuing to grow within the offense. Because of limited reps over the years, he's still working on building trust with his coaches and teammates.
As he enters what could be a breakout season, he knows gaining that trust is pivotal.
"Continue to stay healthy, and I've just got to go out and show consistency, so Lamar [Jackson] can trust me, so the team can trust me, so [Offensive Coordinator] Todd Monken can trust me," Bateman said. "I've just got to go out and do my job."
With Odell Beckham Jr. now in Miami, Bateman will be the No. 2 wide receiver alongside Flowers. Bateman has shown glimpses throughout the years, but now he's fully healthy and ready to show why he was a first-round pick.
