Few critics can question the work ethic of Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman and quarterback Lamar Jackson.
The two playmakers have been working out together since the injury-marred season ended. Bateman is poised to take over the role as the No. 1 wide receiver because of his ability to gain yards after the catch and fearlessness when battling for the football.
Bateman missed the first five games last season after undergoing groin surgery. However, he soon emerged as the Ravens’ most valuable wideout and finished with 46 receptions for 515 yards and a touchdown.
“It’s definitely been really important,” Bateman said about the offseason workouts. “With the injury and missing time, getting that chemistry back with ‘L’ has definitely been important. So, working out with him was definitely a plus. Getting in shape [and] running some routes, it definitely felt good to connect with him.”
Bateman will play a key role in the Ravens revamped passing attack, Coach John Harbaugh said the team needs more explosive plays and that means making plays downfield.
In addition, fellow wide receivers James Proche and Binjimen Victor joined the workouts. Proche has a chance to be another breakout player next season and he is often the first player in the building during the week.
The workouts underscore the commitment of Bateman and Proche to move past last year’s disappointing 8-9 finish.
“It was something that we already talked about before the season had already ended,” Bateman said. “We had already planned to get together this offseason. It was something that was already pre-communicated. So, we all just found a time that worked for us and made it work.”
Out to Lunch w/ @Royal_Farms: This time next week, we'll be discussing the newest member of #RavensFlock, but @nmehtaUR2022 hopes @gmfb's latest mock is wrong. He doesn't want Deebo either. https://t.co/j2moU0C2AO
— Russell St. Report (@RussellStReport) April 22, 2022
However, all eyes will be on Jackson, who missed five games last year because of an illness against the Bears and an ankle injury he suffered against the Browns. On the year, Jackson threw for 2,882 yards with 16 touchdowns and 13 interceptions — a disappointing campaign as far as he is concerned.
Jackson’s contract situation has been the center of attention this offseason and Jackson will play the season on a fifth-year option. He is, in a sense, betting on himself to have another performance like 2019 when he was named NFL MVP.
Bateman has been impressed by Jackson’s progress this offseason coming off the ankle injury.
“Lamar is phenomenal, as always,” Bateman said. “He’s doing good. I’m excited for him and excited for his future. But we did get together a couple of times to get some work in, and we just left it at that. Workouts, getting better, that’s all we can focus on.”
Overall, the Ravens need all of the top playmakers to participate in the OTAs to get back on track. There’s still a lot of uncertainty surrounding several key players, most notable Marcus Peters, J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards, and Ronnie Stanley, who dealt with devastating injuries last year.
The Ravens are determined not to have a repeat performance and changed their practice habits ti prevent further injuries.
“Philosophically, the program still stands on its own merits, but you make little tweaks,” Ravens head strength and conditioning coach Steve Saunders said. “We’re going to say, ‘OK, we don’t know what these guys have been doing.’ So, we’ll take a little step back and say, ‘OK, maybe spend a little more time in the evaluation process [and] add some other things to the program.’
“It’s just little tweaks to say, ‘OK, we’re looking at when we report for training camp and working backward from there, and just try to make them as good as they can be.”
Time will tell if it’s an effective strategy.
