Rashod Bateman is more open than a 24-hour diner on a Sunday morning.
It looks like Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman has finally hit his stride. After battling injuries and inconsistency in his first three seasons, the Ravens’ former first-round pick is now showing why Baltimore invested in him.
The key? Separation.
According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Bateman leads the NFL in separation against press coverage, getting open on an impressive 72.73% of his routes through the first five weeks of the season – more than 10% higher than the next closest receiver.
For Bateman, this season feels like the beginning of what could be a major breakout. While his raw stats of 13 receptions for 202 yards and two touchdowns might not jump off the page, the advanced metrics suggest he’s doing the hardest part of his job at an elite level: getting open.
And for a Ravens team that’s been historically run-heavy, his ability to create space downfield could be a game-changer as the season progresses.
How Rashod Bateman’s separation impacts the Ravens’ offense
Head coach John Harbaugh couldn’t be happier with Bateman’s development. “I just feel like he’s open a lot,” Harbaugh said, noting that Bateman’s routes and ability to get separation have been critical in keeping the Ravens’ passing attack alive. In a season where Lamar Jackson has taken his game to new heights, Bateman’s presence gives him a reliable target capable of breaking open on nearly every play.
Bateman’s ability to beat press coverage not only helps Jackson find easier throws, but it also stretches the field for other key weapons like Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews. The ripple effect of Bateman’s elite separation skills forces defenses to spread out, making it easier for Jackson to dissect coverages, whether by throwing deep or scrambling into space.
Can Rashod Bateman translate separation into production?
While Bateman’s separation percentage is the best in the league, the next step is turning that separation into more consistent production. His 202 receiving yards are second on the team, but it’s clear that more opportunities are coming his way if he continues to get open at this rate.
As the Ravens continue to evolve into a more balanced offense, Bateman’s role should expand, especially as he gains more trust from Jackson in key moments.
The Ravens’ passing attack has the potential to be as dynamic as ever with Bateman coming along. In an offense loaded with young talent, Bateman might just be the X-factor that propels the Ravens into serious Super Bowl contention. If he keeps creating separation at this elite level, it’s only a matter of time before the box scores start reflecting what the film already shows.
With plenty of season left to play, the Ravens are banking on Bateman continuing to build on his early success. If his first five weeks are any indication, this could be the season where Rashod Bateman finally lives up to his first-round billing. The rest of the league better take notice because Bateman isn’t just getting open, he’s getting ready to take over.
