Baltimore Ravens: Unsung Winner is the Passing Offense
The 4-2 Baltimore Ravens seem to have the most prolific offense in the NFL. Although the historic rushing attack led by Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry has been the focal point, the evolution of the passing game in this offense has led them to wins over the past few weeks.
Compared to the start of the season in Weeks 1 and 2, the Ravens have found their stride with their pass-catchers, mainly star Zay Flowers and unsung receiver Rashod Bateman. For the first time in ages, it seems Baltimore is comfortable with their wide receiving core at least up to this point.
Rashod Bateman On the Verge of Breakout Season
Rashod Bateman is on pace to shatter his rookie season numbers, as long as he can stay healthy. The former first-rounder was re-signed on a 3-year extension this offseason, as it is looking like one of their better moves by general manager Eric DeCosta. The wide receiver two in this offense looks to be a receiving threat to look out for if more attention is drawn to Flowers or the tight ends.
The young receiver is set to have a breakout year, as he currently has 17 catches for 273 yards and 2 touchdowns. His best season was 2021, where he had 46 receptions and 515 yards but with just a single touchdown. Bateman is finally reaching his potential and is giving the Baltimore Ravens a reason to not seek another receiver via trade (like Davante Adams, who was traded to the New York Jets). He has had back-to-back 4 reception games with 58 and 71 receiving yards in Week 5 and 6.
Zay Flowers Showcasing WR1 Numbers
This isn’t to take away from Zay Flowers, as the sophomore former first-round pick has stepped up in the biggest way for the Baltimore Ravens and is the first read pass catcher in this offense. Although he gets schemed-up screens and manufactured looks as well, Flowers’ big contribution to the offense has been the intermediate crossers that have led to huge gains. Although the touchdowns and deep routes haven’t been there, it is encouraging to see these big games from the young superstar wide receiver.
He is coming off two games with 7 and 9 catches for 111 and 132 receiving yards in Week 5 and 6. After breaking the rookie receiving and reception record, Flowers could easily surpass his rookie numbers depending on how much opposing defenses key in on stopping Henry and Jackson in the run game.
Final Thoughts on Baltimore Ravens Pass-Catchers
Their past few games have showcased the multiple ways the Baltimore Ravens and offensive coordinator Todd Monken can beat opposing defenses efficiently and consistently. In heavy personnel with multiple tight end sets, the play-action game with Jackson and his trio of tight ends has exposed defenses. It seems like an impossible task for defenses to key in on stopping the run with the Jackson-Henry duo while accounting for the pass with Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely, and Charlie Kolar all displaying their potential as game changers.
Andrews finally had his “breakout” game this year with 3 catches for 66 yards and a touchdown last week against the Washington Commanders in Week 6. Likely, like Andrews, has benefited from Jackson and his ability to extend plays and is leading the tight end group with 3 touchdowns. Two of them came from their Week 5 OT win over the Cincinnati Bengals, while their third tight end Charlie Kolar had 3 catches for 64 yards and a touchdown in that game.
Likely had a monster game in the Thursday Night season opener Week 1 against the Kansas City Chiefs, going 9 catches for 111 yards and a touchdown. With the veteran Andrews’ history with Jackson, it is clear that all three of their tight ends can take over games if given the opportunity against single coverage. Not to mention their two starting wide receivers, the Baltimore Ravens are clearly dialed in more than last year and are looking to make a run at the Super Bowl with this cast.
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