Lamar Jackson’s key weapon is limited by the Ravens’ goals, says teammate

The Baltimore Ravens have been one of the best NFL franchises for years. However, two things are missing. First, the Super Bowl. Since having Lamar Jackson, their goal to reach the big game hasn’t been fulfilled. Second, since Lamar arrived, they haven’t been respected as a threat on passing offense. According to one of their players, one key weapon should be regarded as a top-tier wideout, but the team’s style hasn’t allowed him to do so.

Ravens’ wide receiver Rashod Bateman appeared on The Lounge podcast and talked about his teammate Zay Flowers. “What he’s doing in the league is beyond special to me because of how we play football, of how the Ravens play football,” Bateman said. “It’s not like we’re just targeting Zay, put him on this. We do what’s best for the team and how we play. Zay could have 1,300 yards, easily, if that was the goal.”

Bateman also referred to their star running back. “Derrick Henry can rush for 2,000 easy if that was the goal. It’s just never the goal. I wish people understood that.” For the Ravens, the goal aren’t individual numbers, but collective accolades, more namely, the Super Bowl.

Zay Flowers has been blossoming

Pardoning the pun, ‘blossoming’ is exactly the verb that describes wideout Zay Flowers. During his first year, he showed his talent, but immature plays were also a part of his game. In fact, he had an awful mistake that cost Baltimore the season. Last year, Flowers was a whole different player.

Even if he didn’t get to 1,300 yards, like Bateman said, Flowers was a standout. He got 1,059 yards, 4 touchdowns and made the Pro Bowl. However, Flowers had a decline on one key category: catching percentage. He caught 63.8% of his targets, while in 2024, he caught 71.3% of them. If Flowers keeps improving this stat, he might go for the 1,300 treshold even if that’s not the team’s goal.

There are more heads to feed now in Baltimore

While Bateman and Flowers are a powerful duo, there is a new face on the roster. One with a big name, and a great reputation around the NFL. That guy is DeAndre Hopkins, who will add safe hands, big-time experience and natural talent to this receiving corp.

Lamar Jackson will have plenty of people to pass the ball. You have to consider both tight ends, Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely, who are two really productive players for this offense. Will that be enough to get the Vince Lombardi Trophy? Who knows, but the Ravens’ roster is loaded, so the expectations are high.