Despite suffering a stunning loss at home to the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, the Baltimore Ravens have performed in an impressive manner throughout the first half of the 2021 campaign. Their passing game has made stunning improvements from last season’s worst-ranked unit, and a new contributor has provided them with the opportunities to continue to make strides in this key area of the game.

Rookie starlet Rashod Bateman made his NFL debut in Baltimore’s 34-6 drubbing over the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 6 and has quickly added an exciting new wrinkle to a much-improved passing offense. The former Minnesota standout is off to an electric start while immediately slotting into a starting role. Through two games, Bateman has amassed 109 receiving yards on seven receptions. In college, Bateman often did his best work after the catch. His dangerous skill-set was on full display when he recorded a 35-yard catch-and-run on a crossing route while gliding past Bengals defenders in the open field.

What’s most impressive regarding Bateman’s recent production is how much trust franchise quarterback Lamar Jackson has shown in him despite his absence throughout their first five regular-season games due to injury. Since being activated, Bateman has been the recipient of a healthy 12 targets in two contests.

Bateman is quickly thriving in an offense that places a terrific amount of stress on opposing defenses. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman has long been known for his prowess to craft an elite running attack in Baltimore, and 2021 has thus far delivered more of the same. Despite seeing three ball-carriers suffer season-ending injuries before the year officially kicked off, the Ravens are averaging 149.4 rushing yards per game, which accounts for the fourth-best mark league-wide.

Baltimore’s first-class rushing attack has been aided by their aforementioned newfound ability to move the ball through the air. Baltimore’s passing attack is averaging a stunning 268.1 passing yards per game, which ranks them ninth out of 32 passing offenses. All in all, their marriage between the run game and passing attack has created an offense that is keeping defenses on their toes for the first time in the Jackson era.

Bateman’s emergence will continue to push that narrative in the right direction. He has quickly found his footing in the NFL, and his ability to hit the ground running is yet another example of how important it is for a rookie to land in the right environment. Bateman is absolutely flourishing in Roman’s scheme that is spreading defenses thin on a week-by-week basis.

The 27th overall selection in the 2021 NFL Draft is already shining under the bright lights. Look for Bateman to carry on with his impressive performances as his opportunities increase in the weeks to come.