Ravens must do a better job of getting Rashod Bateman involved

The Baltimore Ravens offense has struggled immensely over the last month or so. And one part of those struggles has been the team’s failure to get rookie wide receiver Rashod Bateman more involved in the offensive game plan.

Through the first five games of his career, Bateman was used on at least 55 percent of offensive snaps with multiple weeks of 65 percent or higher. However, for whatever reason, that number has dropped to 44 and 45 percent in the last two weeks.

Bateman was targeted just once in the team’s 20-19 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday and didn’t record a single catch.

It’s surprising to see Bateman’s playing time and usage drop, especially with the offense struggling as much as they have. And his lack of playing time and targets has drawn the ire of many watching at home.

Why haven’t the Ravens gotten Rashod Bateman more involved?

Head coach John Harbaugh was asked about Bateman’s lack of involvement on the Monday after the game and he insisted that it was simply due to the Ravens wanting to rotate their wide receivers and spread the ball around.

"“We like it when a number of guys are targeted. It doesn’t always work out that way. You can’t create that. When you start chasing that, that’s when problems happen.”"

It’s a fair response, but it’s also fair to question why your talented rookie wide receiver who’s showing promise early in his career is playing less than 50 percent of snaps.

You could also argue that Bateman being out there could help Lamar Jackson overcome his demons. Jackson has struggled mightily in recent weeks which has allowed the offense to have the miserable few weeks it has.

But perhaps Bateman could help.

Jackson has struggled with the easy stuff and Bateman could serve as that safety blanket he doesn’t have outside of Mark Andrews. A whopping 18 of Bateman’s 25 catches this season have gone for first downs.

The Ravens need to provide a spark to their offense, and what better way than by making use of a chain-moving expert who also just so happens to be your first-round rookie?