The Baltimore Ravens walked into Week 14 with a chance to take control of the AFC North. Instead, they walked out of Pittsburgh with more questions than answers - and a frustrating loss that could have long-term implications for their playoff push.
Yes, the officiating drew plenty of heat, and some of it was warranted. But let’s be real: this was a game the Ravens could’ve - and maybe should’ve - won.
They didn’t because they made too many mistakes. Sloppy execution, missed opportunities, and a few critical lapses turned what could’ve been a statement win into a gut punch of a loss.
Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, and Zay Flowers did what they could to keep the Ravens in it late, but without their late-game efforts, this one might’ve gotten out of hand. And while those three showed up when it mattered, not everyone on the offense can say the same.
One name that continues to draw attention - and not for the right reasons - is Rashod Bateman.
Bateman finished the day with just two catches for 23 yards. That brings his season totals to 18 receptions for 217 yards and two touchdowns.
Not exactly what you want to see from a player who just signed a three-year, $36.75 million extension this past offseason. And while Bateman’s only seen 35 targets this year, it’s not just about volume - it’s about impact.
Too often, Bateman’s been more of a liability than a spark.
Sunday was a prime example. On a critical third down deep in Steelers territory, Jackson delivered a ball that should’ve moved the chains - maybe even hit paydirt.
But Bateman couldn’t haul it in. A clean drop, the kind that takes the air out of a drive.
Plays like that don’t just show up on the stat sheet - they swing momentum.
And that wasn’t an isolated moment. Through 11 games, Bateman has three drops and a drop rate of 14.3%. According to Pro Football Focus, his overall grade sits at 56.0 - a number that reflects what we’re seeing on the field: a player struggling to find his rhythm.
What makes this even more frustrating is that Bateman came into 2025 riding high off a breakout 2024 season. There was every reason to believe he’d be a key piece in a revamped receiving corps alongside Zay Flowers and DeAndre Hopkins. On paper, that trio looked like the best Jackson’s ever had.
But football isn’t played on paper, and so far, the results haven’t matched the expectations.
It’s also worth noting that Bateman’s game is built around stretching the field. He’s a vertical threat, and those routes take time to develop.
Unfortunately, Baltimore’s offensive line hasn’t given Jackson much of that this season. The pocket has been collapsing early and often, and that’s made it tough for any deep threat to get going.
Still, even when Jackson has had time, Bateman hasn’t consistently created separation - and when the ball has come his way, the reliability just hasn’t been there.
To be clear, Bateman’s talent isn’t in question. He’s got the tools.
But 2025 has been a letdown, and it’s hard to ignore the timing. Over the offseason, Baltimore fielded trade calls for Bateman - including serious interest from the Dallas Cowboys.
Talks reportedly got deep before Dallas pivoted and landed George Pickens from Pittsburgh. Baltimore chose to bet on Bateman instead, locking him up with a new deal in June.
At the time, it looked like a smart move - a young, ascending receiver with chemistry in the building. But now, with the benefit of hindsight, it’s fair to wonder if the Ravens missed an opportunity.
Especially with a roster that’s going to see a number of key players hit free agency in 2026, every dollar matters. And while Bateman’s deal isn’t breaking the bank, it’s still money that could’ve been allocated elsewhere.
There’s still time for Bateman to turn things around. A strong finish to the season - or even a bounce-back campaign in 2026 - could flip the narrative.
But right now, the Ravens need more from a player they invested in. If they want to make noise in the postseason, they can’t afford to have key pieces on offense going quiet.
Baltimore’s playoff hopes are still alive, but performances like Sunday’s won’t get them where they want to go. And if Bateman doesn’t find his footing soon, the questions about his role - and his future - will only get louder.