{"id":136033,"date":"2022-10-18T11:45:33","date_gmt":"2022-10-18T15:45:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=136033"},"modified":"2022-10-18T11:26:44","modified_gmt":"2022-10-18T15:26:44","slug":"ravens-tight-ends-reliable-rashod-bateman-absence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2022\/10\/18\/ravens-tight-ends-reliable-rashod-bateman-absence\/","title":{"rendered":"Baltimore Ravens Tight Ends Reliable During Rashod Bateman Absence"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Baltimore Ravens lost 24-20 in disappointing fashion to the New York Giants in Week 6. It was the second game in a row where Baltimore was without their primary wide receiver, Rashod Bateman. Bateman had exited the Week 4<\/a> matchup against the Buffalo Bills with a foot injury. Prior to his injury, Bateman was the team\u2019s WR1. Over four games, Bateman had accrued 243 yards and two touchdowns on just 11 receptions (a whopping 22.1 yards per reception). While he does not fulfill a \u2018possession\u2019 role for the team, Bateman\u2019s big-play ability had been key to exposing opposition defenses vertically. Bateman\u2019s absence saw the team use Devin Duvernay and Demarcus Robinson as their primary wide receivers. However, they were contained effectively by the Giants secondary, leaving the Ravens to rely on their exceptional tight end room. Though the team lost, the Ravens tight ends were reliable in becoming Lamar Jackson\u2019s go-to targets.<\/p>\n

Ravens Tight Ends Reliable During Rashod Bateman’s Absence<\/h2>\n

From Todd Heap to Mark Andrews, the Ravens have seemingly always had effective tight end play. 2022, however, is special. Many would claim that this year\u2019s group is the deepest that the Ravens tight end room has ever been.<\/p>\n

The team continue to rely on Mark Andrews as Jackson\u2019s primary pass-catching threat. He has 455 yards and five touchdowns on 39 receptions so far. Against the Giants, Andrews posted an impressive 106 yards and a touchdown from seven catches.<\/p>\n

There is no doubt that Andrews is one of the best tight ends in the league. His supporting cast, however, is not to be overlooked.<\/p>\n

Tight Ends Rise to the Occasion<\/h3>\n

Isaiah Likely was drafted by the Ravens in the 2022 NFL Draft<\/a>. Over the off-season, Likely impressed coaches<\/a> with his athleticism and route-running. It led to many believing that he could play a big role<\/a> for the Ravens as a rookie, with coaches suggesting that he would be the side\u2019s \u2018third receiver\u2019<\/a>. Likely has yet to have that sort of impact. His limited playing time has seen him catch just nine passes for 88 yards. However, since Bateman\u2019s injury, Likely\u2019s role has expanded. He has seen six targets over the last two games. Through the season, expect Likely to see more touches given the volatility of Baltimore\u2019s wideouts.<\/p>\n

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Lamar Jackson 19-yd pass to Isaiah Likely moves the sticks#Ravens<\/a> 0 #Giants<\/a> 0 Q1 pic.twitter.com\/jdfOKtYoyM<\/a><\/p>\n

— S\u1d18\u1d0f\u0280\u1d1bs 24\/7\uea00 (@Sports_24x7_) October 16, 2022<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n