Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to honor the final passing of the “Is This the Year Rashod Bateman Breaks Out?” column.
Born in 2021, when the Baltimore Ravens selected the wide receiver 27th overall out of the University of Minnesota, this story angle had a short but active life.
For a few years, this narrative gained traction across all media types. However, the “Is This Gonna Be Bateman’s Breakout Year?” column trend died on December 15, 2024, when the Ravens’ fourth-year receiver had three receptions, two for touchdowns, and 80 yards in his team’s 35-14 thrashing of the New York Giants.
The two TD catches gave Bateman seven (which is tied for 20th in the NFL) for the season. He entered the campaign with only four for his entire career. Bateman has also totaled 657 receiving yards, with three games left to play.
His previous career high was 515 in his rookie season. He’ll tie single-season career highs in those categories with eight more targets and receptions.
In other words, the Bateman breakout campaign has arrived, and it has been evident since late October that it is finally happening.
