Rashod Bateman makes big statement about criticisms of 1-4 Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens emerged as arguably the biggest disappointment of the 2025 season as they suffered four losses in five games to fall to the basement of the AFC North standings (tied with the lowly Cleveland Browns). 

Wide receiver Rashod Bateman knows what's being said and written about the Ravens heading into the second weekend of October. Bateman also understands that Baltimore has earned plenty of criticism via the club's on-the-field performances. 

Ravens "are not upholding the standard" amid struggles

"The fans got every right to feel how they feel," Bateman said, per Jamison Hensley of ESPN. "They expect excellence. It's our job to deliver that. We are not upholding the standard right now, so we deserve all the criticism."

The Ravens were often their own worst enemy even before star quarterback Lamar Jackson went down with a hamstring injury that kept him out of a 44-10 home loss to the Houston Texans in Week 5. A pair of Derrick Henry fumbles contributed to Baltimore losing twice across its first three games. According to ESPN stats, the Ravens are ranked 31st in the league in overall defense (408.8 yards allowed per game) and last in opponent points scored per contest (35.4). 

"I think we're trying to do a good job of staying composed, but we understand where we're at," Bateman added. "We understand the tasks that we've got to do [and] the hole that we've got to get out of. We're all grown, so we'll go play football, and hopefully get out of this hole."

Things going from bad to worse for Ravens?

As On3's Dan Morrison noted, NFL insider Adam Schefter reported during Thursday's edition of the ESPN "Get Up" program that "it doesn’t seem like" Jackson will be available for Baltimore's home game versus the Los Angeles Rams (3-2) this coming Sunday. At the time Schefter offered that update, it was unclear if Cooper Rush or Tyler Huntley would start if Jackson can't go against the Rams. 

Following the Schefter report, ESPN BET had the Ravens as 7.5-point underdogs against the Rams for the matchup that will take place at M&T Bank Stadium. For what it's worth, no team that started a season at 1-5 has ever gone on to win the Super Bowl for that campaign.