Bateman defends Ravens' WRs after DeCosta's criticism: Don't blame us

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman isn't pleased with general manager Eric DeCosta.

DeCosta seemingly criticized his wide receiver room Wednesday when asked about the team's problems drafting wideouts, saying, "If I had an answer, that would probably mean I would have some better receivers."

Bateman pushed back against DeCosta on Thursday in a since-deleted tweet.

"How about you play to your players' strengths and stop pointing the finger at us and (Lamar Jackson)," Bateman said.

He added: "Blame the one you let do this. ... Care about us and see what happens."

Baltimore drafted Bateman in the first round in 2021. The 23-year-old has battled injuries, playing in only 18 regular-season games. However, he's flashed potential when healthy, hauling in 61 catches for 800 yards and three touchdowns during his career.

The Ravens have drafted five wide receivers since Jackson took over the starting job, including Bateman, Marquise Brown, Devin Duvernay, James Proche, and Tylan Wallace.

Of the five, only Brown, who was traded to the Arizona Cardinals last offseason, has eclipsed 500 yards in a campaign. The rest have combined for 2,014 yards in 133 games, an average of 15 yards per contest.

In addition to Baltimore's struggles at wideout, the team also remains in a standoff with Jackson regarding a long-term contract. He's reportedly asking for a fully guaranteed deal close to what Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson received.

Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.