A lack of playing time has left Johnson frustrated, but getting on the field is bound to be tough when Bateman has been thriving. The 31st player drafted in 2021 has dealt with a myriad of injuries, including worryingly, foot problems, but Bateman has retained the faith of Jackson.
That support has been repaid by Bateman cementing himself as one of the league’s most prolific deep threats. His status as a vertical playmaker was confirmed by a 49-yard touchdown grab against the New York Giants last week.
It was one of two scores credited to Bateman, but this particular touchdown gave him “three receiving TDs this season of 40+ yards,” trailing only Cincinnati Bengals Pro Bowler Ja’Marr Chase, per The Baltimore Banner’s Jonas Shaffer.
That number shows Bateman’s value in this offense. Agholor can work between the numbers and knows how to get open in the red zone, but Bateman gives Jackson sudden-strike capability.
It’s something he’ll need against a Pittsburgh defense that’s consistently managed to make the two-time NFL MVP appear ordinary.
