Ravens’ John Harbaugh, Greg Lewis, Rashod Bateman, and Zay Flowers Address Media on Offensive Chemistry and 2025 Season Goals
The Baltimore Ravens are entering the 2025 NFL season with high expectations, fresh energy, and a renewed focus on offensive execution. On Tuesday, Head Coach John Harbaugh, wide receivers coach Greg Lewis, and star receivers Rashod Bateman and Zay Flowers took the podium at the Under Armour Performance Center to speak with reporters. The central theme: chemistry, growth, and the pursuit of a championship.
Harbaugh Sets the Tone
Harbaugh, entering his 17th season as head coach, wasted no time outlining the team’s offensive priorities.
“We’re building something special here,” Harbaugh said. “With the additions we’ve made and the experience our guys are gaining, I believe we’re going to take another step forward offensively.”
The Ravens finished the 2024 regular season with a 12–5 record, but fell short of their ultimate goal in the playoffs. Harbaugh emphasized that while the team has enjoyed regular season success, the focus now is on consistency and execution in the postseason.
“The postseason is where legacies are defined,” he said. “And we’re doing everything in our power to make sure we’re better prepared this time around.”
Greg Lewis Brings Fresh Energy to WR Room
Wide receivers coach Greg Lewis, who joined the Ravens’ staff this offseason after stints with the Chiefs and Eagles, spoke passionately about his vision for the wide receiver unit.
“We’ve got talent, no doubt about that,” Lewis said. “Now it’s about turning that talent into production every week.”
Lewis, a former NFL wideout himself, is bringing a player-first mentality to the room. He praised the leadership of Rashod Bateman and the explosive potential of Zay Flowers, adding that he sees the group as one of the most versatile in the league.
“I’ve worked with some great receivers,” Lewis continued. “These guys here? They’re right up there in terms of athleticism, toughness, and work ethic. It’s just about unlocking all of it together.”
Rashod Bateman: Healthy and Hungry
Rashod Bateman’s NFL journey has been marked by flashes of brilliance, but also unfortunate injury setbacks. Now fully healthy and entering the final year of his rookie contract, Bateman is ready to prove he’s an elite WR1 in the league.
“I’m in the best shape of my life,” Bateman told reporters. “No more setbacks. No more waiting. I’m ready to show what I can do every week.”
Bateman said the offseason was focused on recovery, strengthening his lower body, and improving his route-running precision. He also pointed to his improved chemistry with quarterback Lamar Jackson, noting the duo spent significant time training together during the offseason.
“We’ve been building that connection off the field too,” Bateman said. “Film study, private workouts – it’s all paying off. I feel like this is the year I put it all together.”
Zay Flowers: Faster, Stronger, and Ready to Fly
Second-year receiver Zay Flowers captivated fans in his rookie campaign with his speed and elusiveness, finishing with over 800 receiving yards and five touchdowns. But the Boston College product isn’t resting on last year’s highlights. Flowers said he’s made noticeable physical gains heading into 2025.
“I feel like I got faster, I got stronger,” Flowers said. “A lot of people said I got more explosive. I’m ready to stretch the field even more this year.”
Flowers credited the Ravens’ strength staff for pushing him during the offseason and said he’s more comfortable in the offensive system.
“Last year, I was just trying to learn and keep up,” he explained. “Now, I’m reacting faster, seeing coverages quicker, and understanding how to get open even against top corners.”
Building Chemistry with Lamar Jackson
Both Bateman and Flowers raved about the leadership of quarterback Lamar Jackson, who is coming off another MVP-caliber season. The trio spent extended time training together in Florida earlier this summer, which they believe will translate to more explosive plays this fall.
“Lamar is locked in,” Bateman said. “You can see it in his eyes – he wants a ring. And we want to help him get it.”
Flowers added that the extra reps have helped the timing and trust between Jackson and his receivers.
“It’s the little things – when to break, where to sit in zone, when to take it vertical,” Flowers explained. “We’re seeing the same things now, and that’s going to be dangerous for defenses.”
Deep Ball Emphasis in 2025
One key point of emphasis for the Ravens’ offense is the vertical passing game. Offensive coordinator Todd Monken, entering his second season calling plays in Baltimore, has made it clear he wants to take more shots downfield.
“We’ve got the speed,” Harbaugh said. “Now we want to use it more aggressively.”
Both Bateman and Flowers have been working on improving their ability to track deep balls, a skill that could lead to more explosive plays this season. Greg Lewis said the receivers have been drilling routes designed to stretch defenses, while also improving their releases and top-end speed.
“We want defenses to be afraid of getting beat over the top,” Lewis said. “If we can force safeties to back off, it opens everything else underneath.”
Competition in the Receiver Room
The Ravens also added depth to the wide receiver room through the draft and free agency, increasing competition in training camp. Rookie WR Tyrese London and veteran Nelson Agholor are both battling for snaps, while Devin Duvernay continues to carve out a niche in the return game and as a gadget player.
“Competition brings out the best in everybody,” Lewis said. “No one’s job is guaranteed, and that’s a good thing. These guys are pushing each other every day.”
Looking Ahead to the 2025 Season
The Ravens open their 2025 campaign with a high-profile Week 1 matchup against the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs on primetime television. It’s a game that will test Baltimore’s retooled offense right away.
“We want to be the best,” Harbaugh said. “So why not start with the best?”
Flowers, Bateman, and the rest of the receiver corps are embracing the challenge.
“This is what you live for,” Bateman said. “Big-time games, national stage – that’s when the stars shine.”
As the Ravens continue to build toward the 2025 season, the message from their coaches and players is unified: the pieces are in place, and the expectations are sky high.
From Harbaugh’s leadership, to Greg Lewis’ fresh coaching voice, to the growth of Bateman and Flowers, the Ravens’ wide receiver room is aiming to become one of the most dangerous in the NFL.
“This year, no excuses,” Flowers said. “We’ve got everything we need – now it’s time to go get it.”
