The Baltimore Ravens may not have hit their stride this season yet after a 1-4 record, but they’ve been diligent about taking accountability. Wide receiver Rashod Bateman didn’t hesitate to speak up after some fans and analysts questioned his efforts in the heartbreaking Week 5 loss to the Houston Texans.

As Jamison Hensley reported, Bateman explained that he didn’t give up during a costly interception. “I looked up for the ball and it wasn’t there,” the WR explained. “I looked down. I thought he threw it away. It was too late by the time I was trying to catch up to the ball. I apologize for what it looked like to the fans, but it wasn’t a give-up on the ball.”

The blunder happened in the fourth quarter when the Ravens were down 44-10 with six minutes left on the clock and had the ball at their own 45-yard line. As quarterback Cooper Rush threw a long pass, more than 30 yards, Bateman ran to take the position, but slowed down too early. By the time he realized, it was too late. Texans cornerback Kamari Lassiter caught the interception.

The WR ended the game without a single catch on three targets. Many felt that the WR didn’t make enough effort. “If anything. I want it a little more to help this team win games,” Bateman said. “I just got to keep running.”

Earlier, the WR had shown faith in the team’s backup QB, who took over after the Ravens’ quarterback, Lamar Jackson, was sidelined due to his hamstring injury. “Coop’s done an amazing job since he’s been here,” Bateman said. “We’ve got all the trust that he’ll get the job done.”

Rush was seen throwing his hands up in frustration after what was his third interception of the game. Head coach John Harbaugh was also asked about the interception during his media session. “I don’t know why,” Harbaugh responded to the reporters. “I haven’t talked to him about it, but you have to keep running through that ball, no doubt.”

Not just an apology, he could also relate to the fans’ disappointment.

Rashod Bateman addressed the Ravens’ fans’

The Ravens hold the worst record in the league, which comes as a shock to the heavy favorites and the fandom. Many even booed during the game at M&T Bank Stadium, as per Mark Maske.  And the WR understands the fans’ frustration and disappointment with the team.

“The fans have every right to feel how they feel,” Bateman, who recently signed a $36.75 million contract extension deal with the Ravens, said. “They expect excellence. It’s our job to deliver that. We are not upholding the standard right now, so we deserve all the criticism.”

While the defense had its share of mistakes, coach Harbaugh said the offense “lacked rhythm,” even with Jackson in the lineup. Now, with a backup quarterback whose style differs from Jackson’s, the Ravens’ offensive struggles continue. Without Jackson, the team had their fewest yards (207) in eight years on Sunday (October 5). The QB might need some time to make his decision to return to the field after the injury.

And while Bateman accepted the criticism, he also promised to be better. “We deserve all the criticism,” he continued. “We take it. We’ll handle it. Just gotta fix it.”

Baltimore also allowed the most points in a home game in coach Harbaugh’s tenure. The team will look to avoid these mistakes as they head to face the Los Angeles Rams on October 12.