Lamar Jackson Explains How Baltimore Ravens Will Look to Replace 'No. 1 Guy' Mark Andrews
How big of a loss was the injury to star tight end Mark Andrews for the Baltimore Ravens as they look to close out the final six games of the season?
Judging by the recent comments of quarterback Lamar Jackson, the loss is a big one for a Ravens offense that has been a big reason behind their 8-3 record, which currently has them atop the AFC.
"That was my No. 1 guy when I got off script," Jackson said about the loss of Andrews. "Me and him are going to have a connection somehow, someway. Just Mark being him, doing things to put us in great situations. We'll miss that a lot."
Through 10 games this season, Andrews totaled 544 yards and a team-leading six touchdowns on 45 receptions, as he retained his status as the top option within the offense despite the Ravens using the offseason to bring in reinforcements in the playmaking department.
Oct 22, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews (89) celebrates with quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) after scoring a touchdown against the Detroit Lions at M&T Bank Stadium.
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Since being selected out of the University of Oklahoma in 2018, Andrews quickly grew into Jackson's top target, as evidenced by the fact that he was the Ravens' leading receiver in three of his first five seasons. That type of chemistry and production won't be easily replaced, even though the Ravens still have plenty of options.
However, as last Thursday's win showed, the Ravens can still win without Andrews. But how? Offseason free agent signing Odell Beckham Jr. totaled a season-high 116 yards on four receptions, while rookie first-round pick Zay Flowers totaled 43 yards on three catches.
"I believe my chemistry with all the receivers is coming along well," Jackson said. "We have to keep locking in at practice and keep building more. The playoffs are rolling around, the end of the season is rolling around. We've just got to keep stepping in the right direction."
While the Ravens would much rather have Andrews on the field, it is hard to ignore that the offense looks to be in a much better place to deal with his absence on paper.
Following the win over the Bengals, the rookie Flowers is currently the Ravens' leading receiver with 588 yards and a touchdown on 53 receptions, with both Beckham and Nelson Agholor sitting third and fourth, respectively. All three will now be leaned on heavily to help fill the void of Andrews, while fellow tight ends Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar will also have more opportunities.
The Ravens will hope to pick up where they left off against the Bengals with a win on Sunday when they travel to SoFi Stadium to take on the Los Angeles Chargers. Kickoff inside SoFi Stadium is scheduled for 8:20 p.m. (EST).
