Ravens TE Mark Andrews Still Has Key Role In Baltimore Offense
As the Baltimore Ravens prepare to open training camp in just over two weeks, fans and media alike are eager to get a glimpse of what is already being described as a potentially ‘scary’ offense.
Though the re-signing of franchise quarterback Lamar Jackson remains the crown jewel of Baltimore’s offseason, the team has also added several offensive weapons for the five-year veteran to utilize in 2023.
However, might his most reliable pass-catcher this season be a familiar face to Ravens fans?
Baltimore tight end Mark Andrews has been, and is likely to remain, among Jackson’s favorite targets since he joined the team in 2018. Following his first-team All-Pro, triple-crown season in 2021 — in which he led all tight ends with receptions (107) and receiving yards (1,361) to go along with nine receiving touchdowns in 17 games played — the Oklahoma product turned in another stellar performance, compiling 73 catches for 847 yards and five touchdowns in 15 games.
Though some notable offseason acquisitions on offense may cause Andrews to share targets a bit more this season, his mere presence may ultimately hold the key to taking Baltimore’s offense from “good to great” in short order.
For starters, Andrews is at his best when utilizing the intermediate area of the field, particularly against teams with difficulty defending it. Andrews is successful when finding space sitting down in soft zones, as well as utilizing flat combinations. When teams attempt to neutralize the middle of the field by taking away slot targets underneath, he often finds room to operate in some catch-and-run situations over the middle.
When the ball is not headed his way, Andrews has also worked and stepped up his blocking game on the edge, especially improving upon sealing his blocks. In most circumstances, he is well-positioned to be a problematic player to defend for any team.
While Andrews was already expected to be a notable weapon for quarterback Lamar Jackson in the red zone, any deficiency in opposing team’s secondaries allows him the opportunity to maneuver in the middle of the field, as well. With newly-acquired star wideout Odell Beckham, Jr. expected to draw the attention of opposing perimeter corners, receivers Rashod Bateman and Devin Duvernay should also command the attention of remaining members of the secondary.
Accordingly, first-round rookie Zay Flowers will keep slot corners and even safeties busy. If Andrews is given room to make plays in the open field, defenses will surely pay the price. Therefore, Jackson would be smart to utilize him in this fashion, as well as in short-yardage scoring situations heading into this season.
Should they do so, Baltimore’s offense may allow the team to ‘scare’ their opponents into early February.
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