The Baltimore Ravens are currently 1-1, and they still look like one of the best teams in the NFL. However, through two games, things look a little different for Baltimore. While the offense is still thriving thanks to Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, Mark Andrews has been noticeably quiet through two games. The veteran tight end has just two receptions for seven yards on four targets in the first two weeks of action.
While this could just be attributed to a slow start for the three-time Pro Bowler, Ravens reporter Jamison Hensley believes this is a trend that will continue. In a recent ESPN piece, team reporters argued whether certain trends were real or not. For Andrews’ lack of productivity, Hensley made the case that it’s a real trend that will continue.
Mark Andrews’ role in the Ravens offense has seemingly changed overnight
The reason Hensley is convinced this is a trend that will continue is that Andrews’ production isn’t just low, his usage is as well. The reporter highlighted how the veteran tight end has only run 38 routes, which ranks 24th amongst NFL tight ends. Of those routes, he was only targeted four times. This has all happened while Isaiah Likely has been sidelined with an injury. Hensley argues that if Andrews isn’t a big part of the game plan now, it’s hard to imagine that changing once Likely returns.
That would mean Mark Andrews’ role as fans know it, is no more. The tight end was once Lamar Jackson’s favorite target, leading the team in receiving yards in three of the seasons Jackson has been quarterback. After posting just 673 receiving yards in 17 games last season, Andrews is seemingly being phased out of the offense.
It’s either that, or Baltimore has just had some strange usage for Andrews through two weeks, and his number hasn’t been called much. Time will tell which is the case, as fans wait to see if Andrews’ numbers start to tick up.