Mark Andrews' struggles have put the Baltimore Ravens' tight end room under scrutiny this season. Through six games, Andrews has just 181 yards and a touchdown. He's also had some frustrating drops. It gets worse when considering that Isaiah Likely is having a breakout season with the New York Giants.
Thankfully, though, this Sunday, rookie Josh Cuevas had a stellar game, which should give the Ravens and their fans some hope at the TE position.
The fifth-round pick racked up four receptions, 44 yards, and a touchdown. Notably, Declan Doyle used a creative scheme where Cuevas lined up as a left guard and got open for a 29-yard gain. Cuevas also had a nice goal-line TD.
He was targeted just once in the first four weeks, but has seen a bigger role in the past two weeks. In Week 5, he recorded two receptions for 26 yards. With this emergence from Cuevas, he deserves to have a role with the Ravens going forward, especially given Andrews' struggles.
Josh Cuevas could have a role in the Baltimore Ravens' offense
While Doyle's schemes certainly helped Cuevas get open, his route running was impressive. Plus, he has sturdy hands. That's exactly the skill set you need from a tight end.
Dating back to his college days at Alabama, Cuevas' route running and hands were key strengths. As such, his Week 6 showing wasn't just a coincidence.
Whether he's used as a security blanket on short-yardage plays, a red-zone threat, or the Ravens utilize his blend of route running and size to generate explosive plays, there are several ways for Cuevas to make a positive impact.
The Ravens' wide receiver room is looking far better than in years past. Zay Flowers has established himself as a no-brainer top-10 WR, Ja'Kobi Lane was productive in his one game back from injury, and Rashod Bateman is having a bounce-back year.
Again, though, with Andrews' injury, a dependable tight end is certainly an element that the Ravens lack, and Cuevas' development is a welcome sight. Hopefully, Lamar Jackson returns this week, and he can start building chemistry with Cuevas.
To be clear, even though Andrews has struggled, I don't think it's realistic for Cuevas to take over all of his snaps and targets, particularly since Jackson still trusts the veteran a ton. Regardless, it's hard to argue that Cuevas shouldn't cut into Andrews' role at all, and he certainly did enough on Sunday to continue to be involved in the offense.
If Cuevas' strong play continues, then the concerns about their tight end room will become less pressing, and the Ravens' already promising passing game could reach another gear. So let's hope the coaching staff gives Cuevas more opportunities in the coming weeks.
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