Mink: Mark Andrews has just two receptions for seven yards on four targets through the first two weeks. That’s especially surprising considering Isaiah Likely has been sidelined by his foot injury, meaning Andrews has carried a heavier snap share (78%) so far this season.
However, I don’t think there’s reason for concern. Mark my words (pun intended); Andrews will make many big catches for the Ravens this season. He looks like the same MAndrews. The ball just hasn’t come his way as often yet.
First of all, the Ravens offense is doing great. Baltimore has scored 81 points in two games. So, it’s not like this has been a “problem.” While every player wants to make an impact, they all have to be unselfish. Andrews is a team-first guy and is glad the offense is performing well. He’s also doing a great job in the blocking game, which has been especially important with fullback Patrick Ricard (calf) sidelined.
In terms of targets, we all knew going into this season that the Ravens’ deep arsenal would mean some players wouldn’t see as much action in some weeks. So far, much of the passing game has been funneled through Zay Flowers, who has 20 targets. Rashod Bateman has eight and nobody else has more than five. While I expect Flowers will be the top option most weeks, targets will fluctuate.
Andrews got off to a bit of a slow start last season, too, with six catches for 65 yards and no scores through the first four games. Yet he finished with the most touchdowns (11) of any tight end in the league and 673 receiving yards.
The fact of the matter is that with Flowers, Bateman, DeAndre Hopkins, and other talented wide receivers, Baltimore’s offense has shifted from the days when Andrews was the bell-cow receiver. He’s still a huge part of the Ravens’ offensive identity and one of Lamar Jackson’s most trusted targets, especially in the red zone. Andrews wants to make every play that comes to him and was surely not happy that a touchdown catch versus the Browns was punched out of his hands. Nobody is more motivated or serious about his craft than Andrews, and he’s going to make plenty of plays this season.