OWINGS MILLS — Ravens tight end Mark Andrews seems like a forgotten player on the offense in the first three games this season.
Andrews is a three-time Pro Bowler and ranks in the top three all-time in each of the Ravens’ major receiving categories, including receptions (387) and yards (4,652). Andrews needs one touchdown reception to tie Todd Heap (41) for the most all-time in Ravens history.
However, Andrews has been targeted just eight times in three games this season. He has caught six passes for 65 yards but has yet to score a touchdown.
Coach John Harbaugh said Andrews’ lack of opportunities has been a product of an adjusting game plan. He lauded Andrews for his blocking skills in the 28-25 win over Dallas on Sunday,
“There’ll always be somebody that didn’t get the ball thrown to them or didn’t get many touches or wasn’t on the field as much,” Harbaugh said. “It’s probably going to be a part of the game plan each week – and a lot of it is how the game goes, too. But Mark did what he was asked to do in the game – it just turned out that way. It wasn’t like he wasn’t on the pass routes – he could’ve been thrown the ball; it just didn’t come his way. The blocks came his way. He was out there blocking those guys, and he did a great job.”
Last season, Andrews sustained a fractured fibula and ligament damage in his left ankle against Cincinnati on a controversial hip-drop tackle by Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson on November 16th. Despite missing six games, Andrews still ranked second on the team with 45 receptions for 544 yards and six touchdowns, best among the receivers.
In August, Andrews was involved in a car accident and he did not participate in the last week of training camp.
Andrews has deemed himself healthy. He is being patient with the developing offense.
“I feel great. I think you saw in the film, you see the way I’m moving. I think I’m doing a lot of things better than I ever have,” Andrews said. “And, yeah, you know, it’s different. We’ve got a different team, but I still feel incredibly good and fast and strong. And I’m the same player I’ve always been. It’s just balls haven’t come my way.”
Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken is confident that Andrews will get more opportunities to catch passes in the upcoming games. Monken also hopes to get fellow tight end Isaiah Likely more involved. Likely had a breakout game in the season opener against the Chiefs, setting career highs with nine receptions for 111 yards and scoring a 49-yard touchdown. Likely was targeted just once against Dallas.
Third-string tight end Charlier Kolar had the biggest play with a 30-yard reception that set up a touchdown.
“We think a lot of Mark,” Monken said. “We anticipate Mark having opportunities. Like all of our guys, they didn’t get the opportunities they were hoping for, other than maybe Charlie.”
