Ravens vs. Chiefs AFC Championship Preview: Mark Andrews Returns to Boost Ravens’ Offense

Ravens Receive Major Boost with Mark Andrews’ Return

The Baltimore Ravens received a significant boost ahead of their AFC Championship game against the Kansas City Chiefs, as tight end Mark Andrews is expected to make his return to the field on Sunday, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Andrews was activated from the Injured Reserve list on Friday after practicing with the team for the past two weeks. He missed the Divisional Round victory over the Houston Texans due to a broken fibula sustained in Week 11 against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Andrews is a crucial part of the Ravens’ offense, serving as quarterback Lamar Jackson’s favorite target. Prior to his injury, he had recorded 45 receptions for 544 yards and six touchdowns, leading the team in touchdown catches despite missing seven games. In Andrews’ absence, second-year tight end Isaiah Likely stepped up admirably, hauling in five touchdowns during the final five games of the regular season. However, Andrews’ return provides a major boost to the Ravens’ passing attack and overall offensive firepower.

Andrews’ Impact on the Ravens’ Offense

Andrews is a versatile and athletic tight end who can stretch the field and create mismatches for opposing defenses. He excels at making contested catches and is a reliable target in the red zone. Andrews’ return will give the Ravens a much-needed boost in the passing game and will help to open up the offense for other playmakers like wide receiver Rashod Bateman and running back J.K. Dobbins.

Andrews’ return is also a major boost for quarterback Lamar Jackson. Jackson has been the focal point of the Ravens’ offense all season, but with Andrews back in the lineup, he will have another reliable target to distribute the ball to. This will help to take some of the pressure off Jackson and make it more difficult for defenses to focus solely on stopping him.

Chiefs’ Defense Faces Tough Test

The Chiefs’ defense will have their hands full trying to contain Andrews. They possess a talented secondary led by safety Tyrann Mathieu and cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, but they will need to be at their best to limit Andrews’ impact. The Chiefs may also consider using a linebacker or safety to shadow Andrews and prevent him from getting open.

The Ravens’ offense is one of the most explosive in the NFL, and with Andrews back in the lineup, they will be even more difficult to stop. The Chiefs’ defense will need to be at their best if they want to slow down the Ravens’ offense and advance to the Super Bowl.

Conclusion

The return of Mark Andrews is a major boost for the Baltimore Ravens as they look to upset the Kansas City Chiefs and advance to Super Bowl LVIII. His presence on the field will provide a significant upgrade to the Ravens’ offense and make them a more formidable opponent for the Chiefs.

The AFC Championship game between the Ravens and Chiefs is sure to be a high-scoring affair, and Andrews’ return could be the difference between a Ravens victory and a Chiefs victory. Tune in on Sunday to see if Andrews can help the Ravens reach the Super Bowl.

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