Mark Andrews’ Return Bolsters Ravens’ Offense Ahead of AFC Championship Clash with Chiefs
Ravens Tight End Activated Off Injured Reserve, Set to Play in Crucial Playoff Game
The Baltimore Ravens received a significant boost to their offense on Friday with the activation of Pro Bowl tight end Mark Andrews off injured reserve ahead of Sunday’s AFC Championship game against the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs.
Andrews’ Return a Major Boost for Ravens’ Offense
Andrews, who underwent ankle surgery in November following an injury sustained in Week 11, has been sidelined since then. However, he has remained dedicated to his recovery, spending hours each day at the team’s facility for workouts and rehab.
“Here we are now going to the AFC championship game. I feel healthy. I’m feeling good,” Andrews said Friday. “I’m excited to help this team in this upcoming game.”
Andrews’ return is a major boost for the Ravens’ offense, which has been led by quarterback Lamar Jackson this season. Jackson has won his past seven starts, six of which were against teams with winning records, while compiling 18 total touchdowns to just two turnovers in that stretch.
“It’s great ball. He’s slinging it. He’s running it. He’s making everyone’s job easier and a defense’s job harder,” Andrews said of Jackson’s play this season. “That’s the MVP right there, and he’s playing at that level.”
Throughout their careers, Andrews has caught more passes (287) and totaled more receiving yards (3,789) and receiving touchdowns (33) thrown by Jackson than any other two Ravens players combined.
“He’s been looking good. He’s been looking sharp,” Jackson said of Andrews on Friday. “It’s speeding up the (reintegration) process. He’s looking great.”
Andrews to Provide Big-Bodied Target for Jackson Against Chiefs’ Defense
Andrews’ return will give Jackson another big-bodied target to throw to over the middle of the field against the Chiefs’ second-ranked scoring defense (17.3 points per game allowed in the regular season). Andrews will play alongside fellow tight end Isaiah Likely, who has essentially mimicked Andrews’ production this season since the Pro Bowler’s ankle injury.
“It means a lot to all of us,” Jackson said when asked about Andrews fighting back to play again this season. “What it means to me is I have another security blanket on the field. Him, Likely and the rest of the guys. I’m just ready to get after it right now.”
Andrews’ Career Highlights
- Three-time Pro Bowler
- 2021 first-team All-Pro
- 40 career receiving touchdowns (second-most among tight ends since 2018)
- 55.8 career receiving yards per game (sixth-most by a tight end in NFL history)
- 54.4 receiving yards per game and six receiving touchdowns led Baltimore in the regular season despite missing seven games
Jackson’s Recent Performance
- Won his past seven starts
- Six of those wins came against teams with winning records
- Compiled 18 total touchdowns to just two turnovers in that stretch
- Ravens have won those games by an average of 17.3 points per game
Ravens-Chiefs AFC Championship Game Preview
The Ravens and Chiefs will face off in the AFC Championship game on Sunday, January 29, 2024, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.
The Chiefs are the defending Super Bowl champions and are led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
The Ravens are the AFC’s top seed and have one of the most dynamic offenses in the league, led by Jackson and Andrews.
The game is expected to be a close and exciting matchup between two of the best teams in the NFL.
Conclusion
The return of Mark Andrews is a major boost for the Ravens’ offense as they prepare for the AFC Championship game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Andrews is a dynamic playmaker who will give Lamar Jackson another big-bodied target to throw to over the middle of the field. The Ravens will need Andrews to be at his best if they want to defeat the Chiefs and advance to the Super Bowl.
Call to Action: Who do you think will win the AFC Championship game between the Ravens and the Chiefs? Let us know in the comments below!