The Baltimore Ravens are gearing up for the AFC Championship with the return of tight end Mark Andrews. Andrews, who had been sidelined for two months with an ankle injury, has been officially activated for Sunday’s game.
The addition of Andrews to an already potent Ravens offense makes them even more dangerous. Baltimore’s offense currently ranks fourth in the league in success rate at 47.3%. However, their success rate jumps even higher when they have two tight ends on the field. In 82 plays of 12 personnel (one running back and two tight ends), the Ravens averaged a 48.8% success rate. And out of those 82 plays, 63 of them came during the 10 weeks when Andrews was healthy. With Andrews in the lineup, Baltimore’s success rate in 12 personnel increased to 52.4%.
But it’s not just Andrews who has been making an impact at the tight end position. Backup tight end Isaiah Likely has emerged in the second half of the season, recording 316 yards and six touchdowns on 19 catches over the last six weeks. Likely’s contributions, along with the addition of wide receivers Odell Beckham Jr., Nelson Agholor, and rookie Zay Flowers, have helped elevate Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson back into the MVP conversation. The Ravens finished the regular season as the top seed in the AFC playoffs.
For Jackson, having Andrews back on the field means a lot. Andrews has been Jackson’s top target over the past two seasons, and his return provides a familiar and reliable option for the quarterback. Jackson expressed his excitement about Andrews’ potential return, stating that he brings a lot to the table for the team.
The Ravens will face a tough challenge in the AFC Championship against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs have performed well against tight ends this season, ranking 10th in defensive DVOA when covering the position. However, Bills rookie tight end Dalton Kincaid had success against the Chiefs’ defense in the Divisional Round, and linebacker Willie Gay has been limited in practice this week due to a neck injury.
With the return of Mark Andrews, the Ravens’ offense becomes even more formidable. Andrews’ presence, combined with the emergence of Isaiah Likely and the talent at the wide receiver position, gives Baltimore a well-rounded and high-powered offensive attack. The AFC Championship game is sure to be an exciting matchup as the Ravens look to punch their ticket to the Super Bowl.
