With 28 catches and five touchdowns on just 40 targets so far this season, Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews has become nearly unstoppable. Opposing defenses have had a hard time scheming for his dynamic skillset. In this article, we want to highlight three components of Andrews’ game that makes him so special to the Ravens offense.
“Lamar, Coach Monk, those two guys were elite.” @Mandrews_81 pic.twitter.com/C4DJaP5CIj
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) October 22, 2023
Pass-Block Release
The pass-block release concept is a dynamic function when an offense has a run-heavy scheme. Essentially, offensive coordinator Todd Monken is able to use play-action to beguile defenses. This scheme gives Andrews an opportunity to act as a blocker momentarily before slipping out as a pass catcher on broken and + PA pass plays.
Pass Catching + size advantage as receiver
Defensive coordinators must decide quickly whether to deploy their top safety or linebacker when they are required to guard Andrews on passing downs. Standing at 6-foot-5 and 247 pounds, Andrews isn’t a very containable receiver for most safeties and most linebackers are not quick enough to prevent him from gaining leverage on intermediate routes.
Run Blocking
The Baltimore Ravens rank No. 3 in rush yards per game in 2023 and Andrews has functioned well as a edge run blocker. On outside zone runs and sweep concepts, Andrews functions well to seal defenders allowing runners to get to the sideline and to the second level of the defense. The Ravens will want to establish a sizable scoring lead and milk the clock down with the run game in Arizona this weekend.
