OWINGS MILLS — Mark Andrews is looking forward to the matchup problems the Ravens can create when he is on the field with fellow tight end Isaiah Likely this season.
Andrews and Likely are both playmakers and second-year offensive coordinator Todd Monken could use more multiple tight-end sets to take advantage of their strengths. Third-year tight end Charlier Kolar also could play a bigger role. He stood out this week during the Organized Team Activities with his ability to run past defenders and catch balls in the middle of the field.
“It’s going to be special,” Andrews said. “When you have two guys that are dynamic, [there will be] mismatches all over the field – it doesn’t matter where you put us. That’s tough to game-plan for. [We’re] both guys that love to play ball, love to compete, and it’s going to be fun.
“Really, our whole tight end room is special right now, and I’m excited about that. We’re just trying to grow and get better each and every day. [I’m] very thankful to have the tight end group that we have and just continue to get better. So, it’ll be fun to see how we’re used.”
Andrews suffered 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.
With Andrews out, Likely became a primary target for quarterback Lamar Jackson and scored six touchdowns over the final seven games. Entering his third year, Likely is poised to have an even bigger impact on the Ravens’ passing game.
Teams also will have to contend with Jackson, running back Derrick Henry and wide receivers Rashod Bateman, Zay Flowers and Nelson Agholor.
“I would say, Mark’s name holds a lot of weight. I mean, he’s an All-Pro; he’s definitely the best in the league at what he does,” Likely said. “And then, not only do you have to worry about him, [but] you have to worry about ‘Bate’ and Zay outside with our receivers, as well as ‘Nelly’ and then you still have Lamar and Derrick Henry in the backfield.
“So, those people need no [additional] recognition. And then [I’m] finding my way in the offense as a chess piece, just seeing where I can fit in. Having all of us on the same field at the same time, you don’t know whether it’s going to be run or pass, and you don’t know where the explosive play can come from.”
