Since 2018, the Baltimore Ravens have relied heavily on their dependable tight end, Mark Andrews, who has set multiple records for the organization. This season, Andrews broke his own franchise record for touchdowns by a tight end with 11. In 2021, he set the single-season receiving record for the Ravens with 1,361 yards, which at the time also broke the NFL record for tight ends. However, the Scottsdale native faced a tough second half in the AFC divisional game against the Buffalo Bills.
Andrews finished the game with five catches for 61 yards. Unfortunately, during the two most critical drives of the game for Baltimore, Andrews had costly errors. On the first drive, he fumbled the ball, abruptly ending the possession. On the second, he famously failed to hold on to a two-yard pass to convert a crucial two-point conversion.
After the game, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson defended his teammate, emphasizing the team's unity and stating that Andrews' mistakes were not the sole reason for their loss. Despite the backlash from some fans and speculation among journalists that Andrews' drop could mean it's time for him to change teams, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh quickly dismissed those rumors during his season-ending press conference.
"Mark is a huge part of our future, and we love him," Harbaugh said. "We're there for him. If anybody can take a tough circumstance like that and handle it with class and grace and dignity and mental toughness, it's most definitely Mark Andrews."
The Ravens remain committed to Andrews, who has consistently delivered for the team far more often than he has let them down. While the disappointment is still fresh, Harbaugh's comments suggest that forgiveness is key in the NFL, both from the organization and its fanbase.