Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews will miss the remainder of the season due to an ankle injury, and coach John Harbaugh emphasizes the collective effort required from the entire offensive unit to compensate for the absence of the Pro Bowler.
In their recent 34-20 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, the Ravens achieved the desired outcome, but it came with a significant setback as Mark Andrews suffered a season-ending ankle injury during the first drive, following a hip-drop tackle by Logan Wilson.
Despite the loss of their star tight end, the Ravens rallied as every offensive player contributed to fill the void. Coach Harbaugh emphasizes the need for a team effort to compensate for Andrews’ absence, stating, “It’s not just the next player in that position, it’s all the men, it’s all the players stepping up and filling that to replace a player like Mark Andrews.”
Following Andrews’ injury, other players stepped up to contribute on offense. Receivers Odell Beckham Jr., Zay Flowers, Nelson Agholor, and Rashod Bateman, along with running backs Gus Edwards and Keaton Mitchell, played crucial roles in both the passing and running game. Despite an ankle injury, quarterback Lamar Jackson also made significant contributions.
Harbaugh acknowledges the collective effort of the team on what he describes as a bittersweet night for the Ravens. He highlights the diverse contributions, including Bateman’s end zone catch, Odell’s impactful plays, and Zay Flowers setting a rookie receiver record for catches.
The Ravens managed to secure a victory, moving to an 8-3 record for the season and widening the gap in their division, particularly with key competitors like Joe Burrow and Deshaun Watson out for the season. The Pittsburgh Steelers are perceived as the primary contender, but the Ravens need to demonstrate their ability to cover for Andrews not just for one game but for the entire season.
Despite the challenge, the Ravens possess a range of explosive offensive weapons. Harbaugh expresses confidence that, if each player performs at their capable level, they should be able to manage Andrews’ absence. However, he acknowledges the difficulty of translating this confidence into on-field success.
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