When Lamar Jackson is healthy, there are few better players in the NFL. The Baltimore Ravens proved this by winning an MVP in 2019, yet, aside from Mark Andrews, the organization has struggled to land elite offensive playmakers who can help get the most out of Jackson’s abilities.
In addition to trying to identify new acquisitions who can help the Ravens return to the playoffs for the first time since 2020, the Ravens now need to find a new offensive coordinator after Greg Roman reportedly stepped down following the team’s Wild Card loss to Cincinnati.
Naturally, as a team that is largely expected to remain a fringe contender, the Ravens are a big talking point this offseason. Three-time Pro Bowl tight end Mark Andrews was a guest on PFT Live on Tuesday, and he made some eye-opening comments that may or may not be taking a shot at his quarterback.
Specifically, Andrews was speaking about the Ravens’ offensive coordinator vacancy and spoke about the challenges of improving an offense with the outside perception that it isn’t very friendly for receivers.
“This is such a pass happy league. If you’re not doing it, you’re gonna fall behind,”
Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews on improving the team’s passing offense
It’s never a surprise to hear a receiver, or in this case, a tight end, speak about a lack of opportunities or even just the belief that they should embrace the league’s shift toward a pass-heavy approach. Yet, for Andrews to do so is certainly noteworthy, being that he’s been the team’s leading receiver in three of the past four seasons.
Is Mark Andrews upset with Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens?
What would he prefer? A quarterback that doesn’t take advantage of his ability to take a game over with his insane athleticism? Is it possible Andrews is taking a shot at the Ravens and his QB or is he simply trying to be candid about his beliefs when it comes to trying to move the chains?
While it’s clear the Ravens have some decisions to make this offseason regarding their next offensive coordinator, that’s not all. The Ravens also have Jackson’s free agency to deal with, as the 26-year-old QB’s contract is set to expire this offseason.
Whoever takes the Ravens’ coordinator position will have their hands full. While the team’s talent, specifically at QB, is impossible to overlook, finding a way to strike the perfect balance between not taking the ball out of Jackson’s hands and getting it into the hands of other playmakers will be a tough formula for the next offensive mind to figure out.