What is going on with Mark Andrews?
— Ravens Nation 𝙇𝙄𝙑𝙀 (@LIVERavenNation) September 23, 2024
Mink: Nobody expected Mark Andrews to only have six catches for 65 yards through the first three games, but game circumstances and the Ravens' more versatile offense are the main reasons for that, not that something is wrong with Andrews.
In Week 1, the Kansas City Chiefs' gameplan was to eliminate Andrews with double teams. He was doubled on a higher percentage of routes in that game than any of his other games the previous three seasons.
In Week 2, Andrews had the second-most targets on the team (five). But it was clear that the Ravens wanted to attack the Las Vegas Raiders with Zay Flowers (11 targets).
In Week 3, it was a ground-and-pound gameplan featuring a heavy dose of Derrick Henry. Lamar Jackson only attempted 15 passes, so there weren't many opportunities for any of the Ravens' pass catchers. Andrews still made his presence felt as a blocker.
— Ryan Mink (@ryanmink) September 23, 2024Fantasy football owners don't like that Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely combined for 1 catch for 4 yards on 2 targets.
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Baltimore's offense has a bunch of different ways it can play. That's a good thing. While you want to have an identity of physicality, which the Ravens certainly showed in Dallas, a good offense is a "pick your poison" offense that can adapt and keep defenses guessing.
So far, Andrews hasn't been the poison that's been picked. His days of getting far and away the largest target share from Jackson may be over considering the emergence of fellow tight end Isaiah Likely, Flowers, and others. But Andrews is still a huge part of Baltimore's offense and he's still getting open. Andrews ranks seventh in the league in separation percentage, per Pro Football Focus.
"I know week by week, game by game, I'm going to get better and better," Andrews said on "The Lounge" podcast last week. "I'm going to be able to help this team out more and more. I'm excited to continue to make those steps to where I want to be."
Our insiders, Ryan Mink and Garrett Downing, sit down with Mark Andrews to talk about how the Ravens dig out of their 0-2 hole, what goes into finishing games better, his offseason car accident, his Super Bowl itch, and more.
What will it take to stop blowing huge leads in the 4th quarter?
— Finn (@charmcityfinn) September 23, 2024
Brown: For starters, protecting fourth quarter leads will take better pass defense and fewer penalties.
The Ravens have been outscored 32-7 in the fourth quarter in their last two games. Since the start of last year, they've been outscored, 157-134, in the fourth quarter.
They're still last in the NFL in pass defense. Baltimore's pass coverage hasn't been consistently tight enough, whether the opposing quarterback was Patrick Mahomes, Gardner Minshew II, or Dak Prescott.
Josh Allen is going to test the Ravens' secondary Sunday night, and Baltimore needs to force him to throw into tighter windows. The Ravens also need to avoid penalties in clutch situations. A few calls against them have been highly questionable, but the Ravens lead the league penalties, and that can't be blamed solely on poor officiating.
The offense took a step in the right direction in Dallas. Lamar Jackson closed the game with a clutch completion to Zay Flowers, followed by Jackson's run for a first down that led to a victory formation.
Now the defense and special teams need to pick things up. Had the Ravens recovered the fourth-quarter onside kick by the Cowboys, the final score wouldn't have been as close.
For the Ravens to make the playoffs and reach the Super Bowl in New Orleans, they'll have to finish games stronger, and I think they will. It's a point of emphasis and they have the talent to get it done.
When do we acknowledge Tucker may be a liability at this point? Love what he’s done for us but it’s a business.
— Ravesxfootball (@JumBrown7) September 23, 2024
Mink: Justin Tucker's misses have hurt. His 46-yard miss left the door open for the Cowboys. The 56-yard miss against the Raiders left them with a short field that they capitalized on for a field goal of their own. It has certainly been uncharacteristic for Tucker, who had never previously missed a field goal in three straight games.
However, it's mind-boggling to me if you think the Ravens should turn their back on the greatest kicker of all time because he's missed three field goals. The guy still has the best field-goal percentage of all-time. It's way too early for that level of concern.
I don't think there's something with Tucker that can't be fixed. He just has a "technical issue" that he has to work through. This is a mental challenge, but Tucker has been through tough moments (remember the extra point miss against the Saints?) before and come out fine on the other side. I'm confident that he'll focus on the details of his job, make some big-time kicks, and this will all be in the past.
Why haven’t you guys been using Roger Rosengarten?
— zp667 (@Zp_2023) September 23, 2024
Brown: Harbaugh explained why Rosengarten didn't play in Week 3 against Dallas. The coaching staff didn't want to change the offensive line chemistry after Baltimore scored touchdowns on its first two possessions. The line was rolling with Patrick Mekari at right tackle, and he played the entire game for the first time this season.
I wouldn't take that as a signal that Rosengarten won't see action in Week 4 or in coming weeks. He's a second-round pick who the Ravens believe has the talent to become a starter. After Week 1, Harbaugh said that "it would be smart to develop him (Rosengarten) as we go," and that sediment likely hasn't changed.
Mekari's experience gives Rosengarten a chance to improve without the pressure to start, and I think Rosengarten still has a very good chance to be part of the offensive line mix this season if he's consistent during the week at practice.