Mark Andrews: Ravens' New Receivers Are 'Amazing!'

Mark Andrews credited his new teammates for slowing down the pace in the Baltimore Ravens' Week 2 victory in Cincinnati.

New look, same result, different finish.

The mixed rush of emotions defined Mark Andrews' 2023 season debut: after missing out on the Baltimore Ravens' opening weekend victory over Houston, the lauded tight end returned to action and restored a sense of relative normalcy to Charm City's gridiron proceedings. 

Facing the hexing Cincinnati Bengals, three-time victors over the Ravens last season and dealers of their playoff doom last January, Andrews pulled in 45 yards on five receptions. One proved game-changing, as a three-yard pass from Lamar Jackson gave Baltimore its first double-possession lead of the day en route to a 27-24 victory on Sunday afternoon.

“He looked incredible," Andrews said of Jackson, per Jonas Shaffer of The Baltimore Banner. "I always think that, though.”

Albert Cesare, USA TODAY SPORTS

The feeling is no doubt mutual. Andrews has caught all but seven of his 35 career scoring grabs from Jackson and his prescience was missed when he was forced to miss kickoff weekend. Jackson and the Ravens prevailed 25-9 over the Texans but Jackson threw no touchdown passes and amassed only 169 yards. With Andrews back in tow, Jackson had 237 yards and another passing score to Nelson Agholor.

Agholor is one of several new faces in Baltimore's aerial armory, joined by Super Bowl champion Odell Beckham Jr. and first-round draft pick Zay Flowers. The injury bug has denied Andrews and the Ravens a chance to work with the full arsenal. Running back J.K. Dobbins was lost for the season in last week's opener while Beckham missed the second half at Paycor Stadium with an ankle injury.

Andrews, however, cherished the snaps he was able to share with the newcomers, crediting them with slowing down a new offensive game overseen by new coordinator Todd Monken.

"Guys were efficient today," Andrews praised in an interview with James Palmer of NFL Network. "There's some things that we have to clean up but (there were) a lot of explosive plays ... we've got an explosive offense, so that was good to see today.

"It's truly amazing, I'm blessed to be around such talented guys. They spread the field out, they make big plays, and they're going to help our team win. That's what matters."

Andrews and the Ravens (2-0) will return to action on Sunday afternoon when they take on the Indianapolis Colts at home at 1 p.m. ET.