In Thursday's game against the Bengals, the Ravens suffered a significant blow when tight end Mark Andrews went down with a hip injury and was ruled out for the rest of the game. Andrews has been an integral part of Baltimore's offense, but the team has made moves in the offseason to bolster their receiving corps. Can Lamar Jackson and the Ravens overcome the loss of Andrews and continue to thrive offensively?
Jackson has always been a dynamic playmaker on his own, capable of taking over games as a passer or a runner. This season, the Ravens made it a priority to improve their passing attack. With the hiring of offensive coordinator Todd Monken and the additions of Nelson Agholor, Odell Beckham Jr., and Zay Flowers, Baltimore has a trio of speedy receiving threats to complement Jackson's skills.
Although Andrews' absence will be felt, Agholor, Flowers, and Beckham all stepped up in Thursday's game. Flowers had a spectacular catch-and-run for a would-be touchdown, Agholor scored on a tipped pass, and Beckham finished with a team-high 116 receiving yards.
While the loss of Andrews is significant, the Ravens have the talent and depth at the receiving position to overcome his absence. Jackson's efficiency and effectiveness as a passer have improved this season, and with the speed and playmaking ability of Agholor, Flowers, and Beckham, the Ravens can still find success offensively.
It remains to be seen how long Andrews will be sidelined with his hip injury, but the Ravens have shown that they have the weapons to continue thriving without him. Can Jackson and his speedy receiving threats carry the Ravens' offense forward?