Baltimore Ravens Tight End Shares Crucial Insights That Could Be the Key to Team’s Deep Playoff Run This Coming Season
The Baltimore Ravens, a franchise steeped in a tradition of grit, tenacity, and elite-level football, have consistently remained contenders in the AFC over the past decade. With a dynamic quarterback in Lamar Jackson, a versatile defense, and a culture of accountability, the Ravens always seem to be just one step away from reaching the Super Bowl again. But while the fans and analysts dissect statistics, coaching decisions, and injuries, one voice from within the locker room has brought forth a compelling and perhaps overlooked truth about what it really takes to get over the hump: cohesion.
Mark Andrews, the Pro Bowl tight end and one of Lamar Jackson’s most trusted targets, recently sat down with local media and offered a glimpse into the intangible element that he believes will determine Baltimore’s fate in the postseason — unity, preparation, and the willingness to sacrifice personal stats for team glory.
Andrews, a veteran with postseason experience, emphasized that talent alone cannot propel a team through the rigors of January football. “It’s about the guys in the locker room buying into each other. That’s the difference between a good team and a championship team,” he said.
For a franchise that has built its identity on discipline and physicality, Andrews’ words are not just motivational — they are a challenge to the entire roster to prioritize culture over clout. The Ravens’ playoff record in recent years has been respectable, but it’s clear that within the organization, the bar is set higher. Every year that ends without a Lombardi Trophy feels like an opportunity missed.
This offseason, the Ravens made several key moves — both in free agency and the draft — to bolster an already formidable roster. But Andrews believes that the difference between another early playoff exit and a Super Bowl appearance doesn’t lie in a single player or even a new offensive wrinkle. It lies in preparation — the kind of focused, relentless grind that starts in minicamp and builds through the dog days of the regular season.
“Everyone sees Sundays,” Andrews noted, “but the best teams win on Wednesdays and Thursdays. That’s where the habits are built. That’s where the games are won.”
Andrews’ emphasis on preparation echoes the sentiments often expressed by head coach John Harbaugh, who has long been praised for cultivating one of the most consistent organizational cultures in the NFL. Harbaugh and Andrews are aligned in their belief that players must hold each other accountable — not just for on-field execution but also for daily commitment.
In the past, Ravens teams have faced heartbreaking playoff losses. From the shocking loss to the Titans in 2019, when the Ravens went 14-2 in the regular season, to the more recent exit against the Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game, the path has always been treacherous. In each instance, there were critical moments where execution faltered or where the Ravens simply couldn’t match their opponent’s intensity.
Andrews contends that those lessons haven’t been forgotten — and in fact, they’ve helped shape the team’s current mindset. “Every playoff loss stings. But each one teaches you something. If we take those lessons to heart, we’ll be better for it.”
This year, the Ravens enter the season with high expectations once again. With Lamar Jackson healthy and motivated, a deep backfield led by Derrick Henry, a young and ascending wide receiver corps, and a defense that remains aggressive and opportunistic, Baltimore has few weaknesses on paper. But as Andrews pointed out, paper doesn’t win championships.
In addition to his leadership on the field, Andrews has quietly become one of the emotional anchors of the team. His ability to speak candidly, hold teammates accountable, and lead by example makes his words all the more impactful. Younger players look up to him, not just because of his production, but because of his professionalism.
Andrews also discussed the importance of role players — the unsung heroes who might not make the highlight reels but whose contributions are critical during a playoff push. “Everyone thinks it’s the stars that win games. But in the playoffs, it’s often the guy who makes a special teams tackle, or the third-string tight end who makes a key block,” he said.
He cited past playoff successes across the league where lesser-known names stepped up in pivotal moments. For Andrews, every player in the building has to be ready to contribute, because the postseason doesn’t allow for second chances. That sense of urgency, he says, must be felt in every meeting, every practice, and every rep.
The Ravens’ offensive scheme is expected to continue evolving under offensive coordinator Todd Monken. With a strong balance between run and pass, the offense will be centered around versatility and misdirection. For Andrews, that means being ready to contribute as a blocker, a route-runner, and even as a decoy when needed.
He understands that stats might take a backseat to strategy. “I might not get the ball for three quarters,” Andrews said. “But when that fourth quarter comes, I have to be ready. That’s the mentality we all need.”
Andrews also touched on the camaraderie he’s built with Lamar Jackson, calling it “a brotherhood” forged through years of reps and countless hours of offseason work. Their chemistry on the field is the product of tireless communication and mutual trust.
“When Lamar scrambles, he knows where I’m going to be,” Andrews said. “We’ve got a connection that doesn’t always need words. But that kind of connection only comes with time and trust.”
That trust will be crucial in the playoffs, where defenses get more aggressive and playbooks get tighter. Knowing that Andrews will be in the right spot — and that he’ll make the tough catch in traffic — gives Jackson a level of confidence that cannot be overstated.
Beyond football, Andrews also acknowledged the role of mental and emotional balance in preparing for a deep postseason run. The pressure intensifies with each playoff win, and the spotlight gets brighter. Andrews stressed the importance of staying grounded and leaning on teammates during those high-pressure moments.
“There are going to be highs and lows, even within the same game,” he said. “The teams that survive and advance are the ones that never get too high or too low.”
In many ways, Mark Andrews has become the voice of maturity on a team full of hungry talent. His message isn’t flashy or filled with soundbites. It’s a grounded reminder that greatness isn’t found in the highlight plays — it’s built in the margins, the off days, and the moments when no one is watching.
With that perspective, the Ravens enter the 2025 season as not just contenders, but as a team on a mission. They’ve been close before, and now, with lessons learned and a locker room full of belief, they might be ready to take that final step.
Andrews’ message is clear: There is no shortcut to playoff success. It’s earned every day, with every rep, by every player. And if the Ravens fully embrace that mindset, this could be the year Baltimore finally returns to the biggest stage in football.
The blueprint has been laid out. The locker room has bought in. Now, it’s time to execute — together.
