Reliable and Clutch: Lamar Jackson’s Growing Connection With Mark Andrews Gives Ravens Offense Its Most Trusted Weapon in Any Situation
In the ever-shifting landscape of the NFL, where schemes evolve and personnel changes are constant, few quarterback-receiver relationships remain as stable and impactful as the one developing—and continuing to thrive—between Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and tight end Mark Andrews. As the Ravens prepare for another deep postseason run in 2025, one thing remains absolutely clear: when the pressure is high and the stakes are higher, Jackson knows exactly where to go with the football. Mark Andrews has become that safety net, that go-to option, and perhaps most importantly, that unwavering presence who consistently delivers no matter the circumstance.
This connection didn’t happen overnight. From the moment Jackson took over as the full-time starter in Baltimore midway through the 2018 season, there was an unspoken chemistry with Andrews, a third-round pick out of Oklahoma who had just begun carving out his role in the offense. While many quarterbacks lean heavily on veteran wideouts or premier outside threats, Jackson found something different in Andrews—a versatile tight end who not only had soft hands and a wide catch radius, but who also understood coverages, spacing, and the nuances of getting open in high-leverage moments.
Since then, their bond has only grown stronger, season after season. When Jackson won his first MVP award in 2019, Andrews was the top beneficiary of that record-setting campaign, hauling in 10 touchdowns and establishing himself as one of the league’s most productive tight ends. But what sets their connection apart from others isn’t just the statistics—it’s the trust.
“It’s just a feel thing,” Jackson has often said about his rapport with Andrews. “He knows what I’m thinking before I say it. When it’s crunch time, I know he’s going to make the play.”
In every critical moment—whether it’s a third-and-long in a close game, a red zone opportunity late in the fourth quarter, or a broken play where Jackson is forced to improvise—it seems like Andrews is the first and last read. He’s the dependable piece of the Ravens offense that allows Jackson to stay calm and confident, even when the play breaks down or coverage tightens. Their connection has saved countless drives, extended games, and played a central role in Baltimore’s rise to prominence.
Andrews’ ability to adjust on the fly makes him invaluable in a system where Lamar often makes magic outside the structure of a play. He can find soft spots in zones, beat linebackers off the line, and shield smaller defenders with his frame. Combine that with Jackson’s escapability and improvisational flair, and the result is one of the NFL’s most unguardable duos when the play breaks down.
The numbers back up the impact. Since 2019, no tight end has been targeted more often on third down than Andrews, and no quarterback-tight end duo has more completions on third-and-7 or longer. It’s not just about volume either—it’s about efficiency. Jackson and Andrews rank among the best in completion percentage and passer rating when targeting tight ends, a testament to their synergy and preparation.
Their connection was on full display during the Ravens’ 2023 playoff run. In the divisional round against the Cincinnati Bengals, Andrews returned from a minor injury to catch 7 passes for 84 yards and a touchdown, including a pivotal 18-yard reception on a third-and-11 that set up the game-sealing score. In the AFC Championship Game, though the Ravens fell short to the Kansas City Chiefs, Andrews led the team in targets and receptions, constantly finding ways to get open despite being keyed on by one of the league’s best secondaries.
Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken, now in his second full season with the team, has embraced the Jackson-Andrews connection and made it a central focus of the game plan. “You don’t take the football out of your best player’s hands, and you don’t take it away from the guy he trusts the most,” Monken said earlier this offseason. “Mark is that guy for Lamar. We build around that.”
But what makes this connection even more powerful is that it’s rooted in off-field friendship and mutual respect. Jackson and Andrews aren’t just teammates—they’re close friends who understand each other beyond football. Their bond extends through team dinners, offseason workouts, and countless hours of film study where they challenge each other to improve.
Andrews often credits Jackson for his success, deflecting personal praise in favor of team goals. “It’s a blessing to play with a quarterback like Lamar,” Andrews said in a recent interview. “He keeps plays alive. He gives us chances. My job is to be there when he needs me, and I take that personally.”
That humility and accountability have made Andrews a leader in the locker room. While Jackson is the franchise face, Andrews is the heartbeat of the offense—a vocal presence who leads by example, whether it’s finishing blocks in the run game or sprinting back to the huddle after a long catch. That example has become especially important as younger skill players like Zay Flowers and Isaiah Likely look to carve out their own roles in the offense.
For Jackson, having a player like Andrews to lean on means more than just football production. It’s about peace of mind. In an NFL filled with uncertainty, where protection can break down in seconds and defenses constantly disguise coverages, knowing that Andrews is where he’s supposed to be brings clarity to chaos.
“When stuff gets crazy,” Jackson said, “I look for 89. I know he’s going to be there.”
This 2025 season could mark the most important campaign for both players to date. The Ravens are clearly in win-now mode. With a top-five defense, a maturing offensive line, and skill position depth that’s the best it’s been in years, the team has its sights set on finally reaching the Super Bowl. And for all the talk about new weapons and evolving schemes, the foundation remains unchanged: Lamar Jackson dropping back, looking for his most trusted ally over the middle.
Andrews, now entering the eighth year of his NFL career, remains as driven as ever. While some tight ends fade with age or become less involved as their offenses expand, Andrews is embracing the leadership role and looking to add to his already impressive resume. With over 5,800 career receiving yards and 47 touchdowns, he’s already in elite company. But a Super Bowl ring—and the opportunity to help Jackson cement his legacy—would mean more than any stat or accolade.
“I want to win here,” Andrews said. “This is home. And I want to do it with the people who believed in me from day one.”
The Ravens will undoubtedly continue to evolve offensively, with Jackson’s deep-ball accuracy improving and the young receiving corps growing into their roles. But when it’s time to make a play—to convert a crucial down, to calm the storm, or to flip the momentum—Lamar Jackson will keep turning to the one player who’s always answered the call.
Mark Andrews is more than a tight end. He’s a security blanket, a matchup nightmare, and the emotional compass of a team chasing greatness. And for Lamar Jackson, having that kind of reliability isn’t just helpful—it’s everything.
