Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews has faced harsh criticism from fans following his struggles in the Ravens' heartbreaking 27-25 loss to the Buffalo Bills in the AFC divisional round.
However, former Ravens running back Mark Ingram has come to Andrews' defense, emphasizing the team nature of football and highlighting the missed opportunities that plagued Baltimore’s 2024 NFL season.
Speaking to DJ Siddiqi of The Sports Daily, Ingram praised Andrews’ competitiveness and expressed confidence in his ability to rebound.
"I haven’t been able to speak to Mark, but I know everyone in that Raven organization," Ingram said. "Everyone around him is lifting him up, trying to encourage him. I know the competitor that he is. I know he’s not happy about the fourth quarter of that game or the entirety of that game. He’s one of the best tight ends in the game."
The Ravens entered the 2024 season with championship aspirations after coming within a game of the Super Bowl the previous year. Led by quarterback Lamar Jackson, Baltimore reached the divisional round, but their dreams of advancing were shattered by a resilient Bills team.
The fourth quarter proved particularly costly, with turnovers and missed chances defining the game. Andrews, a cornerstone of Baltimore’s offense, endured a rough night, fumbling deep in Buffalo territory during a critical drive and failing to secure a two-point conversion that would have tied the game.
Ingram, a former Pro Bowler and respected leader in the Ravens’ locker room, defended his ex-teammate.
"You can never blame it on one person," Ingram added. "It’s a team game and there are so many things that happen throughout the game that can affect the outcome. I know the competitor that Mark is. He’s not happy about the fourth quarter or the entirety of that game. He holds himself to a high standard. As bad as anyone feels, he feels it 10 times worse."
As Andrews enters the final year of his contract in 2025, he’ll undoubtedly look to prove himself again. Ingram expressed faith in the All-Pro tight end’s resilience.
"I love Mark Andrews," Ingram said. "He’s a tremendous player and he’s going to bounce back 100 percent."
