Facing a Cincinnati Bengals defense ranked last in the NFL in both points and yards is the perfect opportunity for a struggling Baltimore Ravens’ offense to feast on Thanksgiving, but one hidden statistic is particularly good news for All-Pro tight end Mark Andrews. The 30-year-old isn’t enjoying his most productive year as a receiver, despite recently setting a new franchise record. Yet, Andrews is predicted by ESPN’s Seth Walder to “record at least 50 receiving yards for just the second time this season” when the Bengals visit M&T Bank Stadium in Week 13. Walder bases his prediction on how “Twenty-seven percent of targets against the Bengals’ defense have gone to opposing tight ends, the highest rate in the league.” The number is not only good news for Andrews. It’s also a potential signal for fellow tight end Isaiah Likely to turn what’s been a frustrating campaign marred by injury into the breakout game he needs during a contract year. Likely and Andrews can benefit from exploiting an obvious weakness among their AFC North rivals, but the bigger beneficiary should be Lamar Jackson. Baltimore’s franchise quarterback has been out of sorts since returning from a hamstring problem, but Jackson has everything he needs to get back on track this week. Particularly when Jackson owns the historic edge. Mark Andrews Key to Lamar Jackson’s Revival Andrews remains the security valve for Jackson, so targeting No. 89 early and often is how the two-time NFL MVP finds his swagger again. The Bengals will be accommodating, but Andrews will also need to have his number called more by offensive coordinator Todd Monken. Fortunately, a healthy target share hasn’t been a problem for Andrews in recent weeks. He’s gotten 13 targets across his last three games, per Pro Football Reference, but only three against the New York Jets in Week 12. Getting Andrews more involved should mean releasing him on vertical routes. The three-time Pro Bowler is averaging a solid 6. 6 yards before catch per reception, so the Ravens can expand the route tree against the Bengals. Making that adjustment would boost Jackson, who has underachieved by throwing for less than 200 yards in each of his last three games. Jackson needs to manufacture big plays through the air if he’s going to build on his impressive “21-7 record” in prime-time games, per ESPN Research. Going to Andrews will help, but so will Jackson including Likely among his featured targets. Ravens Need He’s struggled to be at his best because of a fractured foot that cost him four games, but Likely remains one of the most dynamic members of Jackson’s supporting cast. The fourth-year pro is also on the cusp of entering free agency, so Likely needs to produce more to boost his market value. Gashing the Bengals at multiple levels of the field is how Likely accelerates his season. He’s still turned five of his paltry 13 receptions into first downs, so Likely offers a tangible reward for every pass Jackson throws his way. A Cincinnati defense vulnerable between the numbers can be worked over by Likely. Just as Andrews can make good on Walder’s prediction and Jackson get comfortable and become prolific again throwing the ball.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/baltimore-ravens/mark-andrews-bengals-thanksgiving-isaiah-likely/
Ravens All-Pro Predicted to Thrive vs. Bengals Thanks to Hidden Stat
