On November 16, the Ravens TE Mark Andrews suffered a debilitating injury in the game against the Cincinnati Bengals. The TE broke his fibula and had a pedal ankle ligament tear (grade 3), but returned in the AFC Championship game against the Chiefs. Alas, the result did not still end up in favor of the Purple Army as they lost the game 17-10.

Now, as the team once again prepares to take on Patrick Mahomes-led Chiefs in their first NFL game this season, the tight end was asked about the team’s preparation. Concerning the “wrinkles” in Monken’s offense, Andrews took to a presser and replied,“It’s been fun,” and that he is “seeing just the little nuances and the direction of what we’re trying to do.” The professional also admitted that the offense is trying “some really cool and dangerous things. We’re going to see the offense, see the defense, make a good call and make it right. That’s what you want to do is get into the right call and have your guys fly around.”

The lessons from the last season seem to carry along with the team, especially the tight end. He seemed healthy and ready to embrace Todd Monken’s offensive schemes. However, the football player did not stop there. Showcasing faith in his team, Andrews added, “We got a lot of great players, great receivers, great tight ends, and the quarterback is second to none so, it looks really good right now.”

The “second to none” comment is definitely a praise to the Ravens’ QB Lamar Jackson who has shown exceptional talent last season. In the regular season, Jackson bagged 24 TDs for 3,678 yards and a 102.7 rating. However, there is no denying the fact that the statement issues a challenge to other NFL teams, especially the Chiefs who will first meet the refreshed Ravens. On top of that, the NFL has been soaked in the ‘Who is the best QB debate?’ While Andrews remarks issue his stance concerning the matter, there is no doubt that all eyes will be on Patrick Mahomes and how he leads the Red Army against the Ravens.

After all, while it all comes down to understanding, Mahomes has been ranked as the No.1 starting quarterback in the NFL by the Pro Football Focus. The upcoming game in the regular season will be a competition between this acclaimed quarterback and “second to none” Jackson as they guide their teams. Additionally, the 3x Super Bowl champ is the only QB to have amassed 25,000 yards so quickly in his career, which vouchs for his prowess.

Meanwhile, since Andrews is back, Jackson will have pieces like Isaiah Likely, Zay Flowers, Mark Andrews, and the newly added running back Derrick Henry, who will help in pulverizing enemy defenses. As the anticipation for the clash grows stronger, there is no denying that massive fire will be blazing on the gridiron from both teams, especially since the Chiefs outplayed the AFC rivals in the playoffs last season and Jackson aims to give his best.

Lamar Jackson has a ‘chip on his shoulder’

AFC Championship loss to Patrick Mahomes left a bad taste in Jackson’s mouth. After a disheartening 10-17 loss, the quarterback reflected, “People are still talking about it; us players still talk about it. It definitely left a bitter taste in our mouths just being that close. We worked so hard in getting there, and (we) didn’t do what we wanted to do, didn’t fulfill our dream; (there’s) definitely a little chip on our shoulder.”

Now, they will again face the Chiefs in the season beginning. However, despite the loss and the disappointment, Lamar Jackson recently dismissed the Chiefs’ pressure indirectly. He said,“I really don’t care who we play; it really didn’t matter. At the end of the day, our goal is to make it to the Super Bowl. We lost to them in the playoffs. Just us beating them in the regular season doesn’t really do anything; it just helps us keep stacking up wins to hopefully make it to the playoffs if anything to try to get in that same position again and hopefully be successful.”

Jackson had an average performance in the said playoff game with 272 yards and just one touchdown for the whole game. Both Jackson and Mahomes have a different brand of football where Lamar Jackson relies on his feet more, Patrick Mahomes threads the needle in the most challenging of times. The evidence of the same was visible was the Chiefs took Josh Allen-led Bills with a mere 13 seconds left on the clock!

But it seems like things are back on track with the Ravens and everything seems sound right now. All will be revealed when the season kicks off.