OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Tight end Mark Andrews of the Baltimore Ravens emphasized the importance of patience on Thursday, following the slowest start of his seven-year career.
This season, Andrews has registered just six receptions for a total of 65 yards, marking his lowest production in the initial three games of any season. In a thrilling 28-25 victory against Dallas on Sunday, Andrews failed to catch a pass, an occurrence that hasn’t happened in 76 games.
“My time will come,” Andrews stated after Thursday’s practice.
The 29-year-old, known as quarterback Lamar Jackson’s preferred target, has encountered unexpected challenges this season.
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During the season opener, Andrews managed only two receptions for 14 yards, largely due to the Kansas City Chiefs frequently employing double coverage against him. His Week 2 performance was better with four catches for 51 yards, although he would have added more if Jackson hadn’t overthrown him when he was wide open downfield.
In the game on Sunday, Baltimore favored a run-dominated strategy, resulting in Jackson throwing only 15 passes. Consequently, Andrews participated in just 33% of the offensive plays, totaling 21 snaps, and received only one target.
“Naturally, I want the ball,” Andrews said. “I want to contribute to the team’s success. But I also understand that my opportunity will come; I just have to keep pushing forward.”
Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken admitted he hadn’t realized how few snaps Andrews had taken, attributing it to the team’s game plan.
“We hold Mark in high regard,” Monken expressed. “We expect that Mark will have plenty of opportunities moving forward.”
Andrews’ summer was also noteworthy, as he was involved in a serious car accident on August 14. Although he emerged uninjured, he was sidelined for two weeks due to an unrelated medical issue.
Now that he’s back to full health, it’s clear to see how well he’s performing on the field.
“I’m just the same player I’ve always been,” he remarked. ”It’s just that the ball hasn’t come my way.”
Drafted in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Andrews has established himself as one of the premier tight ends in the league. Since 2019, he has amassed 353 receptions and 37 touchdowns, with only Chiefs superstar Travis Kelce surpassing his totals during that period.
Andrews is aware that there will be external criticism when his performance doesn’t meet expectations.
“All that [fantasy talk] has its merits, but they don’t understand what’s happening inside this facility or the effort I’m putting in,” he argued. “They aren’t watching my every play or seeing the hard work I’m contributing. Good things come to those who wait.”
On the same day, Ravens first-round pick Nate Wiggins addressed the car accident he experienced on September 11 for the first time. The incident, which occurred just a few minutes from his home, caused the rookie cornerback to miss one game due to a neck injury and concussion before he returned to play last Sunday.
“I was driving when an 18-wheeler cut me off, causing my car to flip,” Wiggins recounted. “It was a terrifying experience.”
Last Sunday, Wiggins recorded two tackles and a forced fumble in his return.
“As soon as I knew I was fit to play again, I felt great, and everyone else was happy as well,” he said.
Mark Andrews Focuses on Patience After Slow Start to Season with Ravens
Understanding the Slow Start
Mark Andrews, the star tight end for the Baltimore Ravens, found himself grappling with a slow start to the 2023 NFL season. With expectations running high, both from fans and analysts, Andrews emphasized the importance of patience during challenging times. Having a strong foundation and mental resilience is key for any athlete, especially in high-stakes environments like the NFL.
The Challenges Faced
Andrews faced several challenges that contributed to his slow start, including:
- Injury Concerns: Injuries in the early weeks can hinder performance and timing on the field.
- Offensive Adjustments: The Ravens made some strategic changes, requiring time to adapt.
- Defensive Schemes: Opposing teams often adjust their game plans to neutralize star players like Andrews.
Andrews’ Approach to Overcoming Adversity
Patience is not just a virtue; it’s a necessity for athletes like Andrews. Here’s how he is focusing on this key trait as he navigates through the season:
1. Mental Resilience
Mark Andrews has consistently spoken about the importance of mental toughness. He believes that maintaining a positive mindset is crucial. This mental fortitude allows him to stay focused on incremental improvements rather than being bogged down by early season struggles.
2. Support from Teammates
The camaraderie within the Ravens’ locker room plays a significant role in Andrews’ journey. Teammates and coaches provide the support system needed to ride through tough patches:
- Encouragement: Uplifting words from fellow players help boost morale.
- Team Meetings: Regular discussions about strategies and areas for improvement keep everyone aligned.
3. Focus on Fundamentals
Andrews emphasizes returning to the basics during tough times. This includes:
- Revisiting route running techniques.
- Fine-tuning blocking skills.
- Enhancing chemistry with quarterback Lamar Jackson.
Statistical Analysis: Andrews’ Performance
Examining Mark Andrews’ stats can provide insight into his performance trends. Here’s a quick overview of his performance in the first few games of the season:
| Game | Receptions | Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | 3 | 34 | 0 |
| Game 2 | 2 | 25 | 0 |
| Game 3 | 5 | 75 | 1 |
Case Studies: Similar Situations in the NFL
Throughout NFL history, several star players have faced slow starts to their seasons. Here are a few notable examples:
Tight Ends Who Overcame Slow Starts
| Player | Year | Receptions (First 3 Games) | Final Season Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travis Kelce | 2016 | 6 | 85 receptions, 1128 yards, 4 TDs |
| George Kittle | 2019 | 11 | 85 receptions, 1053 yards, 5 TDs |
| Zach Ertz | 2018 | 8 | 88 receptions, 916 yards, 6 TDs |
Benefits of Patience in Sports
Patience can yield numerous benefits for athletes, especially in professional sports:
- Long-term Success: Players who exhibit patience often see improvements over time, contributing to a more successful season.
- Reduced Pressure: Keeping a calm mindset helps manage the pressures of high-stakes games.
- Improved Team Dynamics: Patience fosters a collaborative environment where teammates support one another.
Practical Tips for Athletes to Cultivate Patience
Athletes like Mark Andrews can benefit from practical strategies to enhance their patience:
- Mindfulness Techniques: Practicing mindfulness helps athletes stay present and focused.
- Goal Setting: Setting short-term, achievable goals can provide motivation without overwhelming pressure.
- Regular Reflection: Taking time to reflect on performances can help athletes identify areas for growth.
First-Hand Experiences: Insights from Mark Andrews
Mark Andrews shared his insights on navigating through the rough patches during an interview. He emphasized the importance of trusting the process:
“Every athlete goes through ups and downs. It’s about how you respond and keep moving forward. Patience is crucial when the going gets tough.”
The Road Ahead for Mark Andrews and the Ravens
The Ravens face a long season ahead, and with a renewed focus on patience, Mark Andrews is determined to improve. With his talent and the support of his teammates, fans can expect to see him bounce back stronger and continue to be a pivotal player for the Ravens.
