In Sunday's 27-25 loss to the Bills in the divisional round, the Ravens didn't blame Mark Andrews after the veteran tight end made two devastating mistakes in the fourth quarter.
Ravens coach John Harbaugh said Andrews committed a costly fumble and dropped a game-tying two-point conversion attempt with less than two minutes to go in a snowy game at Highmark Stadium in Buffalo. He later defended Andrews.
“There is no one with more heart, more compassion, and more fighting than Mark.” Harbaugh told reporters. After the match. “We wouldn't be here without Mark Andrews.”
“…Mark will do a great job as always because he's a high character, tough, good guy.” I'm just as proud of him as I am of all of our players. I think so. ”
Andrews, who entered Sunday's game without a dropped pass since Week 6, did not speak to the media afterward.
The Ravens were trailing by eight points late in the fourth quarter when quarterback Lamar Jackson connected with tight end Isaiah Likely in the end zone.
Baltimore needed a two-point conversion to tie the game with less than two minutes left.
Jackson found Andrews in the end zone and made a short pass, but Andrews was unable to retain the ball.
The three-time Pro Bowler also committed a crucial turnover on the previous drive and lost a fumble for the first time since 2019.
Andrews caught a pass over midfield but was stripped away trying to find space to run.
Jackson also defended Andrews.
“I'm just as hurt as Mark. I don't [think it’s] It's his fault.” jackson said. “For example, we all contributed to the game. It was a team effort. You can't say that to Mark, brother, because he's been fighting all season.
“He's done all the great things all season. It doesn't always go the way we want it to. We wanted to do it, but the timing isn't right and it doesn't seem to go our way. We understand that. I need it.”
The Ravens tied season highs with three turnovers and three drops in Sunday's loss to the Bills.
Andrews finished the game with a team-high five receptions for 61 yards.
The All-Pro tight end struggled to start this season, catching six passes for 65 yards through the first four weeks.
He then recorded 49 receptions for 608 yards and 11 touchdowns in 13 games.
The Bills will face the reigning champion Chiefs in Kansas City on January 26th in an AFC Championship rematch.
