No Raven has ever celebrated in the end zone more than Mark Andrews.
Andrews became the Ravens’ franchise leader in total touchdowns Sunday at MetLife Stadium with his 48th career score.
It was a 13-yard pass from Lamar Jackson over the middle, and the tight end and quarterback celebrated with leaping chest bump. The chemistry between the two is a major reason why Andrews now holds the crown.
“I have a guy with me. He is a guy, right there, one of the GOATs to just play football ever, I believe,” Jackson said. “Just entering the league together, and from then to now, it’s like each and every year, we’re just trying to get better and perfect our craft from years previous, and I believe we’re doing that.”
Andrews surpassed former Ravens running back Jamal Lewis, who scored 47 times from 2000-2006.
Andrews has been a model of consistency over his Ravens career. The 2018 third-round pick has scored at least five touchdowns every season since his rookie year and leads the Ravens this season.
Andrews started the season with six catches in the first four games and didn’t score his first touchdown till Week 6. He now has eight scores over his last nine games.
“People were talking about this and that. ‘We need to trade Mark,’ this and that,'” Jackson said. “I didn’t forget that, and I know he didn’t forget that, and he’s just showing it each and every game.”
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Even the record-breaking touchdown was a testament to Andrews’ chemistry with Jackson. He said it was a rub route and after he got through the rub, Andrews adjusted his route to take it more vertical.
“He had already seen it before I even noticed it, so as I turned my head – [we were] on the same page – the ball was there,” Andrews said. “It was perfect.”
Andrews said he wasn’t thinking about breaking the record. He was more concerned, as always, with getting a win and putting together a strong offensive performance. But he was obviously aware of the record.
“It’s a blessing. There are so many people that have helped throughout the way, and the guys that have contributed and that I’ve played with, I’m thankful for, and this organization,” Andrews said.
“I’m just extremely thankful and blessed and just using it as fuel for the fire. I want to continue to get better, continue to grow throughout this year and get to where we need to go.”
