Sophia
Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews is set to return to Highmark Stadium this Sunday, a venue that holds a bittersweet memory for him and the Ravens faithful. It was here, in the AFC Divisional Round last season, that a crucial dropped two-point conversion in the waning minutes sealed the Ravens’ fate against the Buffalo Bills. Now, as the 2025 NFL season kicks off, Andrews and his team face the Bills once more, albeit with significantly lower stakes.
Turning the Page: Andrews’ Mindset Ahead of Sunday
The narrative of Andrews returning to the scene of such a devastating play is an obvious one, but the three-time Pro Bowler insists his focus remains squarely on the future. “Of course” he rewatched the playoff loss, Andrews admitted, but he’s adamant that he has turned the page. For him, the past is not a lingering shadow, but a lesson learned and moved beyond.
“I’m a pro, this is what I do,” Andrews stated with conviction on Wednesday. “This is what I love to do, this is my whole entire world. So for me it’s about focusing, doing my job and just knowing the type of player that I can be for this offense, for this organization, for this city. I’ve never lost sight of that.”
This unwavering dedication highlights the mental fortitude required at the elite level of professional sports. While the sting of a playoff exit can linger, Andrews’ ability to compartmentalize and focus on improvement is a testament to his professionalism.
Support and Self-Improvement
Following the highly publicized drop, Andrews received an outpouring of support, particularly from his teammates and those within the league. He expressed gratitude for their backing, emphasizing that he largely tuned out the “outside noise” of negativity.
“I’m grateful for the people that around me, that believe in me, that trust in me and I think that’s evident in me being here and the trust that they’ve shown me throughout the years,” Andrews remarked. “There’s been several times where I’ve stepped up and made big plays and I’m excited to do that this year as well.”
Individually, Andrews spent the offseason refining his all-around game, a commitment to growth that he believes will benefit the team. From a collective standpoint, he senses a renewed hunger within the Ravens squad, describing them as “ready to go” for Sunday night’s opener.
A New Season, A New Challenge
The Ravens enter Sunday’s contest as 1.5-point road favorites, according to FanDuel Sportsbook, a reflection of their strong offseason and the perceived improvements. While the stakes are not as high as a playoff game, the opportunity to start the season with a statement win against a formidable opponent like the Bills is significant.
“We worked really hard and this is going to be a great test. So that’s the exciting part,” Andrews said. “We’ve had a full training camp of getting better. This is a new team … it’s two really good teams going against each other. I’m gonna play my part, I’m gonna do my job to the best of my ability which I’m excited about. It’s an incredible opportunity for this organization for me, this team and everything we want to do this year to start it off right and I’m excited about that.”
Andrews’ pragmatic approach underscores the reality of the NFL season: every game presents its own unique challenges, regardless of past outcomes. For him, the focus remains on the present and the opportunity to contribute to his team’s success.
“You never know truly what you’re going to get,” Andrews concluded, looking ahead to the unpredictable nature of the game. “I’m excited for the opportunity, going against a really good team and it’s going to be a good matchup.”
This Sunday’s game isn’t just a season opener; it’s a chance for the Ravens to set a new tone and for Mark Andrews to continue building on his legacy, proving that his focus is always on the next play, the next game, and the next opportunity to excel.
