The Ravens fell to the Browns 33-31 in Week 10, and head coach John Harbaugh believes it may have been a result of two difference-makers being limited. It’s safe to say that won’t happen again.
“Looking back on it, would we have wanted [Keaton Micthell] out there more? Yeah,” Harbaugh told reporters. “I think that’ll factor into this game plan. … I’ll add Mark [Andrews]. He got two passes in the game. Is that what we want? Absolutely not.”
The disappearance of Mitchell following his first-half performance where he had a 32-yard catch and run and scored a 39-yard rushing touchdown, which gave Baltimore a 14-0 lead in the first quarter, is head-scratching.
However, there is an argument for his limited action because he is an undrafted rookie who just returned from injury last week.
“It’s part of the process of getting a young guy in there,” Harbaugh added. “I don’t think we felt as an offensive coaching staff that we’re gonna throw the whole game plan on him.”
But the lack of usage of Baltimore’s All-Pro tight end is even more confusing. Andrews is one of the best tight ends in the NFL and he finished the day with just two catches for 44 yards.
Andrews is arguably the Ravens’ best playmaker on their offense as he leads the team in receiving touchdowns (six) and is second in receptions (43) and receiving yards (521). The three-time Pro Bowler needs to be looked to more, especially in a close shootout like what transpired in Week 10.
After all that Harbaugh has said, it would be shocking if Mitchell and Andrews aren’t a key part of the offensive game plan the rest of the season and for good reason.