The Baltimore Ravens dealt with a massive amount of injuries during the 2021 season that had a huge impact on how their year went. They finished with an 8-9 record while on a six-game losing streak, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2017.
Following Baltimore’s first day of mandatory minicamp practice, tight end Mark Andrews spoke to the media and answered a wide variety of questions. He was asked about the impact of offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley, to which he responded by talking about how much of an impact the former Notre Dame star makes on the field, especially when protecting quarterback Lamar Jackson.
“He’s an All-Pro tackle. He’s a guy that … When we have him out there, and eventually when we get him out there, he’s going to make a huge impact for our team. And again, it’s all about giving Lamar [Jackson] time, helping Lamar out, and that’s what he does.”
Stanley suffered a gruesome ankle injury in the middle of the 2020 season during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The expectation was that he’d be able to return for the start of 2021, but after playing in Week 1 against the Las Vegas Raiders he was shut down and later opted for a second surgery on his ankle, ending his year.
When fully healthy, Stanley is one of the best at his position. He is a force in both run and pass protection, and opens up plenty of opportunities for the Baltimore offense due to his skill. He would represent a massive upgrade over the play that the team got from the left tackle position in 2021, and his presence on the field is extremely important for the Ravens.