While a merciless list of injuries and a late-season skid have dampened Super Bowl hopes, the Ravens will still be well represented at this year’s Pro Bowl.
Tight end Mark Andrews, quarterback Lamar Jackson, fullback Patrick Ricard, kicker Justin Tucker, and return specialist Devin Duvernay were named to the AFC roster on Wednesday, marking the third straight year that Baltimore has landed at least five players in the Pro Bowl. Jackson will be a backup to AFC starting quarterback Justin Herbert while the other four were named the starters at their respective positions.
Andrews recently became the first tight end in Ravens history to record a 1,000-yard receiving season and will go to the Pro Bowl for the second time in three years to continue the fantastic start to his career. The 2018 third-round pick out of Oklahoma is currently on pace to register just the second 100-catch season in franchise history — the other being Derrick Mason in 2007 — and leads all tight ends in receptions while ranking second in receiving yards (1,062) and touchdowns (eight). He also leads all players at his position in 20-plus-yard receptions (16) and receiving first downs (62) to continue a career season.
“What makes football so special is that it’s the ultimate team game,” Andrews said in a statement released by the team. “When you receive an honor like this, it’s because of all the people who battle alongside and support you. I’m blessed to be named to the Pro Bowl again, but it wouldn’t be possible without my teammates, coaches, training staff, and amazing family.
“I’m also grateful for our incredible fans; they energize and inspire us each week. As I’ve always said, there’s no place I’d rather be than in Baltimore, so I share this honor with everyone who is a part of — and cheers for — our team.”
Ricard was named to his third straight Pro Bowl and continues to be regarded by many as the NFL’s best blocking fullback. Though a knee injury has sidelined him for each of the last two games, the 6-foot-3, 300-pound former defensive lineman has already played a career-high 527 snaps over 12 games. He’s also caught eight passes for 63 yards and a touchdown.
I’m honored for being selected to my 3rd Pro Bowl. Couldn’t have happened without the #ravensflock, my coaches, teammates, and everyone who’s supported me this year. 🙏🏼😁 #TripleP pic.twitter.com/Frw3aEGHwZ
The undisputed gold standard for NFL kickers and adding a league-record 66-yard field goal to his 10-year resume this season, Tucker has made his third straight Pro Bowl and fifth overall. He is perfect on 27 extra points and has gone 29-for-31 on field goal tries, making all six from at least 50 yards. His record-setting kick as time expired gave the Ravens a 19-17 victory in Detroit in Week 3.
Duvernay is the only one of the five to be a first-time selection with the 2020 third-round pick from Texas entering Week 16 leading the AFC in punt return average at 14.4 yards per return. He also ranks fifth in the conference in kick return average (24.6 yards per attempt), and his six punt returns of 20-plus yards are the NFL’s most and tie for the second most in single-season Ravens history.
“To see that I have earned the respect of my peers around the league and that they see what I’m capable of, it means a lot,” Duvernay stated. “I want to leave my mark on this league and just continue to show other teams that I can be a threat.”
Jackson was still selected despite his play dropping off in the second half of the season, but it’s a reflection of his unmatched skill set at the sport’s most important and valuable position. The 2019 league MVP still ranks second in the AFC in yards per carry (5.8) and ninth in rushing yards with 767 despite missing nearly three full games due to illness and injury. His 3,649 combined yards — passing and rushing — are the 10th most in the NFL.
After a blistering start throwing the football, however, Jackson ranks just 12th in the AFC in passer rating and has thrown 13 interceptions compared to 16 touchdowns.
“Without my brothers in this locker room and our great coaches, something like this wouldn’t be possible,” stated Jackson about his second Pro Bowl selection. “I’m grateful to everyone who voted for me — fans, players around the AFC, and opposing coaches. There have been ups and downs along the way this season, but ultimately, I am honored and excited to be one of the players who represents Baltimore in the Pro Bowl.”
After the exhibition game itself was canceled last season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s Pro Bowl is set to be played in Las Vegas on Feb. 6.
