The build-up to the Baltimore Ravens' Week 10 game against the Minnesota Vikings was naturally centered around the Ravens' need to win to keep their season alive.
But there was another storyline, and it involved tight end Mark Andrews.
The All-Pro needed just 18 yards to surpass Derrick Mason for the all-time franchise record for receiving yards (5,777).
With Andrews needing only 18, we would imagine he would get that, right?
Well, in the 27-19 win against Minnesota, Andrews would finish his day with 14 yards and a touchdown from three receptions.
Just four yards to go, and it is almost certain that next week, against the Cleveland Browns, Andrews will break Mason's record.
More: Ravens' playoff 'mood' hasn't changed despite Vikings win
Andrews falls just short of record
In an ideal world, we would have seen offensive coordinator Todd Monken dial up a play for Andrews to break the record, but the Vikings had all the momentum in the fourth quarter, so maybe it was put on the back burner for next week.
Having had at least 20+ receiving yards in his last six games, it felt like a formality that Andrews would get the 18 yards necessary to break the record, but now he will have to wait another week. With just four yards left, you can bet your house Monken and Lamar will be doing their best to get Andrews his yards early next week.
The Ravens got the job done in a tough environment, while Andrews and his touchdown also helped, but it would have been better had he gotten a few more yards.
Oh well, there's always next week, right?
More Ravens news:
- What channel is Vikings vs. Ravens on today? Live stream, time, TV schedule to watch NFL Week 10 game
- Mock Draft forecasts Ravens to stay defensive, drafting Ohio State's playmaking linebacker
- Indiana HS RB Myles McLaughlin's 383-yard day closes in on Derrick Henry's national rushing record
- Ravens' Mark Andrews has perfect response to potentially breaking franchise record