Since entering the league, quarterback Lamar Jackson’s go-to target in the passing game has been tight end Mark Andrews. Following an ankle injury that ended Andrews’ regular season in Week 11 of the 2023 season, it was second-year tight end Isaiah Likely who stepped up and formed a connection with Jackson.
Heading into his third season now, Likely has been one of the bright spots of training camp for the Ravens. Jackson was asked about Likely’s impressive training camp so far.
“Ever since Day One, I’ve just seen the potential in Isaiah Likely,” Jackson said. “He [shows] it each and every day – each and every day he [wants] to be a better player, and then you know, he [has] a guy like Mark [Andrews] in his [tight end] room who’s showing him the ropes and stuff like that. Him being himself at the same time; it’s just magic happens, and he’s just got to keep going, [and] keep bringing that each and every day – keep trying to be a better player.”
Jackson was later asked how he builds communication with Likely.
“It’s within plays,” Jackson said. “It’s inside the locker room – we’re talking about plays that went on on the field – telling him what I’m seeing from defenses and saying where I see he should be on the field – things like that; just talking about ball, talking ball, and playing games sometimes, too – that builds chemistry, and communication as well.”
It remains to be seen how effectively offensive coordinator Todd Monken will be able to utilize both Andrews and Likely in the passing game at the same time this season, as the majority of Likely’s production through his first two seasons has come without Andrews in the lineup.