The Baltimore Ravens need significant years out of multiple up-and-coming playmakers on the offensive side of the ball in 2024. Much of the conversation surrounds wide receiver Rashod Bateman, but tight end Isaiah Likely will also need to continue the momentum he put together at the end of last year.
When asked how he and quarterback Lamar Jackson trust each other, Likely went into detail about their Divisional Round experience last season, when their communication resulted in a touchdown after an almost-turnover play. He talked about how they’re able to do things similar to that in practice while learning where each other likes to be and how they like to play.
“I’ll say, really, just harping on the little things in practice. Everybody brings up the Texans game, when I told [Lamar Jackson] to throw it up; I mean, that was just what we do in practice. Like, I’ll be in practice and say, ‘Man, Lamar, put some more air on it; I promise you, I won’t make you wrong.’ So, having those situations in practice where he trusts me – where he does that in practice – so in [the] game, it’s not the first time. So, in [the] game, when I’d say, ‘Lamar, throw it up. Throw it up. I’ve got you. I promise you,’ he nods his head and lets me know, ‘I’ve got you next time. I’ve got it,’ and when it’s completed, it’s always a good thing.”
Likely will slot in with fellow tight end Mark Andrews as players with significant roles this year. Jackson trusts Andrews unequivocally, and hopefully, he can reach a similar level as Likely throughout the year.