OWINGS MILLS — Isaiah Likely had his best career game in Week 1 against the Kansas City Chiefs, and he is becoming a favorite target for quarterback Lamar Jackson.
Likely set career-highs with nine receptions for 111 yards and scored a 49-yard touchdown. Likely also delivered a couple of bone-jarring blocks, which was an area of focus this offseason.
Likely also caught a 10-yard pass in the back of the end zone as time expired that would have pulled the Ravens to within one point. After a review, the officials ruled that Likely’s toe was on the line and the Chiefs escaped with a 27-20 victory.
“Gotta wear white cleats next time, that’s my advice for him,” Mahomes joked after the game because Likely’s black cleats contrasted with the line.
Nonetheless, Likely is expected to be a breakout player this season. He has the size — 6 feet 4, 245 pounds — and speed to create matchup problems and also gets downfield like a wide receiver.
Ravens second-year offensive coordinator Todd Monken wants to incorporate more two-tight end sets with Likely and three-time Pro Bowler Mark Andrews.
Last season, Likely and Andrews were on the field at the same time for 34 of the Ravens’ 494 passing attempts. Against the Chiefs, they were both on the field for 23 of 33 passing attempts and 30 of Jackson’s 51 dropbacks
“It’s going to be tough. We’re both very versatile players, and obviously, ‘Likes’ [Likely] had an incredible camp, and we’re going to be able to do a lot of things together,” Andrews said. “That’s kind of ‘to be determined’ to see how that goes and see how we can work off each other, but there are a lot of … it’s just a dynamic duo, I think.”
