Following Mark Andrews’ surgery-needed ankle injury on Tuesday, Isaiah Likely contacted his fellow tight end and teammate to offer support.
On Monday, Andrews answered.
“He hit me up yesterday, we talked for a little bit,” probably said. He’s definitely in a good mood, but I won’t reveal what we discussed.
“I love Mark, and I was saddened by his fall. Mark advised me to “stay the course and remain prepared.”
Second-year tight ends Charlie Kolar and Likely will be asked to assist in stepping in for Andrews, a three-time Pro Bowler with a remarkable rapport with Lamar Jackson.
Likely was targeted 60 times and finished the previous season as a reliable contributor with 36 receptions for 373 yards and three touchdowns. But the passing attack’s dynamics were altered by the wide receivers Nelson Agholor, Odell Beckman Jr., and Zay Flowers’ offseason additions, and Likely has not been targeted as frequently this season (nine catches, 89 yards).
Now that he has more opportunities, Likely is optimistic that he can succeed in assuming a larger role, even though he doesn’t aim to emulate Andrews.
“Mark and I have our own methods for doing things, and I won’t lie. We are human because of that,” Likely remarked. “They (Jackson and Andrews) came in together, they’re brothers – peanut butter and jelly.
“I consider the abundance of offensive weaponry we have to be a blessing. That facilitates my work. Just keep moving forward, wait for the ball to come my way, and seize the moment.”
Likely and Jackson bonded right away following Likely’s draft selection the previous season.
“Coming into the league, I look at Lamar like a superhero,” likely stated. “The fact that he went out of his way, spoke to me first, introduced himself, we’ve just been clicking ever since.”
Probably watched film for hours during minicamp and OTAs in an effort to continue improving as a rookie. He knows Andrews will be there to provide feedback while he heals from his injury, so he’s hoping that his hard work will pay off.
Likely remarked, “Mark plays that big brother role.” “He’s been a huge help to me every single day. Everything from route running to pass blocking to run blocking. granting me great insight in all that I undertake.”
Brandon Stephens is excited to take on Keenan Allen in defense.
With 1,011 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in ten games, Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen leads the NFL in targets (113) and receptions (83) as far as the Ravens’ Brandon Stephens knows. In Week 12, Allen’s containment will be Baltimore’s top priority, and Stephens is excited to be facing such a talented receiver.
“They rely heavily on him; he is the center of their offensive. “I’m looking forward to the game,” Stephens declared.
Stephens just finished a game in which he only allowed Ja’Marr Chase of the Bengals to catch two passes for 12 yards and a touchdown.
Baltimore’s defensive success has been greatly attributed to Stephens’ consistency as a starting cornerback.
His arrival has come at the right time, as three-time Pro Bowl cornerback Marlon Humphrey has missed five games due to foot and calf injuries. He has started every game and leads the team in snaps played.
Although Stephens was supposed to play safety this season, he will approach his game against Allen on Sunday with the mindset of a cornerback.
Stephens remarked, “Corner’s definitely my kind of game; I love the island.” “Not everyone is suited for the island. Essentially, it’s all about having confidence—both in your skills and your courage in public. Undoubtedly, it’s a mindset. All you have to do is enjoy it.”
Pepe Williams Might Make a Significant Impact
This week, Ravens cornerback Pepe Williams, who was placed on injured reserve because of an ankle injury, made his way back to the practice field.
Williams may be ready to play soon, even though the Ravens have 21 days to decide whether to add him to the 53-man roster or not. He participated fully in practice on Wednesday.
Extremely happy for him. He has been telling me that he wants to go for the past month that he is around here. Head Coach John Harbaugh stated, “It was great to see him out there with his enthusiasm after the trainers finally cleared him.”
“Pepe has a lot of energy all the time. It was good to have him outside because he’s already talking. He will likely have an opportunity to make a significant contribution as we move forward.
According to Next Gen Stats, the Ravens play nickel defense 81.6% of the time, which is the third-highest percentage of any team in the league. Williams, who can also play safety when necessary, should benefit from this. He’ll mix in another adaptable defensive back.
This week, Ravens cornerback Pepe Williams, who was placed on injured reserve because of an ankle injury, made his way back to the practice field.
Williams may be ready to play soon, even though the Ravens have 21 days to decide whether to add him to the 53-man roster or not. He participated fully in practice on Wednesday.
Kyle Hamilton held Derwin James in high regard.
Derwin James, a safety, was available to the Ravens at No. 16 in the 2018 draft. But they ended up using their first pick to select tight end Hayden Hurst after trading back.
With its other first-round pick going to Lamar Jackson and a third-round pick acquired via that trade back going to Mark Andrews, the 2018 draft turned out to be one of the best in Ravens history.
James, though, was a player whose colors could have been purple and black. General Manager Eric DeCosta confirmed that James would have been the selection if Baltimore had remained at No. 16. James has progressed to be a first-team All-Pro twice. He’s been one of the most effective, physical safeties in the game when healthy.
After four years, Kyle Hamilton appears to be a comparable, if not superior, player for the Ravens.
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