CAMP NOTES: Likely Looks Like a Certainty

Lamar Jackson’s return from illness has implications far beyond the two-time MVP’s practice time. It also means better opportunities for Baltimore’s stable of young receivers and a stiffer test for a defense that dominated training camp in Jackson’s absence.

Some pass-catchers contribute in training camp by quietly stacking reps, day after day – like WR Sean Ryan – and others stand out with big plays downfield – like WR Isaiah Washington. Both did their part during Monday’s practice: Ryan looked comfortable on a variety of routes down the sideline and across the middle and Washington beat Bump Cooper Jr. twice on 1-on-1’s and caught a touchdown from Josh Johnson over Ka’dar Hollman.

But Isaiah Likely finds a way to do both, catching everything thrown his way underneath and providing a steady stream of highlights all summer. He has done so on a variety of routes out of nearly every alignment possible. Monday’s practice was no different: Likely beat Kyle Hamilton on a deep ball in 1-on-1’s, caught multiple passes underneath, and came down with a high throw from Jackson during a hurry-up drill.

“Ever since day one, I’ve just seen the potential in Isaiah Likely,” said Jackson after Monday’s practice. “Magic happens, and he’s just got to keep going, keep bringing that each and every day, keep trying to be a better player.” Jackson wasn’t known as a TE whisperer in college, but he’s partnered with fellow 2018 draftee Mark Andrews since the pair arrived in Baltimore and has now built a strong connection with Likely.

“It’s within plays, it’s inside the locker room,” explained Jackson of his chemistry with his third-year tight end. “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.”

That communication has translated directly to the practice field this summer. Likely seems to be in the right place all the time, finding soft spots in zone coverage and running speed outs with the quickness and route efficiency of a wide receiver. He’s clearly one of the offense’s five best skill players, but will he have a corresponding snap count in the regular season? If practices and press conferences are any indication, the answer is yes.

Flowers Bloom

Zay Flowers showcased his chemistry with Jackson as well, running under a deep ball after beating Pepe Williams in 1-on-1’s and reeling in a sidearm screen pass with Williams bringing pressure from the slot. Jackson later connected with Flowers on a deep out before the second-year WR beat Marcus Williams for a touchdown on a corner route. The pair had one blemish during practice: a Marlon Humphrey interception caused by Jackson forcing the ball to Flowers under pressure.

(Humphrey is not only the sole defender to intercept Jackson during training camp, he’s done so each day Jackson has practiced. Jackson joked about the picks after practice, saying “I told Marlon he needs to get his hands right. That is why I’m throwing interceptions to him; he dropped a few last year, so I’m hoping that’s helping him out.”)

Defense Shines Too

The success of the Ravens’ passing game on Monday doesn’t mean that Baltimore’s elite defense didn’t have a solid practice of their own. “Iron sharpens iron” is a favorite saying around The Castle, one that Jackson used today to describe his matchups with the Ravens’ defense.

“We’ve got one of the best defenses in this league,” said Jackson. “We’re just going after each other, I believe that’s what builds a great team.”

Most of the offense’s success came in early 1-on-1’s and during hurry-up and red zone work towards the end of practice. In between, the defense forced everything underneath during passing drills and set a physical tone against the running game.

Brandon Stephens hasn’t been targeted often in training camp, but he broke up a few passes on Monday as part of a quietly consistent performance that made him such a key contributor in the secondary last year. Kyle Hamilton similarly didn’t see too much action, but showed off his length against Mark Andrews during 1-on-1’s. Arthur Maulet made his daily play on the ball, a leaping PBU in coverage of Dayton Wade on a throw from Josh Johnson.

Tavius Robinson continued a solid training camp with another sack, as did Travis Jones. Both players could be in line for bigger roles on the defensive line if they add more pass rushing chops under Chuck Smith.

The Ravens’ linebackers were also flowing to the ball well throughout practice. Trenton Simpson led the way with an emphatic tackle of Derrick Henry – no simple feat for any defender – and met Rasheen Ali in the backfield for a loss as well. He’ll face the same adjustment period as any NFL linebacker, but his elite athleticism and developing instincts will serve him well alongside Roquan Smith this season.

More Camp Notes

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