Seemingly since their inception, the Ravens have had a solid graduation plan when it comes to the position of tight end. Think about it. Shannon Sharpe morphed into Todd Heap who gave way to Dennis Pitta who then handed the reins to Mark Andrews. I suppose we shouldn’t be shocked by the organizational proficiencies with the position since a team executive who happens to be a Hall of Fame tight end, namely Ozzie Newsome, is the scouting department’s guiding hand.
And should the graduation plan continue, is the heir apparent Isaiah Likely?
The former Coastal Carolina Chanticleer is a bit of a tweener. He’s not your prototypical NFL tight end and despite his blocking proficiencies in the open field, Likely lacks the size to be an in-line grinder in the run game. It remains to be seen if Charlie Kolar can address that need going forward but it’s safe to say, something needs to change once Andrews is ready to “graduate”.
That said, the pairing of Andrews and Likely as a formidable 1-2 punch at tight end has vast potential if the duo can be on the field simultaneously as complementary players. It is arguably offensive coordinator Todd Monken’s biggest opportunity to take the Ravens offense to new heights.
Likely had a few things to say this week on how he can take his game to the next level.
“I would really just say [that working on the] top of the route was definitely a main emphasis. Just [from] watching film from last year, I got fatigued, [so I’m] working on top of route, working on in-line blocking a little bit more, and then, obviously, perimeter blocking a lot, [which] progressed as the season went on, and then really just chemistry, not only with Mark [Andrews] and Lamar [Jackson], but also with the receivers [and] just making sure everybody is on the same page.”
You have to admire and appreciate the professional approach from the 24-year-old tight end. But if you think about it, Heap learned from Sharpe while Pitta learned from Heap and then Andrews from Pitta. Today, Likely seeks wisdom from Andrews as the latter enters his 7th campaign as a Raven.
Without a doubt, Likely is a member of the Mark Andrews admiration society…
“Really, [Mark Andrews’] charisma. Mark’s energy … The way he plays football on Sundays is the same way he plays at practice. So, I’d say, just watching the little details he does at practice – whether it’s individual, routes on air, team period or seven on seven – and then really just watching his preparation [and], in game, how he prepares for that opponent on Sunday or whenever we play, and watching how he goes out and attacks different defenders with different leverages and just always wins. That’s something I always ask Mark; whether he won or lost the rep, I [ask] what he saw and how he came up with the [decision] of why he took that route. [More] times than not, Mark is going to win, so [I’m] just doing it from there.”
Take the Bate
Rashod Bateman’s story could become a rather fascinating one. Throughout his 3 years as a Raven, Bateman has shown flashes. As a rookie he could dazzle DB’s during training camp but struggled to find consistency on Sundays. During his second season, Bateman showed early flashes, even tantalizing our imaginations following his dynamic catch and run for 75 yards against the Dolphins.
That speed rating has to go ⬆️
@R_bateman2 | @Ravens pic.twitter.com/qysYor88us
— Madden NFL 24 (@EAMaddenNFL) September 18, 2022
But Bateman could never really find his stride and then lost significant time due to injuries for the balance of 2022. In 2023, training camp got off to a slow start and concurrently that slow start was paralleled, even exacerbated by the arrivals of Zay Flowers, Odell Beckham, Jr. and Nelson Agholor.
This season, Bateman brings a new attitude, greater awareness and an enhanced sense of appreciation for the franchise that instead of exercising his 5th-year option, extended his contract – a contract that offers peace of mind and stability to Bate’s life.
“It’s like if you don’t have a house or you have a house; now, you’ve got a house to lay your head. Now, I’ve got a house to lay my head. So, that concern is gone. I know who I’m playing for, I know what playbook I’m in, I know who my quarterback is, and now it allows me to just go be myself, freely.”
Bateman added…
“That extension definitely came out of nowhere. I’m blessed, for sure. I did not see them doing that, but it shows that they believe in, believe in my work, my ethic, [and] the team believes in me, so it was a no-brainer. I love playing here. I love this organization. I love the fans. I feel like I still have a lot to do, so it was a no-brainer for me, for sure.”
I’m pulling for Bateman. He’s got all the physical tools. Time, circumstance and injury haven’t been Bate’s friends. But if he can reconcile with them, 2024 could be a turning point in his career and for the Ravens offense.
Queen of Pittsburgh
Patrick Queen recently shared via NFL.com, that he had several would-be suitors for his services when he hit free agency but claims to have taken much less to sign with the Steelers.
“From all the 15 teams that I was talking to, it came down to like five at the end. It was just like five teams in the mix. Some of them were offering some $17 [million per year]. After that it was like, I have a chance to either go win or I have a chance to get paid. For me, the difference was like $4 or $5 million. I’m looking at it like, I’ve never been on a losing team before, and then I also don’t want to be a part of anything being rebuilt because I’m trying to win now. . . . I’m really just trying to win right now, get that out the way and then get paid later.”
Queen’s three-year deal in Pittsburgh is for $41M of which, $13.84M is fully guaranteed at signing. But the deal is written like a one-year contract, one that allows the Steelers to bail on Queen if his level of play fails to marry up with Mike Tomlin’s expectations. That’s a far cry from the $17M per on a multi-year deal that Queen claimed was on the table. If true, this would qualify as borderline fiscal malfeasance on the part of Queen’s agent.
Many have wondered if Queen could be as productive away from Roquan Smith which makes the alleged 15 suitors feel like a very bloated number. It makes it feel like science fiction.
And I think that’s exactly what Queen’s claims are.
When free agency began, around 15 teams were in on signing Patrick Queen, a couple of which were offering deals in the $17M APY range.
He quickly turned down more money to become a Steeler, with an emphasis on winning right now and earning another big contract down the line. pic.twitter.com/YzAKcJwBxx
— Derrick (@Steelers_DB) May 25, 2024
The Edge
The Ravens must still carry some concern about their pass rush, particularly off the edge. Kyle Van Noy had a career year in 2023. Was it lightning in a bottle or can KVN repeat the performance in 2024? David Ojabo has vast potential. But so did Dan Cody and Sergio Kindle, both second-round picks with upside who fell out of the first round due to injury concerns or off-the-field issues. Both flopped in the NFL as Ravens. Ojabo should be able to avoid those pitfalls, but until he does, doubt lingers.
Odafe Oweh seems to be on the verge of greatness. But consistency avoids the former Nittany Lion. Yet Oweh is out there on the fields of Owings Mills lighting up practice sessions. Excuse me if I don’t get too excited about what a player does in shorts and a tee-shirt. But that doesn’t stop others from expressing their OTA jubilation.
Odafe Oweh was an absolute menace at today's Ravens OTAs practice both as a pass rusher and run defender. He's making that fifth-year option decision look mighty good.
— Ryan Mink (@ryanmink) May 28, 2024
No Action Jackson
Lamar Jackson has been mostly AWOL when it comes to voluntary OTA’s so far this spring. When asked about the absences, John Harbaugh shared:
“It’s just this time of year. It’s a voluntary time. It’s really not something that we comment on. We can’t, and that’s just the time of year it is. So, I can’t speak for anybody that’s not here. I pretty much know the different reasons guys aren’t here most of the time, but not always. Nobody’s required to tell you exactly what’s going on, so I’m not really specifically going to be able to comment on anybody that way. But the guys who were here were great, flying around, and those are the guys we had a great time coaching.”
John Harbaugh was asked about Lamar Jackson not being at four of the five OTAs. “It’s that time of year,” he replied.
Harbaugh said he can’t comment on why anyone isn’t here because these are voluntary workouts. pic.twitter.com/fLsecuxdys
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) May 30, 2024
Harbaugh did his best to mask the frustration. But you know that regardless of whether they’re voluntary or mandatory OTA’s, a head coach in the NFL wants his most important player on the field whenever possible. Lamar is paid to lead. He’s paid to get familiar with the new personnel. He’s paid to be a Super Bowl winner and on the heels of his substandard performance in the AFC Championship Game, one might think that the best way to flesh out the agony of that demoralizing defeat at the hand of the Chiefs is to be out on the field embracing the grind in order to take that next step and compete for The Lombardi Trophy.
But instead of the manicured lawns of the Under Armour Performance Center, Lamar has opted for the asphalt of Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Ravens QB Lamar Jackson makes an appearance at NASCAR pic.twitter.com/lCV5NTWpNm
— Kevin Oestreicher (@koestreicher34) May 27, 2024
The Hangover of Champions
The Chiefs as we all know, are vying for a three-peat in 2024. But this offseason has had a few hiccups for the defending champs.
Chiefs DL Isaiah Buggs turned himself in to the Tuscaloosa County Jail on Thursday after he allegedly mistreated two dogs.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs turned himself in to the Tuscaloosa County Jail on Thursday after he allegedly mistreated two dogs.https://t.co/y3AqZzKvsy
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 30, 2024
KC linemen Wanya Morris and Chuk Godrick were arrested a couple of weeks ago in Johnson Co. for marijuana and THC possession. Nearly 11 grams of marijuana were found in the Lamborghini Chiefs WR Rashee Rice was driving, which is a state jail felony amount in Texas, per the Dallas police. This after he left the scene of an accident he was involved in.
Wait.. so someone actually got dashcam footage of the Rashee Rice accident??? Yea thats crazy pic.twitter.com/lHukbhQQgn
— QJ_trades🧬💰 (@QJ_trades) March 31, 2024
Two #KCChiefs players were arrested for misdemeanor marijuana possession in Kansas.
Details here 👉 https://t.co/FMTC9mQF80 pic.twitter.com/4uzehcxPfd
— TMZ (@TMZ) May 18, 2024
Kicker Harrison Butker stirred up controversy during his graduation ceremony speech at Benedictine College. You may question Butker’s comments. That’s your right. But unquestionably, those comments could hover over the Chiefs throughout 2024. File it under off-the-field distractions.
Not a word Harrison Butker says here should be remotely controversial. He’s 100% correct.
Those trying to convince women that being assistant VP of lending & intentionally childless at age 40 is more fulfilling than making a family and home are evil. pic.twitter.com/0URPHTVSMx
— T.J. Moe (@TJMoe28) May 15, 2024
Rookie WR Xavier Worthy’s car was stolen, not his fault mind you but hey, no worries. There’s more net worth (for now) at the former Longhorn’s disposal.
Xavier Worthy making it rain 💰
pic.twitter.com/jRM7jfPxCe— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) May 30, 2024
What’s next Andy Reid? A re-unification with Tyreek Hill? Kareem Hunt? Signing Antonio Brown?
Hey, I wonder what Rolando McClain is up to these days…
Support The Fight
Steve Shaw is a friend of mine. I’ve known Steve for over 20 years. He’s a fun-loving, charismatic family man with a beautiful wife and two young boys.
Steve recently turned 41 and not long before that was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Steve is fighting his fight with courage and conviction. Those of us fortunate enough to know him are hardly surprised by his gritty determination. But the fight doesn’t come without costs and the good folks of Liberatore’s in Perry Hall, where Steve has worked for many years, have stepped up in a big way to help the Shaw Family manage parts of the expensive treatments not covered by insurance.
The family invites everyone to support them and Steve’s fight against pancreatic cancer at Liberatore’s Ristorante in Perry Hall on June 5th. This event is open to the public, so please join Kelly’s Dream and the Shaw Family for live music, great food and drinks, incredible service, and good company!
Live music is provided by AJ Peterson (4-7 pm) and Rob Baier (7-10 pm).
Festivities will be from 4 to 10 p.m., and proceeds from the bar, restaurant, and carry-out for the entire day will support Shaw’s fight against pancreatic cancer. Wear purple to support this cause!
And that’s something that RavensFlock dons quite comfortably.
11 Responses
If this were Texas we would say that Patrick Queen was ‘all hat and no cattle’. Like you Tony, I am very dubious that fifteen teams really made an offer. Sounds like a beer boast. And if he did leave that much money on the table just to play against the Ravens, he’s an even bigger knucklehead that I thought he was.
Queen will give me something interesting to keep track of this season. I pretty much saw Queen as an under-performer for a #1. He had a better year in 2022 but it wasn’t until Roquan Smith showed up that Queen began to look like a first round pick. It will be interesting to see if he still looks like one in Pittsburgh. They don’t have anybody like Smith. I don’t think Holcomb can clean up enough of the mess in the middle to make him look good – like Smith did.
Disappointing that Lamar doesn’t seem to have a sense of urgency. Maybe if John would let him wear that bubblegum pink [Preakness] suit to practice he might show up more often . . .
Tony, and above commentator, leave Lamar alone! No one more dedicated to his craft. It’s a long grinding season. A few missed VOLUNTARY OTA’s don’t matter.
The NFL and the NFLPA need to streamline the off season and get rid of all the voluntary crap. Do something separate for the rookies and then go right into real practice, but much closer to Training Camp.
What do you expect from a $260M athlete?! I remain convinced that they will rue the day they gave him that money…….
2x MVP way better than Bum Flacco could ever hope to be. We need to dump Harblow and hire Belicheck!
Uh, that’s the dumbest thing I’ve heard today. Flacco wasn’t a bum! Won a Super Bowl, MVP etc.
He was mostly a bum after he signed his fat contract sans 2014 season.
Well, you’re wrong…..again! Flacco had his most productive season ever in 2014 under Gary Kubiak! You’re entitled to your own opinion, but not your own…..facts!
Hence why I said, “Sans 2014 season.”
Ravens only team in AFC North that openly supported Pride Month where men stick their junk into another one’s booty
Really Ravens you still haven’t learned from past mistakes
What happened to being better one day at a time
Terrible choice of Butker content here TL, very misogynistic.