Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely flashed star power in the season-opening loss at Kansas City, a 27-20 setback that ended with Likely’s would-be second TD catch being waved off when the toes of his black cleat landed out of the end zone.
Likely caught nine passes for 111 yards but his 10th catch was nullified when he landed out of bounds. The NFL’s leading receiver when he woke up on Friday, Likely warned the Chiefs that their collective best is yet to come.
“This is the worst we are going to play, so if this is the best they got, good luck in the postseason,” Lively said to the Ravens’ AFC rivals.
Likely, 24, might be hearing from the NFL during the extended break before the Sept. 15 home opener against the Las Vegas Raiders. When he exited the field at Arrowhead Stadium and entered the covered tunnel on Thursday night, cameras and microphones picked up Likely screaming a few choice expletives at a fan.
According to NFL Operations, fines can be levied if players fail to “conduct themselves in a way that honors the sport and respects the game, themselves, their fellow players, the fans and the league.”
Buffalo Bills defensive end Shaq Lawson was fined by the team last November for shoving an Eagles’ fan during a loss at Philadelphia despite claiming he was subject to a “life-threatening” remark.
Likely was expected to play second fiddle to Mark Andrews but after playing a larger role in the latter’s absence due to injury in 2023, he led the team with 12 targets as a receiver and delivered a highlight-worthy pancake block that drew a smile from coach John Harbaugh.
“I thought it was a touchdown,” quarterback Lamar Jackson said. “I still think it’s a touchdown.”
NFL replay is automatic after touchdowns and multiple replays caught Likely landing on the white paint separating the end zone from out of bounds.
Likely said he has to “live with the call” and took responsibility for not getting his feet down.
He also caught some unsolicited footwear advice from Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
“(You) just have to wear white cleats next time. That’s my advice for him,” Mahomes said.
