ABC News Today

Thursday Night Football was the perfect stage for Isaiah Likely and other Ravens weapons to break out.

With All-Pro tight end Mark Andrews (shoulder) and No. 1 wide receiver Rashod Bateman (foot) sidelined in the second half and Baltimore outscoring the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 10-3, in break, the Ravens needed other offensive players to step up. up

The rookie tight end who flashed during training camp and the preseason had the best performance of his young career when Baltimore needed it most. He likely had six catches for 77 yards and his first career touchdown, playing a key role in a 27-22 victory over the Buccaneers.

It probably wasn’t the only offensive weapon that stepped up. Veteran wide receiver Demarcus Robinson (six catches, 64 yards) had his best game as a Raven. Running back Kenyan Drake (seven carries, 62 yards) added a five-yard touchdown catch and broke off a 40-yard run in the fourth quarter after Gus Edwards (11 carries, 65 yards) left the game with a groin injury. groin

Playing on short notice in a short week, Baltimore prevailed because many players on its roster rose to the occasion. Lamar Jackson (27-for-38, 238 yards, two touchdowns, 43 yards rushing) had an excellent complete game and Devin Duvernay (31 yards receiving, 33 yards rushing, 72 yards punt returns, 27 yards punt returns) be a versatile threat. . But for the Ravens, there were plenty of heroes.

“To see Isaiah step up, we saw that in training camp and the preseason games,” head coach John Harbaugh said. “Duv (Devin Duvernay) has been doing it all year.

“But D-Rob (Robinson) had a really good game for us. He came out and made some big plays for us. Duv didn’t just do it in the passing game, but in the running game as well. All three runners did it. Great job. It was a complete team effort.”

Likely’s touchdown put the Ravens ahead for good just before the end of the third quarter, breaking a 10-10 tie. For Likely, it could be a stepping stone to a bigger offensive role in the second half of the season.

“It felt great,” Likely said. “Always thanking God, and really just living in the moment. My motto is just be where your feet are. Don’t dwell on the past, look too far into the future. Just be where your feet are and play every play as if it were your last.”