Baltimore Ravens fourth-round rookie Isaiah likely shredded the Arizona Cardinals defense repeatedly in the first half of Sunday's 24-17 victory — the Ravens' 22nd preseason victory.
The first-year tight end had eight catches for 100 yards and a touchdown, including a 31-yard catch and rumble, in the first half.
In preseason action, Lyly has shown a knack for finding soft holes in defenses and sticky hands, catching all 12 of his targets through two outings.
The rookie's steady trajectory from offseason novelty, training camp dazzler, to preseason marvel is in line for a bigger role as the season begins.
We expected him to be a really good player," head Coach John Harbaugh said Sunday via the team's official website. "To be honest with you, I'd say he's exactly what we expected.
He had some opportunities, he made the most of them. He asks good questions and goes to work every day, he doesn't get bored. He makes a mistake, clears it up.
With questions at receiver, perhaps two tight ends playing his way into reps alongside Mark Andrews. The rookie's uncanny ability to get himself open against the zone and when the play breaks down has been evident all offseason.
On Sunday, he also showed he can make hay after the catch, turning a slight gain into a chunk with a nifty move into space.
Everybody wants to be able to catch the ball, but it's really all you can do after the catch," Probably said. "That's something I've preached whether it's in the game or in practice.