In a dramatic Thursday night opener, the Baltimore Ravens found themselves on the losing end after a controversial decision by officials overturned what could have been a game-winning touchdown. The Ravens lost 27-20 to the Kansas City Chiefs, leaving both fans and players questioning the call.
Lamar Jackson’s Disappointment
Quarterback Lamar Jackson, who nearly led the Ravens to a thrilling comeback, expressed his frustration with the overturned touchdown. With only five seconds left on the clock, Jackson launched a desperate pass to tight end Isaiah Likely in the back of the end zone. Initially, one official signaled that Likely had secured the catch, putting Baltimore in a position to attempt a 2-point conversion to win the game.
However, after a replay review, the touchdown was overturned as officials ruled that the front of Likely's right foot had touched the out-of-bounds line.
"I thought it was a touchdown," Jackson said post-game. "I still think it’s a touchdown."
A Nail-Biting Finish
Baltimore’s comeback effort began with Jackson leading a late drive down to the Chiefs’ 10-yard line. Under immense pressure, Jackson danced in the pocket, evading defenders before finding Likely at the back of the end zone. The tight end, despite being heavily guarded by Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton, made an impressive catch that seemed to complete Baltimore’s stunning last-second rally.
The stadium erupted in celebration as the official on the field signaled a touchdown, and Likely, believing he had just won the game, tossed the ball into the air. Yet, moments later, the celebration came to a halt.
"The runner’s toe hit out of bounds," referee Shawn Hochuli declared after reviewing the footage. "It’s an incomplete pass. The game is over. Kansas City has won."
Reaction from Both Sides
Likely, who had a standout game with nine catches for 111 yards, remained visibly frustrated by the reversal of the call. He explained his disbelief: "The ref looked at me, I looked at the ref, and when he signaled touchdown, I thought that was it. Then, obviously, we were going to win the game."
Ravens fans, players, and even some analysts were left questioning the ruling. Many believed there was insufficient evidence to overturn the call, a sentiment echoed by Baltimore’s middle linebacker Roquan Smith.
"I didn’t think it was enough evidence to overturn it," Smith said. "But that’s something the refs will have to deal with."
Chiefs Stay Steady
While Baltimore struggled to accept the decision, Chiefs coach Andy Reid played down the drama, stating that his team had received confirmation from upstairs that Likely was out of bounds.
"The guys upstairs saw it, and so they knew he was out," Reid said. "We were just waiting after that."
For the Chiefs, the victory marked their 23rd consecutive win when leading by 10 points or more entering the fourth quarter. This resilience once again demonstrated why Kansas City remains a dominant force in the NFL.
What Could Have Been
Had the touchdown stood, Baltimore would have been down 27-26 with no time left, setting up a chance to win the game with a 2-point conversion. It could have been one of the most exciting season openers in recent memory and would have snapped the Chiefs’ streak of 23 consecutive fourth-quarter leads.
Isaiah Likely’s efforts were especially commendable, as he played through an injury sustained just two plays before his near-touchdown. He landed awkwardly in the corner of the end zone on an earlier play, briefly leaving the field before returning for what nearly became the biggest play of his career.
Despite the disappointment, Likely remained focused on moving forward: "At this point, you just have to live with the call," he said. "We’ll look at the film and see where we can improve so we don’t leave it in the refs’ hands next time."
Looking Ahead
For Jackson and the Ravens, this loss marks their fifth defeat in six meetings with Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. Despite the result, the team showed resilience and grit, nearly pulling off a remarkable comeback.
As for the Chiefs, they march on with yet another victory under their belt, continuing their reign as one of the NFL's elite teams. But questions surrounding the game’s officiating will linger, as Baltimore fans are left wondering what could have been.
For the Ravens, the focus now shifts to their next matchup, where they’ll look to bounce back and avoid more heartbreak.