The conclusion of the NFL opening game on Thursday night reinforced the saying “football is a game of inches,” as was demonstrated by the final play of the Kansas City Chiefs’ 27-20 victory over the Baltimore Ravens.
Needing a touchdown and an extra point to tie the game, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson led his team down the field for 77 yards in 11 plays, but his final pass was insufficient as time expired, resulting in a disallowed touchdown as Isaiah Likely’s toe was ruled out of bounds after he caught the ball in the back of the end zone.
“I thought it was a touchdown,” Jackson said afterward. “I still think it’s a touchdown.”
In the moments after Likely’s catch and before the referees reviewed the play, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh was already signaling to his players that they were going for the two-point conversion and the win with no time left on the clock.
But that was not to happen, as referee Shawn Hochuli announced that it was an incomplete pass and the game was over.
That dropped the Ravens’ record against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs to 1-5 (including the playoffs). And as if that wasn’t bad enough, Mahomes gave Likely a tip for the next time he has a chance to receive a pass in the back of the end zone.
“It looked good from my vantage point on the sideline,” Mahomes said. “But at first glance, you could see the cleats. This is a great football team and I’m sure we’ll see them again at some point in the playoffs. We’re happy with the win for now. He needs to wear white cleats next time, that’s my advice to him.”
The Ravens were upset about a lot of things after the game – the final play, a shove on the sidelines and another tough loss to the reigning Super Bowl champions.
Roquan Smith, who complained about a push by Chiefs tight end Peyton Hendershot, said he didn’t think there was enough evidence to overturn the decision. Likely said he thought Thursday would be the Ravens’ worst game of the year and “if that’s their best game, then good luck in the postseason.”
He probably finished the game strong with nine catches for 111 yards and a touchdown, but it was the final play that he will remember.
“That’s on me,” Likely said. “I just have to come in with both feet. I feel like I need to see everything and make sure everyone gives us the best chance, so I’ll take responsibility. Next time, I’ll come in with both feet.”
