The Baltimore Ravens came heartbreakingly close to pulling off a dramatic comeback against the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL season opener on Thursday night. However, their hopes were dashed by the narrowest of margins—an Isaiah Likely toe just out of bounds.
With 1:50 left on the clock and trailing 27-20, the Ravens had one last shot to turn the game around. Starting deep in their own territory at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Lamar Jackson led an impressive drive that took the Ravens down to the Chiefs’ 10-yard line with just 18 seconds remaining. Baltimore, armed with one timeout, had a first-and-goal opportunity to force overtime or perhaps even win the game outright.
Jackson’s first two attempts from the 10-yard line fell incomplete, bringing the clock down to five seconds. In a last-ditch effort, Jackson scrambled to avoid pressure and spotted tight end Isaiah Likely open in the back of the end zone. He fired a pass, and Likely made the catch, sending Baltimore’s sideline into celebration as it appeared they had scored the game-tying touchdown.
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However, the joy was short-lived. Officials called for a review, and after a closer look, it became clear that Likely’s toe had landed just out of bounds, nullifying the touchdown. The reversal crushed the Ravens’ hopes and sealed their fate.
The razor-thin margin of defeat was a devastating blow to Baltimore, who had been on the verge of attempting a potential game-winning two-point conversion, according to head coach John Harbaugh. Harbaugh had signaled his aggressive intent, ready to gamble it all for a victory. Instead, the Ravens were left to ponder what might have been.
For the Chiefs, the victory marked the beginning of what they hope will be their journey toward a third consecutive Super Bowl title. For the Ravens, though, this loss was a painful reminder of just how cruel football can be, as they fell inches short of a season-opening stunner.
