The 2024 NFL season opener did not disappoint. The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Baltimore Ravens 27-20 in a game that came down to the final seconds.
The Ravens nearly tied the game with a last-second touchdown catch by tight end Isaiah Likely, but the officials reviewed the play and determined he was just barely out of bounds.
NFL World Weighs In On the Late Call
Likely had the best game of his NFL career, finishing with nine catches for 111 yards and a touchdown (plus he was an inch away from a second TD).
Here’s what the NFL world had to say about the exciting finish.
This league. pic.twitter.com/5XyDGqmxLv
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 6, 2024
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson turned heads during his postgame press conference. He told reporters, “I thought it was a touchdown. I still think it was a touchdown.”
Lamar Jackson on that Isaiah Likely TD that was overturned pic.twitter.com/SefvXzPP1W
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) September 6, 2024
Many were quick to draw parallels to Kevin Durant’s toe being on the three-point line during the Brooklyn Nets’ playoff loss to the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 7 of the 2021 NBA Playoffs. The Nets were ultimately eliminated, while the Bucks went on to win the title.
This is how the Ravens just lost 😔 pic.twitter.com/AiooCBxMfU
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) September 6, 2024
Several reporters pointed out just how close the Ravens were to scoring and potentially winning the game.
Doesn’t get closer than this. pic.twitter.com/LQxGU1I6VD
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) September 6, 2024
ESPN’s Adam Schefter made reference to the fact that the NFL is ultimately the best reality TV that there is.
Best reality TV there is: pic.twitter.com/Bc01uUvpP2
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 6, 2024
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh raved about the performances from Likely and Jackson, while also praising the play of Baltimore’s offensive line.
“It was a great effort by Lamar [Jackson]. Personally, as a defense, we should’ve never put him in that position, being able to come back like that. Hats off to him. There’s a reason he’s a two-time MVP, but as a defense, we should’ve never put those guys in that position.
It starts with us as a defense and eliminating explosive plays, eliminating countless mistakes that we had, and then giving the offense as many opportunities to do what they do. We’ll do that the rest of the way. This is the worst we’ll play all season. I can promise you that.”
Coach Harbaugh on Isaiah Likely, Lamar Jackson and the O-line: pic.twitter.com/hOXEp7qtAH
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 6, 2024
Jackson finished with 273 passing yards and one passing touchdown while adding 122 rushing yards. He now ranks No. 3 all-time in quarterback rushing yards, trailing only Cam Newton and Michael Vick. This is the 14th 100-yard rushing game of Jackson’s career, the most by any QB in NFL history.
For the Chiefs, rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy was the standout player. He finished with two catches for 47 yards and a touchdown, plus he added a 21-yard rushing touchdown in his NFL debut.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes finished with 291 passing yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Wide receiver Rashee Rice totaled 103 receiving yards on seven catches, while tight end Travis Kelce finished with three catches for 34 yards.
Mahomes spoke to the media after the game, sharing his thoughts on the wild end of the game.
“Definitely nerve-racking. It looked good from my angle on the sideline, but then the first view you saw you could see the cleat. It’s a great football team and I’m sure we’ll see them again at some point in the playoffs. Now, we’re happy with the win. [You] just have to wear white cleats next time, that’s my advice for him (Likely).”
Football fans won’t have to wait long for more NFL action, as the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles face off on Friday night at 8:15 p.m. ET from Brazil.
In Week 2, the Chiefs will travel to face the Cincinnati Bengals. Meanwhile, the Ravens will host the Las Vegas Raiders.