The new NFL season is officially underway. On Thursday, the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens treated fans to one of the more exciting games we’ve seen in a long time. It was a back-and-forth contest that came down to the final play of the night.
With Kansas City up 27-20, the Ravens were driving with under two minutes left in the game, having no timeouts. Baltimore made quick work to get down the field but a missed throw by Ravens star quarterback Lamar Jackson to a wide-open wide receiver in the endzone forced the season opener to come down to one final play.
Jackson hiked the ball, scrambled a little in the pocket, and threw a dart to the back of the endzone. The ball was caught by tight end Isaiah Likely, who had put up incredible numbers all night.
It looked like the Ravens had come back and they were ready to go for two and the victory on the road. But replay review showed that Likely’s right toe was just on the out-of-bounds line.
The officials confirmed the call and the game was over. Kansas City had escaped with the big season-opening win at home.
Naturally, social media was in a frenzy. It’s not often that a play like this happens on the last play of the contest.
It was a disappointing loss for Baltimore but they know they could play better. After the game, Likley hinted at this while also throwing some shade at the defending champions.
“This is probably the worst game we’re gonna play all year,” the tight end said. “So if this is the best that they got, I mean, good luck in the postseason.”
Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images
Even if Likely feels that the Ravens didn’t play their best game, calling out the Chiefs isn’t the smartest idea. Kansas City didn’t play that well either, but the club did just enough to come away with the victory.
Likely did what he could to help the Ravens win, putting up nine catches for 111 yards and one touchdown.
There is still some bad blood between these two teams following their matchup in last season’s AFC Championship Game. Kansas City got the better of the Ravens in Baltimore, so it must have been frustrating for Baltimore to lose once again.
The Ravens are a very confident team and they have never been afraid to speak their minds. Both Kansas City and Baltimore are expected to be two of the better teams in the NFL once again this year, so we could see a rematch in the postseason.
If we are treated to another game between these two teams, expect some fireworks on the field.
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