The Ravens fell to the Kansas City Chiefs, 27-20, in the opening game of the NFL season on Thursday night.
The Ravens trailed for most of the night and had the ball at Kansas City’s 10-yard line for one final play, but tight end Isaiah Likely’s foot was just barely out of bounds on what would have been a touchdown catch.
Here’s how Thursday’s heartbreaking loss happened:
Turning Point
After the Ravens cut their deficit to three, Patrick Mahomes found a wide-open Xavier Worthy for a 39-yard touchdown to put them ahead, 27-17.
Going into the drive, the Chiefs had a 72.2% chance to win, according to ESPN, and after the touchdown, that number was more than 90%.
Top Play
On 2nd-and-17 early in the fourth quarter, Lamar Jackson scrambled around and found Likely, who weaved around defenders to go 49 yards for a touchdown. The play got Baltimore within three points.
Scoring Summary
Statistical Breakdown
Offensive Stats
Stock Watch
QB Lamar Jackson
The slimmer Jackson certainly looked faster on Thursday night. Jackson was Baltimore’s leading rusher with 122 yards on 16 carries and went 26-of-41 for 273 yards and a touchdown in the air. The two-time and reigning MVP kept the Ravens in the game all night.
TE Isaiah Likely
After being one of the best players throughout training camp, Likely remained a top target for Jackson. The third-yard pro had nine catches for 111 yards, including his highlight touchdown. With Likely and Mark Andrews, the Ravens have the best tight end duo in the NFL.
Ravens’ Offensive Line
Up Next
The Ravens don’t play for another 10 days, when they face the Las Vegas Raiders at M&T Bank Stadium. The Raiders open their season this Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers.