Cris Collinsworth and Al Michaels were going nuts as they were broadcasting that John Harbaugh was about to go for two to try and secure the win for the Baltimore Ravens. Isaiah Likely had just hauled in his second score on a career night and the Ravens were one more play away from an epic comeback.
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And then a toe entered the picture.
Before the Ravens could get set - though the frenzy didn't necessarily matter since all scores are reviewed - the instant replay aired. It was clear right away, and if not on the first shot, the second angle certainly proved that Likely's toe — yes, you read that right — was what separated the Ravens from a chance to win the game or go 0-1.
Isaiah Likely came back in the game & caught the touchdown...but his foot was on the line
What a finishpic.twitter.com/XiZUvNlCLD
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) September 6, 2024
Lamar Jackson had just pulled off an impressive drive that was highlighted by a 38-yard bomb to Rashod Bateman to get them into the redzone with no timeouts. A few errant throws (including one poorly misthrown ball to Zay Flowers) were salvaged when he connected with Likely in the back of the endzone. It was a fleeting moment where it all went right for Baltimore... until it didn't.
If Likely wore a cleat one-size-too-small, perhaps a different outcome would have occurred.
Isaiah Likely's toe ruined the Ravens' chances to win.
The review came and went, and with it, so too did the Ravens' potential win (had they gone and scored the two-point conversion, of course). Zero seconds were remaining on the clock, so the overturned call was what put the nail in the coffin for Baltimore.
The Chiefs held on — barely — to a 27-20 win over the Ravens. The back-to-back Super Bowl champs looked as strong as ever in the opening win, which was highlighted by their rookie wide receiver. For the Ravens, the loss will leave a bitter taste. There was a chance — not even including the called-back touchdown by Likely — to win this game earlier, but the Chiefs proved just to be too tough in the end.
While many will remember the would-be game-tying score being reversed, Likely had a career night with 111 yards on nine catches. Had he had 10 catches, this would be a completely different narrative.
Football is so back!
Related: Alex Smith Has A Great Response After Patrick Mahomes Breaks The Chiefs' Passing Record
