Chiefs Secure Season-Opening Victory Against Ravens in Dramatic Fashion
Kansas City Holds Off Baltimore After Nail-Biting Review
Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs thought they were heading to overtime in the Thursday night NFL season opener. So did Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, who found Isaiah Likely in the back of the end zone for what appeared to be a game-tying touchdown as time expired. However, the game was ultimately decided by referee Shawn Hochuli, who undertook a video review that would leave the Ravens heartbroken and the Chiefs victorious, 27-20.
Jackson’s Struggles Against Chiefs Continue
The loss was incredibly frustrating for Jackson, who has often referred to Kansas City as Baltimore’s “kryptonite.” Jackson put on a stellar performance, throwing for 273 yards and a touchdown while adding 122 yards on the ground. Yet, despite his heroics, a review of the final play ruled that Likely was out of bounds, leaving Jackson once again falling short against Mahomes.
“I thought it was a touchdown,” Jackson said afterward. “Still think it was a touchdown.”
Ravens’ Late Surge Falls Short
Trailing 27-17 in the fourth quarter, the Ravens kicked a field goal and regained possession at their own 13-yard line with just under two minutes to go. Jackson orchestrated a brilliant drive, connecting twice with Likely, who finished with 111 receiving yards, and scrambling for crucial yards to keep the chains moving. A deep pass to Rashod Bateman brought the Ravens to the Chiefs’ 10-yard line with 19 seconds left.
After two failed passes, Jackson’s final throw found Likely in the end zone, sparking hope for a 2-point conversion to win the game. But that hope was dashed when Hochuli’s review determined Likely’s toe landed on the endline, ruling him out of bounds.
“I thought our guys fought through adversity,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. “We just couldn’t finish.”
A Stormy Start for Both Teams
The game’s beginning was delayed by 20 minutes due to rain and lightning, but the Ravens struck first with an 11-play, 70-yard drive capped by Derrick Henry’s 5-yard touchdown run. The Chiefs, trying to avoid back-to-back season-opening losses, responded swiftly with a two-minute drive culminating in Xavier Worthy’s 21-yard touchdown.
Both teams struggled with mistakes throughout the first half. Jackson was strip-sacked by Chris Jones, leading to a Kansas City field goal, and Baltimore kicker Justin Tucker missed a 53-yard attempt wide left. Meanwhile, Mahomes had a pass intercepted by Roquan Smith, allowing Baltimore to close the gap to 13-10 at halftime.
Chiefs Take Control in the Second Half
The Chiefs extended their lead with an 81-yard touchdown drive to start the second half, but Jackson quickly answered with a broken-play, 49-yard touchdown pass to Likely. Yet Mahomes once again led Kansas City down the field, capping a 70-yard drive to stretch the lead to 27-17 with 10 minutes remaining.
Despite a late field goal and Jackson’s inspired efforts to lead a final drive, the Ravens could not overcome the Chiefs’ dominance.
Star-Studded Crowd and Final Moments
With a packed crowd that included pop superstar Taylor Swift and Olympic champion Quincy Hall, the game ended with the nail-biting review that sealed Kansas City’s victory. Mahomes, who threw for 291 yards and a touchdown, offered a light-hearted take on the drama: “Definitely nerve-wracking because it looked good from my angle on the sideline, but then the first view you could see his cleat. … You have to wear white cleats next time. That’s my advice for him.”
The win marked the Chiefs’ fifth victory over Baltimore in six meetings and set them on the path to pursuing a record third consecutive Super Bowl title.
Injuries
Baltimore linebacker Kyle Van Noy left the game in the second half due to an eye injury and did not return.
The Chiefs will now prepare for their next matchup, while the Ravens must regroup after another close call against Kansas City.