Ravens QB Lamar Jackson on narrowly missing a touchdown: "I thought I had scored. Even now, I still believe it was a touchdown."

 Ravens QB Lamar Jackson on narrowly missing a touchdown: "I thought I had scored. Even now, I still believe it was a touchdown."

A furious comeback by the Baltimore Ravens in Kansas City fell just short by a toe.

Down by double digits in the fourth quarter, Lamar Jackson led the Ravens on two impressive drives, giving them a chance for victory. A 13-play drive ended with a field goal to cut the deficit to 27-20. After a defensive stop, Baltimore marched 77 yards to the brink of another score. Two missed throws by Jackson set up the final play with just five seconds left on the clock.

Avoiding Chiefs defensive end Chris Jones, Jackson fired a pass to tight end Isaiah Likely in the back of the end zone. Likely leaped for the ball but was pushed by Kansas City linebacker Nick Bolton as he came down. Initially ruled a touchdown, a video review revealed that the edge of Likely’s toe grazed the white paint, nullifying the score.

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Jackson remained unconvinced by the evidence. "I thought it was a touchdown," he said after the game. "I still think it's a touchdown."

Likely also expressed doubt about the ruling, though he took responsibility for the play. “At this point, you just have to live with the call,” he said. “I take responsibility. Next time, I’ll make sure to get both feet in.”

Despite the heartbreaking finish, Likely had an exceptional game, setting career highs with nine receptions and 111 yards, and scoring a touchdown. He was the first Ravens tight end to surpass 100 yards in a game since Week 18 of 2022. His highlight came on a 49-yard touchdown catch and run, where he showcased impressive agility and skill. Though he was briefly injured in the end zone, Likely returned to nearly secure the comeback.

Coach John Harbaugh praised Likely’s performance. "Isaiah played a great football game, especially down the stretch. I was proud of him and a lot of other guys."

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The Ravens’ late rally was marred by persistent errors throughout the game. They were penalized seven times for 64 yards, including multiple procedural penalties on offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley. Justin Tucker missed an early 53-yard field goal, the defense struggled against Rashee Rice, and Jackson had some misfires, especially in the final moments.

"This is the worst we'll play all season," linebacker Roquan Smith said. "I can promise you that."

Likely echoed Smith’s optimism and took a swipe at the Chiefs. "If this is the best they’ve got, good luck in the postseason," he said.

The Chiefs, too, would likely agree that this wasn't their best performance. As the Ravens look to rebound, fans are hopeful for another exciting matchup come January.