In a season-opening clash against the Kansas City Chiefs, the Baltimore Ravens experienced a controversial moment when a last-second touchdown was overturned by referees, resulting in a 27-20 loss. Lamar Jackson, the Ravens' quarterback, along with several players, voiced their disagreement with the call, believing that tight end Isaiah Likely's impressive catch should have been ruled a touchdown.

The decisive play occurred with just five seconds remaining on the clock. Jackson skillfully evaded multiple pass rushers before launching a 10-yard pass to the back of the end zone, which Likely leapt up to snatch. Initially, the officials ruled it a touchdown, narrowing the Ravens' deficit to a single point. The team was prepared to go for a potential game-winning two-point conversion. However, after a review, it was determined that Likely's right foot had touched out of bounds, leading to the ruling of an incomplete pass.

Expressing his conviction, Jackson stated at a press conference, "I thought it was a touchdown. I still think it was a touchdown." He commended Likely for making an acrobatic catch, believing that both feet were inbounds. Nevertheless, the ruling stood, denying the Ravens the opportunity to tie the game.

Despite the disappointment of the overturned touchdown, Jackson had a solid performance in the game, completing 26 of 41 passes for 273 yards and one touchdown. He also showcased his running abilities, accumulating 122 yards on 16 carries. Likely was a standout receiver, catching nine passes for 111 yards and a score.

The Ravens fought hard throughout the game, mounting a remarkable 11-play drive in their final possession. Starting from their own 13-yard line, they came close to securing a victory. The team outgained the Chiefs, amassing 452 total yards compared to their opponents' 353. Additionally, they held a significant advantage in time of possession, with 33 minutes and 43 seconds compared to the Chiefs' 26 minutes and 17 seconds.

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who completed 20 of 28 passes for 291 yards, a touchdown, and an interception, lightheartedly suggested that Likely should consider wearing white shoes in future games to make it harder to discern whether his feet are inbounds.

Both coaches had varying perspectives on the final play. Chiefs coach Andy Reid admitted he did not have a clear view of Likely's feet, while Ravens coach John Harbaugh stated that he couldn't definitively tell from the footage shown on the stadium screen. Other Ravens players, including linebacker Roquan Smith and running back Derrick Henry, also believed that the initial touchdown call should have stood.

Despite the disappointment, Likely maintained a pragmatic approach, accepting the call and expressing a desire to learn from the situation. "You have to watch the film and see where we can get better to not put ourselves in the situation to leave it in the refs' hands," he said.

Looking ahead, the Ravens will have a chance to bounce back when they host the Las Vegas Raiders in their second game on September 15th. Meanwhile, the Chiefs will take on the Cincinnati Bengals on the same day in Kansas City, Missouri.