In the first game of the NFL season, the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Baltimore Ravens 27-20 in a dramatic fashion. A last-minute play saw Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely catch a touchdown pass from Lamar Jackson, but it was ruled incomplete after review, as Likely’s toe was on the back line, sealing the victory for the Chiefs. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh praised Likely’s performance in the game, but the play will be remembered for a long time as it ended in favor of the home team, giving the Chiefs their first win of the season.
The Chiefs, who are aiming to make history by winning three straight Super Bowls, started the season on the right foot by defeating the Ravens. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes showcased his usual magic on the field, but it was rookie speedster Xavier Worthy who stole the show with two touchdowns in his NFL debut. Worthy, known for his record-breaking 40-yard dash time at the NFL Combine, added an element of explosiveness to the Chiefs’ offense and helped them secure the victory over the Ravens.
The game started with both teams trading touchdowns, with Derrick Henry scoring the first touchdown of the year for the Ravens and Xavier Worthy making a splash with a 21-yard touchdown run. A turnover by the Chiefs’ defense led to Harrison Butker kicking a field goal to give the Chiefs the lead, which they maintained for the rest of the game. Despite a late interception of Mahomes by the Ravens, Baltimore struggled to capitalize and fell short in their comeback attempt.
The second half saw the Chiefs extend their lead with a touchdown by Pacheco, but the Ravens responded with a long touchdown pass from Jackson to Likely. However, Worthy quickly answered with his second touchdown of the game, increasing the Chiefs’ lead. Baltimore managed to cut the lead to seven with a field goal but ultimately fell short in their attempt to tie or win the game in the final moments.
In the closing minutes of the game, the Ravens drove downfield with Jackson connecting with receivers like Likely and Bateman. With a chance to tie or win the game, Jackson’s pass to Zay Flowers fell incomplete, and Likely’s toe out of bounds on a potential game-tying touchdown ended Baltimore’s hopes of a comeback. The Chiefs emerged victorious in a thrilling season opener, setting the tone for their quest to make history with a third consecutive Super Bowl win.
The game featured standout performances from Mahomes, Worthy, and Likely, showcasing the talent and excitement of the NFL season. While the Ravens fell short in their season opener, they showed resilience and determination to make a comeback in the closing moments of the game. The matchup between the Chiefs and Ravens set the stage for an exciting season ahead, with both teams poised to be contenders in the NFL.
