The NFL season opener was everything we love about football: a close contest that came down the wire, a stunning showcase of two brilliant quarterbacks, and ceaseless referee interference.
Ravens vs. Chiefs came to a dramatic close on the final play of the game when Lamar Jackson found tight end Isaiah Likely at the back of the end zone on a pass that would have sent the game to overtime, only to be hit with the crushing realization that Likely was out of bounds by a toe.
Likely was an absolute star on Thursday night. Not only did he lead all Ravens in receiving yards, but this play came shortly after a leaping catch attempt in the corner on the previous play appeared that he sustained a serious injury. There was a real chance for some legendary heroics, but it wasn’t to be.
Patrick Mahomes, ever the empath, had some advice for the young player moving forward.
#Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes’ advice to Isaiah Likely: “Wear white cleats next time.”
— Charles Goldman (@goldmctNFL) September 6, 2024
Objectively he’s not wrong. Refs have a tough time making the correct call at the best of times. If Likely was wearing white cleats that hit his toes there’s a serious chance officials would have said there wasn’t enough to overrule the on-field call, which would have resulted in a touchdown.
Of course, the Ravens might not have needed to even worry about toes and final play catches if offensive coordinator Todd Monken ran the damn ball with Derrick Henry more, or remember that Mark Andrews plays for his team — but I digress.
