The Kansas City Chiefs won a thrilling opener to the 2024 NFL season against the Baltimore Ravens in a rematch of last year’s AFC Championship Game. Two-time NFL MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes completed 20 of 28 passes for 291 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. He completed passes to eight different receivers, including himself on a pass that was batted down at the line of scrimmage.
Alson Read: Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson Lends Credence to Notion that Refs Bailed Out Chiefs
Rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy became just the second player in NFL history to have both a receiving and rushing touchdown in his first game. Worthy took his first touch, a handoff, 21 yards for a touchdown, showing off the blazing speed that put him on the radar of many NFL teams. He later caught a 35-yard touchdown on blown coverage.
Former seventh round pick Isiah Pacheco had 78 total yards and a touchdown run in the winning effort. However, the Ravens nearly came back to at least tie the game.
Baltimore Ravens Tight End Isaiah Likely Nearly Tied the Game Against the Kansas City Chiefs
The Ravens were able to get the ball back with less than two minutes to play in the game. After several big plays by quarterback Lamar Jackson, they found themselves deep in Chiefs territory with seconds left to play.
Jackson, though, failed to hit wide open receivers in the end zone as time ticked off the clock. With four seconds left to play, Jackson threw a pass to tight end Isaiah Likely in the back of the end zone. Likely caught it for what was initially called a touchdown. But as replay showed, his toe came down out of bounds.
ISAIAH LIKELY IS JUST OUT OF BOUNDS.
THE CHIEFS WIN.#NFL #Ravens #Chiefs #BALvsKC pic.twitter.com/7CCD6dqADb
— Sportskeeda Pro Football (@SKProFootball) September 6, 2024
Likely ended his night with an impressive nine receptions for 111 yards and a touchdown.
After the game, Ravens players argued to the media that it should have been upheld as a touchdown, but Mahomes had something entirely different to say about it.
Kansas City Chiefs Quarterback Patrick Mahomes Says Isaiah Likely Should Wear White Cleats
Mahomes addressed the media after the game, too. Whereas Ravens players seemed bitter in defeat and downplayed the Chiefs’ success, Mahomes was very complimentary of Baltimore, stating that the two teams will probably meet again in the NFL Playoffs.
However, he did offer Likely one piece of advice for next time:
Patrick Mahomes offers some sage advice to Isaiah Likely.
“Wear white cleats next time.”pic.twitter.com/VvOLCS1X4T
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) September 6, 2024
“He’s gotta wear white cleats next time. That’s my advice for him.”
The joke brought about some laughter from the media but does highlight how close Kansas City was to having to play in overtime or losing if Baltimore converted the two-point conversion they were going to attempt before the referees overturned the call.
Kansas City has a tough Week Two matchup at home against the Cincinnati Bengals next week Sunday.
For More Great Football Content
Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19 more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in college and professional football, click here!
