Any Given Sunday‘s “inches” speech, delivered by Al Pacino in his prime, is one of the all-time greatest football movie scenes.
As fictional coach Tony D’Amato (Pacino) said:
“I mean one-half a step too late, or too early, and you don’t quite make it. One-half second too slow, too fast, you don’t quite catch it.”
That’s precisely what happened last night, as Isaiah Likely’s potentially game-tying touchdown in the final seconds was ruled out of bounds upon further review. His toe was on the line, at the back of the end zone.
Indeed, it was a game of inches, and the Ravens fell 27-20 at the Kansas City Chiefs. Despite the loss, there were plenty of heroes last night for Baltimore, and we’ll run through them now.
Isaiah Likely
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – SEPTEMBER 05: Isaiah Likely #80 of the Baltimore Ravens runs for a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs during the fourth quarter at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on September 05, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
While the last touchdown didn’t stand after further review, he still caught nine balls for 111 yards and a touchdown. His 49-yard reception was beautiful, and he indeed showed up and showed out last night.
Lamar Jackson
Sep 5, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) runs the ball against Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Yes, he badly missed Zay Flowers on what would have been the game-tying touchdown, but he balled out last night. Jackson conveyed exactly why he’s the reigning MVP, as he was easily the most valuable player on the field for either side.
You saw that in the way he consistently used his legs to make something out of nothing, whether scrambling to find the green grass where he could safely make a throw or just plain taking off and showcasing his speed.
With the offensive line having an off night, protections kept breaking down, and Jackson consistently did a phenomenal job of improvising.
He finished with a passer rating of 90.8 and 495 yards of total offense (273 passing, 122 rushing).
David Ojabo
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – SEPTEMBER 05: David Ojabo #90 of the Baltimore Ravens sacks quarterback Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs during the first quarter at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on September 05, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
He had only one tackle, but it was a sack. Given all this guy has been through and the lack of opportunities he’s had thus far in his career due to injury, this was a big win for him individually.
Roquan Smith
Sep 5, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith (0) intercepts a pass against Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (4) during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Overall, the Ravens’ front seven played well, and Baltimore won the yardage battle by 98 yards. Smith led the way with seven tackles, four solo, one pass defended, and a key interception.
Trenton Simpson
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – SEPTEMBER 05: Justin Watson #84 of the Kansas City Chiefs is tackled by Trenton Simpson #23 of the Baltimore Ravens during the third quarter at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on September 05, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Simpson had five tackles, half a sack, one pass defended, and one quarterback hit.
