Patrick Mahomes threw for 291 yards and a touchdown, and a Lamar Jackson touchdown pass to Isaiah Likely was overturned with no time remaining, allowing the Chiefs to begin the pursuit of a record third straight Super Bowl title with a 27-20 victory over Baltimore on Thursday night.
Jackson initially connected with Isaiah Likely in the back of the end zone with no time remaining for his second touchdown of the night. The video replay showed Likely’s toe landing on the end line, and the call was overturned.
Kansas City rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy scored touchdowns rushing and receiving. Isiah Pacheco also had a touchdown run for the Chiefs, who beat the Ravens for the fifth time in their last six meetings.
Jackson threw for 273 yards and a touchdown while adding 122 yards on the ground, while Likely had a career-high 111 yards receiving and a score, on nine catches.
With Baltimore set to begin preparation for the Raiders, here are takeaways and observations from the thriller.
Kyle Van Noy exits
Sep 5, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy (1) scores a touchdown as Baltimore Ravens linebacker Kyle Van Noy (53) misses the tackle during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Van Noy passed a concussion test but was forced to exit with an eye injury. The veteran linebacker finished with three tackles.
Ravens struggled after the opening touchdown
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
After Derrick Henry’s impressive score on the first drive, Baltimore struggled to find any offense.
The Ravens’ last six drives after opening the game with a TD were a Punt, Fumble, Turnover on downs, Missed FG, FG, and Punt before finding offensive success in the fourth quarter.
Mark Andrews missing
Sep 5, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews (89) runs with the ball against Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie (22) during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Andrews finished with two catches for 14 yards as Isaiah Likely dominated on the night.
Rotating right tackles
Sep 5, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) sacks Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) causing a fumble during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Patrick Mekari started the contest, and the rotation from last season continued with rookie Roger Rosengarten playing some right tackle.
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)
Trenton Simpson was active on the night, logging five catches, one half a sack, one pass defended, and one QB hit.
