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First, the way the Baltimore Ravens lost 27-20 to the Kansas City Chiefs in the season opener was more heartbreaking than defeat. Tight end Isaiah Likely was millimeters away from a touchdown grab that would have allowed Baltimore to either force overtime or win with a two-point conversion.
Second, the Ravens have work to do — especially on the offensive line. A line with three new starters didn’t perform well for much of the game, and the most established player on that line (left tackle Ronnie Stanley) was flagged for illegal formation some 112 times.
With that being said, the Chiefs lost the opener last year and things turned out fine. There are some things to clean up. Derrick Henry needs to step up after a poor Ravens debut. But in the loss, the Ravens may have found someone who could be a key piece for the offense this season.
It can’t really be said that Likely blew up against the Chiefs. The third-year pro has performed brilliantly when given the opportunity in the past. There’s a reason why Baltimore spent so much time in “12” personnel on Thursday — and it wasn’t just because the O-line was struggling.
Likely exploded against Kansas City. While veteran Mark Andrews was nearly invisible (two catches, 14 yards), Likely led the Ravens in targets (12), receptions (9) and receiving yards (111), while catching Lamar Jackson’s only touchdown pass of the game.
And then, he fell just one step short of score No. 2.
At the risk of sounding hyperbolic, Likely looked like Travis Kelce. Or like Andrews before the injuries, who had lost his explosiveness. And while some would say you shouldn’t overreact to a game, it didn’t seem like a coincidence.
It looked as if the guard was about to change.