The NFL season returned with a bang Thursday night as the Kansas City Chiefs hosted the Baltimore Ravens in a rematch of last year’s AFC title game.

The Chiefs won 27-20 but the Ravens came within inches of scoring a game-tying touchdown on the final play of the game. Tight end Isaiah Likely appeared to catch a pass from Lamar Jackson in the end zone but after video review, it was determined that Likely had stepped out of bounds by the slimmest of margins.

After the game, key players from both sides weighed in on that final play.

Lamar Jackson, Ravens quarterback

“I thought it was a touchdown. I thought it was a touchdown, still think it’s a touchdown.

“I thought he did a great job, acrobatic catch. I believe it was two feet in.”

Isaiah Likely, Ravens tight end

“At this point, you’ve got to look at the call. Obviously, watch the film to see what we can do better to not put ourselves in the situation to leave it in the ref’s hands to be able to call that call and call the game.

“I say this is probably the worst game we’re going to play all year. So, if this is the best that they got, good luck in the post-season.”

John Harbaugh, Ravens head coach

“I’m proud of the way our guys played, the way we fought and the way we competed.

“It looked like we had an opportunity there to tie the game up and try to win it with a two-point conversion. It didn’t happen at the end but proud of the way the guys fought, only going to get better from here on out and I’m looking forward to that.”

Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs quarterback

“Definitely nerve-wracking because it looked good from my angle on the sideline, but then the first view you could see his cleat. … You have to wear white cleats next time. That’s my advice for him.”

Andy Reid, Chiefs head coach

“It was a fight down to the end.

“When they say it’s a game of inches, might be shorter than that.”

With files from The Associated Press