Posted on Dec 08

Ravens fall to Steelers 27-22 after Likely's overturned TD and contentious penalties

Posted Dec 8, 2025

The Baltimore Ravens hopes for a late-game comeback were dashed after a crucial touchdown by Isaiah Likely was overturned, leading to a 27-22 loss against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Why it matters: This defeat not only impacts the Ravens' standings but also raises questions about officiating consistency and interpretation of catch rules in critical moments.

With this loss, the Ravens fell to a 6-7 record, placing them one game behind the Steelers in the competitive AFC North division.
The outcome has significant implications for playoff positioning as the season progresses.

What’s new: The game's pivotal moment came with just 2:43 remaining when an apparent 13-yard touchdown pass from Lamar Jackson to Isaiah Likely was nullified.

Initially ruled a touchdown, officials reversed the call based on Likely's failure to complete a third step in the end zone after contact from Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr.
This decision left the Ravens without the potential go-ahead score during a critical juncture of the game.

Yes, but: Ravens head coach John Harbaugh expressed frustration over the inconsistency of the catch rule, indicating that clarity remains elusive.

Harbaugh stated, "It's about as clear as mud right now," highlighting widespread confusion surrounding recent officiating decisions.
Furthermore, he emphasized that while such calls can be detrimental, pinpointing a single play as the cause for the loss is complex, stating, "You never know what cost you the game."

By the numbers: The Ravens’ inability to convert on critical plays underscores a broader trend of missed opportunities.

In addition to the overturned touchdown, the Ravens faced harsh consequences from a controversial unnecessary roughness penalty assessed against defensive tackle Travis Jones during a Steelers field goal attempt.
This infraction allowed the Steelers to score a touchdown instead of attempting a field goal, shifting momentum definitively in their favor.

What to watch: As the season unfolds, the Ravens will need to navigate these officiating issues while bolstering their performance to remain competitive.

With games becoming increasingly critical, the psychological impact of such losses may influence team morale and performance in upcoming matchups.
The Ravens must find ways to adapt and overcome if they hope to secure a playoff spot.

The bottom line: The Ravens narrow defeat highlights the fine margins that often dictate the outcomes in the NFL, where both player execution and officiating decisions can significantly influence a team's fate.

Moving forward, the Ravens must focus on executing critical plays and mitigating the impact of questionable calls as they aim to turn their season around.

Ravens fall to Steelers 27-22 after Likely's overturned TD and contentious penalties

Alex Parker

Posted Dec 8, 2025

The Baltimore Ravens hopes for a late-game comeback were dashed after a crucial touchdown by Isaiah Likely was overturned, leading to a 27-22 loss against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Why it matters: This defeat not only impacts the Ravens' standings but also raises questions about officiating consistency and interpretation of catch rules in critical moments.

With this loss, the Ravens fell to a 6-7 record, placing them one game behind the Steelers in the competitive AFC North division.

The outcome has significant implications for playoff positioning as the season progresses.

What’s new: The game's pivotal moment came with just 2:43 remaining when an apparent 13-yard touchdown pass from Lamar Jackson to Isaiah Likely was nullified.

Initially ruled a touchdown, officials reversed the call based on Likely's failure to complete a third step in the end zone after contact from Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr.

This decision left the Ravens without the potential go-ahead score during a critical juncture of the game.

Yes, but: Ravens head coach John Harbaugh expressed frustration over the inconsistency of the catch rule, indicating that clarity remains elusive.

Harbaugh stated, "It's about as clear as mud right now," highlighting widespread confusion surrounding recent officiating decisions.

Furthermore, he emphasized that while such calls can be detrimental, pinpointing a single play as the cause for the loss is complex, stating, "You never know what cost you the game."

By the numbers: The Ravens’ inability to convert on critical plays underscores a broader trend of missed opportunities.

In addition to the overturned touchdown, the Ravens faced harsh consequences from a controversial unnecessary roughness penalty assessed against defensive tackle Travis Jones during a Steelers field goal attempt.

This infraction allowed the Steelers to score a touchdown instead of attempting a field goal, shifting momentum definitively in their favor.

What to watch: As the season unfolds, the Ravens will need to navigate these officiating issues while bolstering their performance to remain competitive.

With games becoming increasingly critical, the psychological impact of such losses may influence team morale and performance in upcoming matchups.

The Ravens must find ways to adapt and overcome if they hope to secure a playoff spot.

Moving forward, the Ravens must focus on executing critical plays and mitigating the impact of questionable calls as they aim to turn their season around.