The Baltimore Ravens lost 27‑22 to their long-time division rival, the Pittsburgh Steelers, handing Pittsburgh the lead in the AFC North. But the defeat stung even more because of a mistake by the game officials. And it’s one that even they might want to take back.

“The NFL did say the Travis Jones penalty on the field goal was the wrong call. #Ravens,” reporter Luke Jones posted on his social media handle X.

While the Ravens struggled to seize plenty of key moments, this critical error took place in the second quarter and directly helped set up a scoring drive for the Steelers, changing the complexion of the first half. The specific play in question involved Ravens defensive tackle Travis Jones. During a 32-yard field goal attempt by the Steelers, Jones was flagged for unnecessary roughness. 

The officials ruled that Jones made illegal, forcible contact with Pittsburgh’s long snapper, Christian Kuntz. This resulted in a costly 7-yard penalty and an automatic first down for the Steelers, giving them new life deep in Baltimore territory. Pittsburgh promptly capitalized on the mistake, scoring a 6-yard rushing touchdown on the very next play.

However, replays told a different story. They clearly showed Jones merely running hard through the line, splitting the gap to try and block the kick. There appeared to be no forceful contact with Kuntz’s head or neck area. 

Jones was simply rushing the A-gap, and the long snapper happened to fall, a common occurrence on nearly every kick. But this mistake on the referee’s end did cost the Ravens 4 points.

In a rare move, John Harbaugh, General Manager Eric DeCosta, and former NFL referee Tony Michalek requested a phone call with the league to discuss the three critical calls that went against them. They spoke with NFL senior VP of officiating administration Perry Fewell and rules analyst Walt Anderson. During that conversation, the league confirmed that the penalty on Travis Jones was indeed incorrect. Harbaugh was allowed to disclose this publicly, saying, “It was the wrong call. It should not have been called.”

Next, he broadened his focus to include other calls through the game.

Harbaugh has less clarity about the other multiple missed calls 

Late in the fourth quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely appeared to secure a touchdown, taking a couple of steps after catching the ball. The referee initially signaled a score, but an instant replay review overturned it, ruling it an incomplete pass, as Likely lost control before taking a third step. The reversal proved pivotal in Baltimore’s eventual 27‑22 defeat, with quarterback Lamar Jackson and others believing Likely maintained possession long enough before Pittsburgh’s Joey Porter Jr. forced the ball loose.

As per the call, Harbaugh said he appreciated the conversation but remained “not comfortable” with the explanations, calling them “about as clear as mud.” The Ravens also plan to write to the league regarding a holding penalty on the Steelers’ final punt, which pushed Baltimore back from their own 44 to the 26-yard line, further complicating their game-winning drive.

The Ravens’ offense struggled to capitalize after the Likely reversal. They managed short completions to Derrick Henry, Rasheen Ali, and Zay Flowers, but setbacks like a holding penalty on Andrew Vorhees and a crucial sack of Jackson on the Hail Mary attempt prevented a comeback. Harbaugh admitted there were communication and execution issues on the coaching and player side, noting formations and play calls didn’t go as planned in critical moments.

Top Stories

Colts Issue Statement on FBI Investigation Into Jim Irsay’s Death as Controversial Details Emerge After Former Owner’s Passing

Viral 4-Year-Old NFL Picks Girl Faces Death Threats After Cardi B’s Profanity-Laced Rant and Subsequent Apology

Tyreek Hill Issues Final Statement on Chiefs Return After Cryptic Eric Bieniemy Message

Josh Allen Gets Troubling Update on Offense After Bills Announce QB’s Surgery News

Josh Allen’s Stance on Brian Daboll’s Hiring Confirmed as Bills Mafia Signs Petition for Sean McDermott’s Return

Meanwhile, off the field, Ben Cleveland was suspended three games for violating the NFL’s Substances of Abuse Policy, and right guard Daniel Faalele’s struggles in pass protection were highlighted, though Harbaugh praised the offensive line’s run game overall. Andrew Vorhees returned to full-time duty, and rookie Emery Jones Jr. had been filling in at left guard previously.

Ultimately, while controversial calls, penalties, and execution mistakes all contributed to the Ravens’ loss, Harbaugh still spoke of accountability and improvement. “It wasn’t good enough,” he said of the final two-minute drill. “We have to be better in those situations.” Baltimore now sits at 6–7, one game behind Pittsburgh for first place in the AFC North.