Ben Roethlisberger's Take on Isaiah Likely's Overturned Touchdown Catch Will Surprise Ravens Fans
It seems everyone around the NFL has an opinion about Isaiah Likely's overturned touchdown reception in the Ravens' loss to Pittsburgh on Sunday.
Former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger weighed in, and his take will surprise Ravens fans.
Big Ben believes the Ravens were wronged, and the touchdown, which would've given Baltimore the lead with under three minutes left, should have stood.
The explanation given by NFL Vice President of Instant Replay Mark Butterworth for the call being reversed is that Likely did not complete a third step, "an act common to the game," before Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. knocked the ball out of his hands.
Roethlisberger contended that a third step or any other football move shouldn't have been required because the catch was made in the end zone.
"Did he make a football move? No, he didn't make a football move. I agree with that," Roethlisberger said on his “Footbahlin With Ben Roethlisberger” podcast. "So, then people are going to say, 'Why is it a touchdown?' Here's why. … He's in the end zone, so he's not thinking about making a football move. He doesn't have to turn up the field. He doesn't have to tuck it. As soon as he's in the end zone and two feet are down, he's thinking that's a touchdown.
"If that same play happened on like the 30-yard line and he catches it like that, I guarantee you he's going to twist up the field, he's going to try to tuck it. He's going to do something different. … But he's like, 'I don't have to make a tuck or anything because I'm in the end zone. I possessed it and I got my feet down. I don't have to do anything else.' Again, if that's in the middle of the field, he's not going to hold the ball out."
Roethlisberger understands why Ravens fans are upset with the decision, and he said Steelers fans would feel the same way if it had been a Pittsburgh receiver.
"If that was Pat Freiermuth, if that was DK Metcalf, and the exact same situation happened, how would Steelers fans be feeling?" Roethlisberger said. "I know Steelers fans are like, 'That's not a catch! Good call! Great call!' If the roles were reversed, it would have been the most miserable thing in the world."
Pundit Says Ravens Should Target George Pickens if He Hits Free Agency
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler said the Ravens need a "classic boundary receiver on the outside" and should pursue George Pickens if he hits the open market this offseason.
"[He] would be costly, and Pickens might be franchise tagged by Dallas," Fowler wrote. "But if available, the Ravens could use some of their $40 million in 2026 cap space on Pickens, knowing [Head Coach] John Harbaugh is good at managing big personalities."
The mercurial Pickens, 24, was traded from the Steelers to the Cowboys in the offseason and has already posted career-highs in catches (78), yards (1,179), and touchdowns (eight).
However, Pickens was in the news last week after his effort in the Cowboys' loss to the Detroit Lions was questioned by Prime Video analyst and former All-Pro cornerback Richard Sherman. Pickens and Sherman subsequently traded barbs on social media.
Cowboys Head Coach Brian Schottenheimer said he spoke with Pickens about the subject and has no concerns about his effort.
"We talked a little bit about it," Schottenheimer said. "In his words, he said, 'Hey Schotty, I didn't play my best game.' I think that, unfortunately, none of us played our best game. But again, I don't worry about George and his love for football and playing this game."
Baltimore Named Potential Landing Spot for Trey Hendrickson
An inability to consistently get pressure on the quarterback has been an issue for the Ravens this season. They rank 30th in the league in sacks with 19.
Cincinnati Bengals edge rusher Trey Hendrickson has had nearly that many sacks in a season – he had 17.5 sacks in both 2023 and 2024. He is set to become a free agent this offseason, and CBS Sports’ Tyler Sullivan named Baltimore as a possible landing spot for the four-time Pro Bowler.
"They could use a pass rusher and will have the capital to target someone like Hendrickson, who also fits their timeline to compete right away," Sullivan wrote. "Baltimore is projected to have a little over $40 million in cap space this offseason. On top of this, addressing a key need for the Ravens, it would also be a great heel turn for Hendrickson by staying in the AFC North and squaring off against his former Bengals team twice a year."
Hendrickson, 31, had four sacks in seven games this season before suffering a hip injury that sidelined him. He reportedly underwent core muscle surgery on Tuesday.
ESPN Mock Draft Has Ravens Selecting Clemson Defensive Tackle
Defensive tackle is another potential position of need for the Ravens this offseason. With that in mind, ESPN’s Field Yates has Baltimore selecting Clemson's Peter Woods 13th overall in his latest mock draft.
"With Travis Jones scheduled for free agency and Nnamdi Madubuike out for the year with a serious neck injury, defensive tackle is an area of need for Baltimore," Yates wrote. "It's always wise to look beyond the box score with defensive tackle prospects, and that's especially the case with Woods. He has only 5.0 sacks in three seasons, but he can create havoc at the line of scrimmage.
"Woods has the agility and quickness that could allow him to move out to the edge for some snaps as well. His overall length is a question mark for some scouts, as he has sub-32-inch arms and is listed at 6-2. Regardless, he's a lock in the first round."
