"Thirteen yards! Marshawn Lynch, Marshawn Lynch!"
The commentators who were just exclaiming about the San Francisco 49ers' amazing deep pass were now screaming in amazement about the Seattle Seahawks' amazing run.
Thirteen yards was a significant gain for a running play, and it was even more incredible that he fought his way through a tight defense. This was absolutely no less impressive than Lu Ke's first rainbow pass.
"Beast Mode!" All the commentators exclaimed, their praise nonstop.
Marshawn Lynch, the twelfth overall pick in the first round of the 2007 draft, was selected by the Buffalo Bills. He was a talented and capable player who made the Pro Bowl in 2008. However, he never quite lived up to the expectations of a first-round pick until last year, when Pete Carroll took over the Seattle Seahawks and pushed to acquire Marshawn after his rookie contract with the Buffalo Bills ended.
In the first round of last year's playoffs, against the defending champions, the New Orleans Saints, Marshawn evaded nine tackles in one play, which included a one-handed throw-down of Saints' cornerback Tracy Porter. He ended up running for sixty-seven yards and scoring a touchdown.
This run earned him the unanimous love of the local Seattle media and, consequently, the nickname "Beast Mode."
Tonight, Marshawn activated Beast Mode again. On the very first offensive play, he gained thirteen yards in a tight defense, responding with a powerful statement! The game was starting to get exciting!
Travis Jackson was not a traditional passing quarterback. His passing skills were a double-edged sword; he could throw three touchdowns in one game, but he could also throw three interceptions. His completion rate also rarely exceeded sixty percent. If necessary, he could run out of the pocket with his legs to gain yards and even score a touchdown. Of course, compared to the younger generation of mobile quarterbacks, his ability was not outstanding.
First, Travis, and then Marshawn. Both players were heavy-hitters. The Seahawks' offense lacked the elegant finesse of a six-vein divine sword, but it was like a heavy sword without an edge—earth-shattering, powerful, and terrifying.
Travis attempted four passes, three of which were incomplete, and only one succeeded for a gain of four yards, which couldn't lead the team forward. But Marshawn's four runs gained twenty-seven yards. With Travis's run, the Seahawks stumbled their way to three consecutive first downs.
In the blink of an eye, they used up three minutes and forty-seven seconds, and the team had crossed the midfield line.
During this long offensive drive, Lu Ke temporarily put down his playbook and began to carefully observe the Seahawks' offensive plays. He couldn't help but raise an eyebrow and say jokingly, "How about you go on the field and say hi to that beast and ask him to go easy on us?"
In fact, the Seahawks' offense this time was pretty much devoid of any plays. It was basically handing the ball to running back Marshawn, or Travis faking a pass and then handing the ball to Marshawn. It was simple and brutal but effective.
"I thought you didn't need any extra help and preferred to win with pure skill," Marcus said, rolling his eyes and complaining mercilessly.
Lu Ke raised his chin slightly and said meaningfully, "Are you saying you're helpless?"
Marcus couldn't help but laugh.
Marcus, whose full name was Marcus Lynch. He and Marshawn Lynch shared the same last name. They were cousins, and their relationship was pretty good. They weren't just distant relatives.
As they were talking, another cheer erupted from the field. Marshawn, with the ball in his hands, broke through again and led the team to another first down.
Beast Mode. It was an unstoppable force. The 49ers' run defense was already very good, but even if they knew the play was coming, even if it was clearly a run, and even if they made the tackle, Marshawn could still use his physical talent to forcefully continue moving forward. There was nothing they could do about it.
Lu Ke bumped Marcus's shoulder and joked again, "How about it? Are your hands itching? If you get a chance to play, you can activate your own mode, like, Rabbit Mode or something."
Marcus gritted his teeth and straightened his neck, joining in on the teasing. "Why don't you say Bambi Mode? I think Bambi Mode is pretty good. The first pass was a touchdown. Beast Mode is too much work. He still hasn't scored a touchdown yet."
Before he could even finish his sentence, a thunderous cheer erupted from the field: Marshawn Lynch had scored a touchdown!
Lu Ke patted Marcus's shoulder and gently shook his head, but he didn't say anything. A simple action and a meaningful expression were enough. Watching the stunned and furious Marcus, Lu Ke stood up and began to stretch his limbs, preparing to take the field again.
"Marshawn Lynch has activated Beast Mode again, almost single-handedly carrying the entire offense on his shoulders and legs. He eventually scored a touchdown, responding with a powerful statement. After the San Francisco 49ers, the Seattle Seahawks also scored a touchdown. This NFC West rivalry is spectacular and full of tension right from the first quarter."
In the studio, Kirk summed it up with simple and clear words. Then Teddy added, "The San Francisco 49ers' offense is about to take the field again. This time, we can finally take a good look at the offensive starting lineup."
Kirk and Teddy were watching a replay of the last run, explaining it to the audience. Then the Seahawks' special teams took the field and kicked the extra point, tying the score. It was now 7-7.
Then, it was time for the special teams to perform again. The Seahawks kicked off, and the 49ers returned the ball.
The huge stadium finally reacted. "Ahhh!" Screams began to gather sporadically, slowly forming a huge wave that echoed and swirled through Candlestick Park. The roaring sea breeze whistling through added a touch of sorrow and grandeur to the atmosphere.
The fans were confused: What happened in that first offensive play? They scored a touchdown, but how? How did that quarterback, whom all the experts criticized, do it? Was it a stroke of luck, or was it his ability? Should they continue to protest, or should they cheer for their team?
There were countless questions, but no answers. But what was certain was that they liked touchdowns, they enjoyed touchdowns, and they were hoping that the quarterback who was full of questions could score another one.
In the arena of competitive sports, everything was simple: Victory above all else. They only wanted victory, and as long as they had it, that was all that mattered. So, they were calling out: Hey kid, show us another trick?
"The first pass was mostly luck. I don't think it was a true reflection of number fourteen's ability."
"On the first offensive play, the Seahawks' defense wasn't ready and was caught off guard. This next offensive play won't be so easy."
"Number fourteen barely had a chance to show what he could do in that play. I think this next offensive play will be the true test of his skill."
"On this offensive play, number fourteen will face a lot of passing pressure. For the 49ers' coaching staff, the smartest choice would be to trust their running back, Anthony Dixon."
"Now that we're back on the same playing field, the 49ers' rookie will be under more pressure, and it'll be difficult for him to keep a clear head again."
"Luck only happens once. This is the NFL. This is the most competitive professional league in the world. I don't think that Asian quarterback can keep this up."
"Now, number fourteen is about to face the Seahawks' storm. Things are starting to get difficult."
...
The commentators' predictions and guesses spread in all directions through the airwaves. It was obvious that no one had a good opinion of Lu Ke. They didn't before, and they were still doubtful now. The mockery and disdain lingered.
Compared to the fans, the commentators were more objective and ruthless. Just one offensive play and one pass were not enough to change their minds. Lu Ke was still the same Lu Ke: the Asian quarterback, the rookie, the unknown.
But in the Fox studio, Teddy was already getting excited. "Just now in the first offensive play, the 49ers' rookie quarterback, uh..."
"Lu Ke," Kirk said, noticing Teddy's hesitation and taking the lead.
Teddy nodded. "Yes, Lu Ke. His first pass was an incredible deep pass, showing not only his arm strength and accuracy but, more importantly, his courage and boldness. This is incredibly rare for a rookie quarterback. Even this year's number one pick, Cam Newton, might not have done better."
"I agree," Kirk responded enthusiastically. "For the league, Lu Ke is a complete newcomer. No one had even heard of his name before the San Francisco 49ers announced their starting quarterback."
"Oh? Your tone seems to suggest that you know this rookie quarterback?" Teddy said, interrupting him after sensing his unique way of speaking.
Kirk smiled and nodded in confirmation. "I can't say I know him. But I was there to commentate on the only two games of this rookie quarterback's college career." Before he could finish his sentence, the San Francisco 49ers' offense was already back on the field. Kirk sped up his speech. "The biggest advantage of this rookie is that he has an unusually big heart. In both games, he made a comeback from behind to win."
"Wow, that's interesting. But we'll continue this conversation later. Now, let's take a look at the 49ers' offensive starting lineup..." Teddy expertly managed the pace of the show.
As a neutral broadcaster, they didn't care about authority or victory. They cared about the excitement. A back-and-forth offensive battle between the San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks was undoubtedly the best way to attract viewership for a live TV broadcast. So, both Teddy and Kirk were excited.
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