Chapter 643: Panic
During the previous drive, which was full of unexpected events, the San Francisco 49ers used dazzling play calls and precise reads. They increased the tempo with a high frequency of short passes, forcing the New York Giants' defense to retreat. Even after two unexpected setbacks, the 49ers' offense successfully made it to the opponents' twenty-five-yard line.
Second and five.
Crabtree had successfully advanced five yards before falling down, but he had still controlled the football. So, the 49ers were now facing a second and five situation.
After the snap, the pocket collapsed much faster than expected. Before Lu Ke could even finish his backpedal, he could see the pressure from both sides closing in. But Lu Ke was unfazed. After completing his backpedal, he threw a short, light pass to Logan, who was running in the six to seven-yard range on the right side.
Unfortunately, just as Logan was adjusting his steps, cornerback Allen Ross rushed in and hit him, causing Logan to lose his balance. Lu Ke's pass didn't connect and flew directly out of bounds.
Incomplete pass.
Not only that, but Lu Ke also noticed that the Giants' defensive focus had changed. When the safeties and linebackers were covering their zones, their focus was slightly tilted toward Vernon and Logan. Although they hadn't completely abandoned their original defensive positions, it was clear that they were increasing their vigilance against these two tight ends.
After all, with the two threats, Crabtree and Ginn, out of the game, the defensive focus became relatively clearer.
After the last pass, in addition to Ross, two other players also started moving, instantly forming a circle around Logan. Even if Ross hadn't hit Logan right away, the other two players would have been able to interfere with the pass in time. Logan was surrounded.
In this situation, the best option was to get Williams and Swain, the two wide receivers, involved.
On one hand, only when all four receiving options are active can the complex passing game work. On the other hand, a tight end is still a tight end. The primary job of catching the ball still needs to be done by the wide receivers.
Just like a balanced run-pass game, only when all offensive options are open can the offensive strategy work. Otherwise, if the opponent targets the key weakness, all the weapons will be shut down.
Taking another deep breath, Lu Ke gathered all his offensive teammates and quickly gave them the play call.
Third and five.
Before the snap, Lu Ke remained calm and began to read the defense.
Just as he expected, the Giants' defensive formation hadn't changed much. However, the safeties and linebackers were paying more attention to Vernon and Logan. He could see subtle changes in their positions and focus.
After thinking for a moment, Lu Ke made a bold on-field adjustment. He moved Vernon from the left side to the right side. The two-by-two formation became a multiple-route formation. Overall, it was still a pistol formation, but the receivers' positions had changed. However, due to the series of accidents, the offensive formation became a bit strange.
On the right side, Vernon, Williams, and Logan formed an inverted triangle. The two heavy weapons were piled up on this side.
On the left side, Swain was all alone, and Marcus's position was also tilted toward the slot receiver route on this side.
Then, he could see the Giants' defensive changes. A safety followed Vernon's move, and at the same time, the outside linebacker and defensive end on this side also moved a little farther away, closer to Logan's position. It wasn't just man-to-man defense. The defensive focus had changed very obviously.
"Hut!"
Lu Ke immediately called for the snap, and then he quickly backpedaled with the ball.
He could clearly feel the huge change in the Giants' defense. They suddenly gave up on blitzing and putting pressure on him. They only left three defensive linemen to rush the offensive line. A defensive end started to move with Marcus. The remaining seven players filled up the short twenty-five-yard passing space in front of him.
More importantly, they hadn't ignored Swain. They had sent two players to cover him on the left side. One was in tight coverage, and the other was waiting for an opportunity.
On the right side, they had a numerical advantage. Five defensive players against three receivers. In addition to man-to-man coverage, they could also complete zone defense. The entire area was tightly and securely defended.
Lu Ke seemed to have anticipated this situation. He adjusted his steps, adjusted his steps, and kept adjusting his steps. He could see the time passing by obviously. One second, two seconds, three seconds... This was very unusual for Lu Ke, who usually got rid of the ball quickly.
Just then, Lu Ke took a quick step forward, and his arm instantly burst with a huge amount of power. He threw a bullet pass with a flat arc, aiming directly for the end zone, a lethal strike!
"Snap!"
"The San Francisco 49ers' offense, facing a series of unexpected events, shows great composure. The pocket protection is perfect. Lu Ke is still looking, still looking! In the short-pass zone, Davis and Newman's crossing routes have created an open space. Wait, no. The Giants' defense quickly shut down the passing window. They have four players in between the two players. There are no open spaces in the entire defense!"
"The Giants' defense is fully prepared. There are no passing targets! Lu Ke still can't find a passing target! But he's holding the ball a little too long this time. This is not normal. Lu Ke has to get rid of the ball now! Otherwise, the pocket will be torn apart, which could lead to an unnecessary quarterback sack."
"Pass! Lu Ke completes the pass! This... this isn't a rainbow pass, it's a bullet pass! The twenty-yard line! The fifteen-yard line! The ten-yard line! Lu Ke is aiming directly for the end zone. The target is... wait, wait, when did Kyle Williams get there? Williams, who just came on as a substitute, is in the area where the pass is landing!"
"Wow, the 49ers' number ten is running a straight line along the sideline. Williams has completely burst out with his speed. The safety, Deon Grant, who is in one-on-one coverage, seems to be a little hesitant. He was just a half step slow, and the distance between the two of them has already been created."
"Williams! Williams cuts inside quickly. He's running a small diagonal route, successfully cutting into the front of the end zone. He's adjusting his small steps, getting ready to catch the ball! The football has arrived!"
"Beautiful! This long pass connection is truly beautiful! Williams jumps lightly and makes the catch accurately. Just as everyone's attention was on Davis and Newman, Lu Ke and his number ten wide receiver created a chemistry. A brilliant play design, completing a twenty-five-yard long pass connection!"
"Wait, oh my God! Oh, my God! Oh, my God!"
"Fumble! Williams fumbled the ball! Without any defensive players hitting him, Williams couldn't control the football. What is going on? Is it because the pass was too hard? Or is it just a case of buttery hands? The football slipped out of Williams's hands and fell to the ground! My God!"
"Grant! Deon Grant successfully recovered the fumble! Williams is trying to make up for his mistake. He immediately dived on the ball, trying to recover the fumble! Players from both teams also rushed over. Now there's a pile of people. Our view and the referee's view are completely blocked. Who recovered the fumble?"
"This is truly unexpected. Faced with a series of player injuries, the San Francisco 49ers' young offense didn't fall into disarray. The beautiful play design was still able to move the ball. The touchdown seemed to be within reach, but now another unexpected event has occurred. If this is indeed a fumble, then it is undoubtedly a huge blow to the home team."
The entire Candlestick Park fell silent. Everyone had their fingers intertwined, silently praying. Now they no longer hoped for a touchdown. They just hoped that Kyle Williams could make up for his mistake and recover the ball. That was the most important thing.
The end zone was in complete chaos. It took the referees a great deal of effort to persuade the players from both sides to calm down. Just like digging for treasure, they finally found the two players at the bottom. Then, they saw Grant from the Giants holding the football high, showing off his trophy.
Turnover on downs.
After Williams's unexpected fumble, Grant successfully gained control of the ball, giving the New York Giants possession. Because the turnover happened in the end zone, it was considered a touchback. The Giants would start their drive from their own twenty-yard line.
Williams stood there with his hands on his hips, his face full of disappointment and unwillingness. He had no idea how to handle this situation.
The touchdown was already within his grasp, but it had just slipped away.
In an instant, it felt like he had lost the whole world.
Lu Ke noticed Williams's disappointment and the disappointment of his other teammates. A low, panicked mood was slowly spreading, even seeping into the entire stadium.
In fact, Lu Ke himself was also a little stunned. The breath he had been holding in seemed to suddenly leak out. Before he could react, his vision began to blur. But... this was not the time to be wallowing in disappointment. They had to pull themselves together, and he had to be the leader who motivated everyone to do so.
Taking another deep breath, Lu Ke quickly walked up to Williams and gave him a hug. "Buddy, the game isn't over yet. We're still in the lead, and we still have a chance. So, get your focus back. Mistakes are a part of the game! What we need to do now is look forward, understand?"
"But what if this mistake leads to them scoring a touchdown?" Williams was still a little out of it.
"Then, we'll get another touchdown! To do that, I need my wide receivers! I need you to focus again! I need you to get your spirits back up!" Lu Ke said firmly. "What do you say, can you do it?"
Williams took a deep breath, nodded solemnly, and his focus finally came back.
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