Chapter 388: Hot Hand

Chapter 388: Chapter 385: Hot Hand

The chants of “Bambi! Bambi!” gradually evolved into raw, surging roars of “AHHHH!” that crashed and swelled throughout Candlestick Park, once again showcasing the home crowd’s long-dormant fervor.

Less than three minutes into the game, Lu Ke had already lit up the entire stadium with a brilliant, lightning-fast drive that left the opposition reeling.

“Lu Ke came off the field without even breaking a sweat, having dominated the opponent with a powerful performance. After the rest and adjustments from their bye week, the San Francisco 49ers seem to have an even greater hunger for victory. This is bound to be a very difficult game for the Cleveland Browns.”

Troy Ball keenly sensed that something about this game was a little different. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it, but his sixth sense was sending signals. His premonition was soon validated as the game continued.

On their first possession of the game, the Cleveland Browns’ offense seemed unable to get into rhythm against a San Francisco 49ers’ Defense Team that had been steadily improving over the past few games. They struggled, staying on the field for less than three minutes. After managing to secure one first down, they were hit with a three-and-out, bringing a swift and clean end to their first offensive wave.

The quarterback on the field, Kurt McCoy, could only let out a sigh.

McCoy was a second-year player, having joined the Brown Team last year as the eighty-fifth pick in the third round.

During his college career, McCoy achieved a series of outstanding results. Not only was he selected as an All-American for two consecutive years in 2008 and 2009, but he also racked up a huge number of awards. He was even considered a contender for the Heisman Trophy at one point—though he ultimately failed to even make the top three.

With such a stellar record, McCoy’s draft prospects were highly regarded. He was expected to be a second-round pick, if not a first. His unfortunate drop to the third round during the draft was a minor surprise.

Journalists later confirmed two main reasons for this. First, McCoy’s hands were considered too small to properly grip a football. Second, he had suffered an injury in the final game of his college career, and scouts generally believed it could have a negative impact on his professional future.

Last year, upon joining the NFL as a rookie, McCoy earned the starting job mid-season. He started four games, then missed three due to an ankle injury, and finally returned to start the last two games to close out the season.

In the end, McCoy’s rookie season concluded with six touchdowns and nine interceptions. His biggest highlight, however, was leading his team to back-to-back victories against the New Orleans Saints and the New England Patriots—teams led by two elite quarterbacks. This accomplishment laid a solid foundation for McCoy, and at the start of this season, he officially took over as the starting quarterback.

One a sophomore, the other a rookie—the performances of these two quarterbacks were inevitably going to be compared by the media. But right now, it seemed McCoy couldn’t keep pace with Lu Ke, at least not on the first drive.

McCoy clenched his fists hard, trying to psych himself up. After all, the game had only just begun.

He recalled last year’s back-to-back wins against Drew Brees and Tom Brady, and his confidence returned, his resolve hardening once more. However, his confidence wavered again the moment he saw Lu Ke take the field and perform.

“A short screen pass! Lu Ke finds Crabtree in a crowd—beautiful! Crabtree uses his individual skill to make the catch just before two defenders can close in, gaining eleven yards!”

“Crossing routes! Amidst the crossing patterns of Logan Newman and Vernon Davis, Lu Ke connects with Ted Ginn Jr. Ginn keeps pushing forward, gaining at least another seven or eight yards before he’s tackled. The San Francisco 49ers’ dual Tight End formation seems to be showing its power.”

“A run! Marcus Lynch breaks through the containment of two linebackers, running the ball for six yards! He’s looking pretty unstoppable right now.”

“Another short pass! With the pocket collapsing, Lu Ke opts for a quick throw and finds Kyle Williams, who’s been rotated in. He completes the five-yard pass. Beautiful! Lu Ke is giving the Cleveland Browns’ Defense Team absolutely no opportunities.”

“Wait, wait, it’s a Rainbow Pass! The target is… the thirty-five, the twenty-five, the twenty-yard line… My God, Logan Newman! Number eighty-eight for the San Francisco 49ers unexpectedly ran a straight route, stretching the field deep. The fifteen, the ten… Newman makes the catch!”

“Good God, that twenty-yard Rainbow Pass was absolutely gorgeous! Newman, completely uncovered, makes a perfect catch, turns, and barrels straight into the End Zone for another Touchdown! Unbelievable, simply unbelievable! Lu Ke is on fire, he’s unstoppable! Truly unstoppable!”

“Touchdown! Logan Newman gets another Touchdown! Since the start of today’s game, the San Francisco 49ers have scored two touchdowns on two offensive drives. The entire offense has unstoppable momentum, and Newman’s receiving has been on fire. But even more astonishing is Lu Ke’s red-hot passing arm!”

“In two offensive drives, he’s nine for ten on passing attempts, for one hundred and forty-three yards, with no interceptions, no sacks, and two touchdowns. Additionally, Marcus Lynch has had four carries during those drives, successfully gaining thirty-three yards.”

“The San Francisco 49ers’ offense has not only achieved a balance between passing and running but has also perfected the art of mixing tempos. Two consecutive long passes, two consecutive touchdowns—Lu Ke’s performance so far has been nothing short of perfect! Even though we’ve watched six of Lu Ke’s games, it’s still hard to believe this is a rookie player. Yes, this is only his first season! My God!”

…

“AHH!” Jonathan Baldwin leaped high into the air, right fist clenched, and performed a difficult move in the Celestial Pegasus Meteor Fist Style. He was airborne, arm raised in a cheer, roaring with abandon. His wide eyes were filled with disbelief as he yelled wildly and deliriously, “Touchdown! Touchdown! Touchdown!”

He repeated the same word over and over, his feverish brain seemingly having lost all capacity for thought, capable only of this mechanical reaction. But his ceaseless roars were met by all the surrounding fans.

“Touchdown! Touchdown! Touchdown!”

Every single person, every single person in Candlestick Park, had completely lost themselves. They shot to their feet, passionately joining the chorus of roars and shouts. Such a fluid, exhilarating offense had ignited the dazzling sea of red before them, and it felt as if the entire world had begun to tremble.

When Jonathan landed, his feet nearly missed the ground, and he stumbled awkwardly back into his seat. Danny Rice, standing beside him, quickly reached out to steady him and prevent an injury.

But Jonathan paid it no mind. His eyes were wide as he grabbed tightly onto Danny’s hands, roaring with pure exhilaration, “Touchdown! Touchdown!” The program in his head had completely crashed, leaving only this one command, which he repeated, and repeated, and repeated.

Danny couldn’t help but burst out laughing, nodding repeatedly. “Touchdown! Yes, a Touchdown!” Then, Danny slung an arm around Jonathan’s shoulders, and the two of them stood up side-by-side, shouting together, “Touchdown!” as if that one simple word contained an infinite amount of energy.

Cheers erupted as everyone stood and roared. This was their moment! After so long, the San Francisco 49ers were once again showing the prowess of a top team.

It wasn’t just the commentator, Troy, or the spectators in the stands; even the San Francisco 49ers players themselves were stunned. He was so hot, it was utter domination, a force of nature. In the face of Lu Ke’s offensive firepower, the Cleveland Browns’ Defense Team had no room to breathe and could only run themselves ragged.

Even the coaching staff on the sidelines couldn’t help but exchange glances, a similar look of astonishment and surprise flashing in their eyes.

As a team that had been weak for a very long time, they were learning to get used to winning and adjusting their mentality. They hadn’t dared to take the inconsistent Cleveland Browns lightly this week. But they never expected the game to start out like this. It was truly a jaw-dropping development.

All eyes focused on Kip Kester. When a quarterback plays this well, everyone’s first instinct is naturally to look to the quarterback coach. But Kip just spread his hands with an innocent expression. “I don’t know either.” Deep down, Kip had a faint guess. ‘Maybe it’s because this is Lu Ke’s first game as the team’s offensive captain?’

Young people, brimming with youth, passion, and drive, were always like that. A little encouragement, a little motivation, and they could unleash two hundred percent of their energy. But was the usually calm and collected Lu Ke really no exception? ‘Has he unleashed his hidden power for this game?’

Then, all eyes drifted uncertainly toward Jim Hubble. Finding himself the center of attention, Hubble just shrugged it off, waving his hand dismissively. “How should I know?” Then he tapped the tactical playbook, which he had rolled into a tube, against his palm. “Defense, defense! Everyone focus on the defense!”

After the game started with two consecutive touchdowns by their opponent, the Cleveland Browns were hit with a rude awakening. It was like a sharp blow to the head, and after seeing stars for a moment, they finally started to come to their senses.

Taking the field again, McCoy forced himself to settle his nerves and gradually began to focus.

The Brown Team’s offense was clearly stronger on the ground than in the air. Their three rotating running backs were all quite talented. McCoy effectively utilized the different rhythms and styles of his various running backs, supplementing the run with surprise short passes. He successfully opened up the field, steadily leading the Brown Team past midfield and continuing to advance.

The offense was finally showing some signs of life.

But then…

“Interception!”