American Football: Domination

Belichick, truly Belichick.

Just when everyone was focused on clock management and securing victory, Belichick broke convention, capitalizing on the Kansas City Chiefs' all-out, desperate gamble.

Facing a second-and-fifteen, the New England Patriots unexpectedly unleashed an explosive play—an incredibly rare deep pass in this game.

And Belichick had it all planned out, ensuring Brady wouldn't suffer another sack—

A running back and a wide receiver both dropped back, acting as the sixth and seventh offensive linemen, forming a solid wall of protection.

Finally, after a season of ups and downs, the offensive line felt the weight of Brady's demonic glare and delivered a convincing performance.

Roll!

With sheer numbers, the Patriots held firm against the Chiefs' aggressive blitz, both sides throwing everything they had into the trenches.

At least the Patriots could afford to gamble.

Because they had Gronkowski.

Even though they sacrificed a receiver to reinforce the pocket, leaving only three passing targets, among them were Amendola—and the unstoppable Gronkowski.

The pressure now fell entirely on the Chiefs.

Lance failed to anticipate the Patriots' play call this time. He had stepped up to assist with the pass rush but quickly sensed trouble. One look at the extra blockers in the pocket set off alarm bells.

Second effort.

While tracking Brady's footwork, he also searched for Gronkowski.

But Gronkowski's talent lay in making contested catches—even against double or triple coverage, he remained a threat.

If they focused too much on Gronkowski, Brady could simply throw to Amendola.

If they didn't, no one felt confident going one-on-one with Gronkowski.

At this moment, however, Lance had no time for such considerations—

Found him!

Gronkowski's towering frame was already hard to miss, and with the Chiefs' secondary stretched thin, he stood out even more.

Step, step, step.

Lance spotted safety Murray immediately.

Eric Murray, forced into the starting role after Berry's season-ending injury, had been part of a rotating safety unit as Andy Reid searched for the best fit.

Unfortunately, there was only one Berry.

Even deep into the playoffs, no one had permanently claimed the vacant starting spot.

That alone showed Murray wasn't an elite player.

And now, he had to cover Gronkowski—someone who often required multiple defenders just to slow him down.

Lance didn't feel confident either, but if he and Murray worked together, there might be a glimmer of hope.

The problem?

Lance hadn't been with the team long, and his chemistry with the secondary was minimal. Forget seamless communication—executing a basic tactical adjustment would be a challenge.

What now?

No time to hesitate. Even if it was risky, he had no choice but to commit.

Lance relied on experience, glancing up to track the ball's trajectory—

It was descending past midfield.

A 45 to 50-yard deep throw.

This wasn't Brady's comfort zone.

In Brady's arsenal, deep balls weren't his strongest weapon. He could throw them, but his accuracy and consistency were slightly below his usual standards. Of course, "slightly below" was relative—his deep throws were still formidable.

Beyond 40 yards, the ball's rotation and trajectory became unstable, often requiring adjustments from the receiver—an extra test of skill.

That's why Brady preferred throwing long to familiar targets.

Like now—Gronkowski.

Lance made a split-second decision, signaling Murray with his right hand to stay on Gronkowski.

Did Murray see it? Did he understand?

No time to worry about that.

Advance. Keep advancing.

Then—cut across.

—

Meanwhile, Murray closed in on Gronkowski. He knew he couldn't win a physical battle, but he had to give it everything he had.

Wait, Lance?

What did that signal mean?

Murray wasn't sure. There was no time to analyze it. He only knew one thing—Lance was helping him.

A slight sense of relief.

Murray glanced up at the ball's trajectory.

Here it comes.

He leaned into Gronkowski, preventing him from fully turning toward the ball. But Gronkowski, like a massive whale breaching the surface, powered through and completed his turn, his raw strength on full display.

Now, both players were positioned with their backs to the end zone, eyes locked on the incoming pass. Gronkowski was ready to make the catch.

Gritting his teeth, Murray refused to give up.

He threw his full weight into Gronkowski, pressing against his right shoulder, trying to disrupt his balance.

Crash. Push. Squeeze.

Like an ant trying to move a tree—Murray now understood exactly what that felt like.

But then—

A white jersey suddenly cut across in front of them.

Lance.

With a running start, he leaped into the air.

His entire body extended to the limit, arms stretched, fingers reaching as far as possible. Facing skyward, he arched backward like a whale leaping from the ocean.

Powerful. Graceful.

His right hand—right in the ball's path.

Interception?

No—just short.

Lance's fingertips grazed the ball—

Brush.

A nudge. A deflection.

His strength gave out.

Gravity took over.

As he plummeted, he saw the ball spinning, the arc shifting ever so slightly—just enough.

Lance saw it.

Murray and Gronkowski saw it too.

Time froze.

Then—

Murray planted his foot, lunged, and hit Gronkowski with everything he had.

The force pressed against Gronkowski's right shoulder, locking down his arm and chest.

It all happened in a fraction of a second.

Gronkowski watched helplessly as the ball skimmed off his fingertips—

Damn it!

"Incomplete pass!"

"Oh my God! The Patriots' unexpected deep shot falls incomplete! Lance and Murray team up to deny Gronkowski the game-winning catch, giving the Chiefs a glimmer of hope!"

"The Chiefs' defense has shown unbelievable resilience in the final minutes of the fourth quarter, suffocating the reigning champions!"

"Third-and-thirteen! The Patriots now face a tough third-down conversion, and the Chiefs are still breathing on the edge of the cliff!"

"What a play! What a defensive stand! Applause for the entire Chiefs defense—they refused to back down!"

"Unbelievable!"

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Powerstones?

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