Super Bowl Domination

Chapter 1645 Touching the World
The most memorable moment of the entire game occurred at the end of the third quarter.

At that time, the New England Patriots were in dire straits. With the game about to be completely blown out and the fourth quarter turning into garbage time, they were on the brink of elimination. They had to go all out and desperately seek a glimmer of hope before the game was declared over.

Three levels and two codes – this is a three-level conversion that must be completed.

Using a modern outside-based offensive system as cover, the New England Patriots orchestrated a deceptive pass and run, creating an opportunity through a convincing tactical maneuver. Newton then dribbled the ball down the ground, showcasing his peak speed and evoking fond memories of his prime.

"Superman," that was Newton's nickname, because he was invincible! Unbeatable!
However, Newton forgot that this nickname also implied his exceptional physical talent. Once upon a time, he was the pinnacle of physical talent in the league; unfortunately, those days are long gone, and "once upon a time" is a very, very distant past.

The tactics, the timing—everything was perfect.

There was a slight problem with the execution.

Newton started a little slower, his speed didn't fully burst forth, and his steps showed some hesitation as he moved forward.

It's really just a matter of milliseconds of reaction time, but in the ever-changing arena of competitive sports, a tiny difference can lead to a world of difference. Newton ran head-on into Bowen, the Kansas City Chiefs' third-round pick linebacker this year.

Despite being a rookie, Bowen displayed composure and accuracy, executing a tackle flawlessly and successfully disrupting Newton's ball-handling arm with an upward impact.

The ball fell!

Helmet, impact, footsteps, inertia—the combination of force and power completed the job. Bowen diligently performed his ground defense, but he never expected to have an unexpected bonus.

Bowen and Newton both tumbled to the ground, seeing the ball fall almost simultaneously, and in the chaos, they tracked the movement of the rugby ball.

Between lightning and flint!

Bowen and Newton simultaneously tried to stand up using their hands and feet, but everything happened too fast. The two did not have enough time to stand up and ended up tumbling and crawling towards the football like apes.

Bowen burst forth with unstoppable momentum and determination, lunging menacingly at the football, even pushing off with both feet to defy gravity and leaping forward, recklessly charging towards the football—and Newton, who was charging towards it from the side. Just as the collision was about to occur, his burning, menacing aura crashed into Newton.

Newton, terrified, paused, his knees buckled, and his survival instinct pulled him back a small half step. But in the sudden stop and turn, he lost his footing and fell to the ground with a thud, like a delicate white flower, covering his face and "weeping" like a mermaid.

At that moment, the entire Arrowhead Stadium erupted in song, using the classic and legendary melody of "Argentina, Farewell to Me, I Cry," replacing the subject with Newton, and singing with unrestrained passion. The tender and moving singing from the entire stadium was truly spectacular. Recalling the disastrous behavior at Gillette Stadium in the past, and then looking at the considerate gesture from Arrowhead Stadium—

It was so moving that it brought tears to my eyes.

According to Newton, he didn't cry; "I was just protecting myself."

Whether he cried or not is no longer important, because what is truly important is that, in the face of life and death, Newton not only lost the ball but also lost possession, watching helplessly as the football, which was within reach, gave up the fight and surrendered at the last moment, revealing his true nature of being greedy for life and afraid of death.

Can this still be considered Superman?
Not to mention others, even the clever and obedient Bowen looked at Newton with a look of astonishment after he controlled the football, a hint of pity in his eyes.

Not contempt, nor mockery, but pity; Bowen genuinely felt sorry for Newton.
He could only enjoy the glory and couldn't face the challenges. If Newton's career ended there, no one could be blamed, because he ruined it himself.

This scene, broadcast live to audiences across the United States, easily evoked memories of the 50th Super Bowl—this wasn't the first time Newton had deserted his post.

But clearly, Newton remained stubborn, still refused to admit his weakness, still used his injuries and physical condition as defenses, and still believed he was Superman.

Sure enough, all Newton had left was his mouth.

The New England Patriots team before us is no longer the familiar one. They lack the indomitable, tenacious, and resilient spirit of previous years. After falling into difficulties, they have completely lost their fighting spirit and the drive to strike. Newton is not and cannot be the future of the New England Patriots.

Standing on the edge of a cliff, on the brink of life and death, at a moment when they desperately needed to go all out and burn their bridges, the quarterback was sacked, the team was in dire straits, and after losing possession of the ball, the New England Patriots' final counterattack was ended weakly and in vain.

From a certain perspective, it can be said that the New England Patriots ruined their game. Although Billy Cecke was able to turn the tide tactically, the players were unable to execute the tactics, and all the effort the coaching staff put in was ultimately in vain.

However, from another perspective and with an objective analysis, the Kansas City Chiefs' defense deserves much credit. They came prepared and went all out, doing an excellent job, controlling the game from start to finish, and not giving Newton's offense many opportunities. This also gave their own offense room to play freely and perform to its full potential.

During the Brady era, the New England Patriots were indeed able to go toe-to-toe with any offensively strong team, but let's not forget that even during Brady's peak, the New England Patriots' offense never had true dominance. Billychick was a coach whose defense was stronger than his offense.

In the matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the New England Patriots, the focus has always been on the offense, but the key lies in the New England Patriots' defense.

This is also the source of Belichick and the New England Patriots' confidence. Without Brady, they would indeed face all kinds of difficulties, but in the last five years, the New England Patriots have long been accustomed to winning by relying on defense. Brady is just an icing on the cake.

Newton didn't perform well? It doesn't matter.

The real battle for victory lies with the New England Patriots' defense; the key is how to contain the offense of the Mahomes-Levy duo.

The heavy responsibility falls entirely on Gilmore, last season's league's Defensive Player of the Year.

But what about Gilmore?

He was completely invisible, becoming nothing more than a background figure.

Clearly, Bilicek knew his weapon to decide the outcome, and Reed knew it too. Unlike the previous three weeks of competition, Reed changed his strategy—

Frontal breakthrough.

Instead of avoiding the tough defense on Gilmore's side, the Kansas City Chiefs devised a targeted tactic to break through Gilmore's defense from that side.

The one tasked with breaking the deadlock is... Li Wei. Li Wei, who had been relaxed and carefree in the first three matches, has finally shown his true colors.

Silent until the moment of truth, then a stunning performance; the two-time regular season MVP seems to have finally finished warming up and is ready to compete for a three-peat in the new season's MVP race.

(End of this chapter)