The nightmare, it returned again.
A familiar sense of déjà vu firmly grasped his heart, leaving him breathless.
Reed bent his knees slightly to adjust, trying to alleviate the burning sensation in his heart.
It wasn't that he didn't trust the running back, but he was inherently inclined to pass, especially since Smith was on fire today, with a passing success rate of 80%, making the whole passing offense very smooth and outstanding—
In three quarters, Smith had already scored three passing touchdowns, a performance that couldn't be anything but outstanding.
Yet, the Kansas City Chiefs were still behind.
Not only was it the nightmare of facing the New England Patriots awakening in his mind, but also the nightmare of key moments in important games over the last three seasons was reviving; Reed hadn't realized that his memory could be so clear.
So, should he change the strategy? And how should he adjust the direction?
Actually, the answer had always been there; since Jamaal Charles was ruled out for the season last year, everyone said the Kansas Chiefs were crazy at the draft, choosing two running backs madly, but Reed knew this was the key puzzle piece the team needed.
Perhaps it was time now.
In the first three quarters, one reason was Smith's great form, and the other was not wanting to put too much responsibility on the rookie running back, but now there was no time to hesitate.
It must be done. Immediately.
The outcome might be success or failure, but at least he should start trying now, otherwise, it would be too late to try during the playoffs.
His gaze moved forward, falling on the players, where he could easily spot Li Wei, focused and calm—
Imagine, stepping onto the NFL field for the first time in his career and completing a ninety-one-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, becoming the first hot topic of the new season, only to turn around and work behind the scenes, quietly stepping out of the spotlight.
Another player might not be angry but could hardly avoid feeling disappointed.
Always focused, always engaged, diligently fulfilling tactical tasks; today, one major reason for Smith's pass accuracy was Li Wei's outstanding performance as a decoy, effectively drawing the Defensive group's attention. It was apparent that Belichick was also focusing on Li Wei.
Standing in the spotlight, seizing the opportunity; stepping out of the spotlight, willingly playing a supporting role.
Everything was just like the temperament displayed in the final winning touchdown of the nationwide championship.
This was a true leader.
Who knows, it might indeed become a defining footnote for this game.
Thinking this, Reed picked up the tactical board, covering his mouth as he issued the tactical instructions.
On the field, Smith received the instructions through his headset, his expression composed.
Smith had always been a diligent team player, despite being a top draft pick, whether previously with the San Francisco 49ers or now with the Kansas City Chiefs, he never displayed the arrogance of a favored child.
Some said he lacked a regal aura, too mediocre; but others called it team spirit, exactly the kind of cooperation Football requires.
Immediately, Smith relayed the tactics.
Then, Smith glanced at Li Wei, and Li Wei calmly returned the look.
A single exchange of glances was enough.
Smith clenched his fist tightly, "The battle, it's just beginning."
In the fourth quarter, the Kansas City Chiefs' first offensive drive began with first and ten.
After the huddle, the Kansas Chiefs Offense lined up at the twenty-five-yard line.
A huddle is when players gather to discuss tactics.
In the NCAA, it's less common, but in the NFL, a huddle is almost mandatory before each offensive play, serving as the starting point for tactical layout and coordination.
Sometimes, teams opt for a "no-huddle offense", where the coaching staff hands over the decision-making power to the quarterback to save time and increase the pace of the offense.
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Manning was indisputably the master of the no-huddle offense, with the 2013 Denver Broncos' offense being unstoppable, flowing like mercury.
However, the no-huddle offense is not a tactic just anyone can master. Without careful attention, it could be a complete disaster.
Now, with the huddle over, every offensive player knew their role, fitting together like puzzle pieces in different positions to form the entire offensive formation, attempting to break through the defense.
Li Wei was no exception.
Standing behind Smith, still in the plain pistol formation, but now he was observing, taking in the alignment of both the offense and the defense—
The offense was making its move, and the defense was responding in kind.
Belichick knew that Smith's long pass was a weakness, so he kept a safety at the back, with other players generally pressing forward to densely block the short pass area.
Furthermore, the Kansas City Chiefs' pass targets were relatively concentrated, with wide receiver Hill and tight end Kelsey handling most of the receptions, which had led the New England Patriots to employ man-to-man defense strategies in the short-pass areas, attempting to lock down Hill and Kelsey individually.
But as of now, it was only moderately effective. Smith's short passing skills were very solid, always managing to find passing routes through the tight defense, then relying on the individual abilities of Hill and Kelsey for receptions.
Since the third quarter, Belichick had increased the frequency of pass rushes and also started zone defenses among other players in the short-pass area—
While continuing to man-mark Hill and Kelsey, other areas were covered by zone defense.
This way, as soon as Hill or Kelsey caught the ball, the defensive group quickly followed up, forming a double or even triple-team attack, but this tactic was more complex and varied, intensively escalating the conflict between offense and defense.
So, what about the ground game?
How should the running back create opportunities?
Li Wei was observing, thinking, and judging, his focus intensely concentrated, even able to clearly hear every collision and surge of the disruptive noise created by Gillette Stadium on his eardrums.
Smith's snap cut through the sky, instantly igniting the clash.
The collision of helmets erupted with a series of sounds, mingled with coarse breaths burning through the air.
Li Wei took quick, short steps forward, peripherally seeing Smith's passing motion—
A fake pass turned into a real run.
Smith feinted a throw toward tight end Kelsey at a diagonal in front, the movement so deceptive, paired with his high passing success rate today, it immediately put the opposing defense on high alert.
Instantly, one could see a blue wave surging fiercely towards Kelsey's position.
However, Smith paused his motion, gathered back, and tossed a light pass to Li Wei on the left parallel position, switching tactics in the blink of an eye.
The defensive group barely had time to respond.
Li Wei secured the football, but instead of recklessly moving forward, he simply watched the defensive end, who was pressing from the left, nearly at the point of contesting the front line.
Clearly, Belichick was also applying pressure, attempting to disrupt Smith's rhythm.
The defensive end was very focused, his gaze shifting from Smith to Li Wei immediately, his footsteps flicking outward as he broke away from the offensive tackle opposing him, stretching his arms and diving towards Li Wei.
Li Wei: Here it comes.