Chapter 883: 882 United as One
Kpassagnon reminded himself.
Kpassagnon had been trying his best to keep up with the rhythm, but obviously, this was no easy task.
Even though this wasn’t his first time rotating in for Houston, nor his first time experiencing such a moment in the American League finals overtime, every situation was different, and it always took some time to adapt.
What’s more, the Los Angeles Rams’ offensive group was making things even more difficult.
Kpassagnon knew he couldn’t rush; the more he rushed, the more mistakes he’d make. The only thing he could do was remind himself to stay focused and observe the game as a whole.
Like a quarterback, linebackers also needed to clearly understand their position on the field and the situations they faced, or the outcome would look pretty ugly.
At the snap, Kpassagnon hesitated slightly, feinting as if to prepare for pass coverage, fooling the offensive lineman in front of him, but then quickly accelerated, slipping sideways through the gap between the offensive line and defensive line standoff —
Because Kpassagnon, born as a defensive end, was even more robust and powerful than Watt: 6’6″ (201 cm), 289 lbs (131 kg). After being selected by the Kansas City Chiefs at pick No. 59 in the second round last season, Reed saw his versatility. Learning that he had even played tight end in college, Reed converted him into a linebacker.
That sounded like something out of a fantasy, but in fact, after two seasons of training, Kpassagnon was beginning to truly shine in his linebacker role.
At this moment, Kpassagnon’s movements were slightly clumsy and sluggish. “Slithering through a gap” wasn’t something just anyone could pull off.
However, Kpassagnon fully utilized his strength and size advantage, forcefully squeezing through as if he were a giant enveloping Goff.
It seemed too late now for a sack. As Goff prepared to throw, Kpassagnon reflexively raised his hands, ready to block the pass.
With his height and arm length, Kpassagnon resembled a massive ape, entirely blocking Goff’s view.
The 6’3″ (191 cm) Goff had a slender build, but at this moment, standing a mere 3 yards away from Kpassagnon, it felt as though he were facing the Himalayas—lofty and imposing.
A pause, a swallow, his heart tightening.
But Goff had no time to hesitate. With Jones right on top of him, unable to adjust, Goff swung his arm and forced the pass—
The football arced high, barely clearing Kpassagnon’s fingertips. But what about the downward trajectory?
Evidently, to avoid the “mountain” and complete the throw, Goff had to throw with a high parabola. Yet, without a clear passing vision, afraid to risk a long pass, the football was ultimately aimed at the mid-range area. The arc stretched out, and the air time lengthened, drawing everyone’s attention in the stadium.
For a moment, the atmosphere was electrified.
Goff’s target was clear: Cooks.
In the most difficult, dangerous, and rushed moments, Goff’s mind always defaulted to the receiver he trusted the most.
In a flash, a sea of white defensive jerseys surged toward Cooks.
Linebacker Ford, Cornerback Fowler, Cornerback Ward, Safety Murray.
From all directions, they swarmed in unison.
Fowler, already matched up against Cooks, immediately stepped closer to him, quick on his feet as he positioned himself in front of Cooks, getting even closer to the football’s landing spot. Cooks, however, immediately fought to reclaim his position, the two of them jostling shoulder to shoulder without giving an inch.
Fowler, lacking the upper hand.
Cooks, a smaller wide receiver, had a height and size disadvantage compared to Fowler. Yet, Cooks made full use of his strengths, weaving with agility and slipperiness, impossible to pin down.
Though Fowler wasn’t a large cornerback, in contrast to Cooks, he now appeared sluggish and clumsy. Cooks looked ready to break free.
In a critical moment, Fowler forcefully used his shoulder to block, shoving Cooks outward in an attempt to push him off the route.
But unexpectedly, Cooks bent his knees, slipped under Fowler’s arm, and quickly rebounded using his straightened knees, springing upward like a coiled spring.
Cooks and the football, like Michelangelo’s “The Creation of Adam,” surged closer together. But unlike that legendary separation, here, Cooks and the football seemed destined to unite, an electrical current pulling them together.
At that moment, a figure soared through the air—a streak across the galaxy, tearing apart the destined meeting.
Linebacker Ford, who had temporarily taken over defensive playcalling duties after Houston’s exit, was now focused with absolute precision.
A series of actions, agile in their stopping and turning, his light-footed movements executed with full concentration as his eyes remained locked on the football.
Leaning back, stretching, his body and arm at full extension, reaching backward to intercept between the football and Cooks.
But it wasn’t enough—the arc of Goff’s pass exceeded expectations.
Ford immediately realized he couldn’t snatch the ball with a single hand; he couldn’t control the football.
Unhesitating, undeterred, Ford extended his fingers into the ball’s descent, giving it a subtle tap.
He could feel the texture of the football’s leather against his fingertips, unable to grasp it. He gave it his all, just one subtle tap.
The ball’s flight trajectory altered, escaping Cooks’ reach and veering laterally, holding the entire stadium’s collective breath.
Then, a shadow dove headlong to seize the ball midair.
The entire stadium fell silent.
Charvarius Ward, this year’s undrafted rookie, subbing in during the second half of the Super Bowl—a relative unknown with barely any scouting notes. But given the abysmal state of the Kansas City Chiefs’ secondary defense, his substitution hardly raised eyebrows.
And now, this overlooked rookie burst forth from the cracks—
A diving motion, akin to a baseball slide, sliding forward with determination.
Positioning himself where the football was falling, he extended both arms, cradling the ball in his grasp.
Then, holding on tightly, using every ounce of his strength.
Nantz roared, slamming the table as headphones and equipment clattered to the ground. But he ignored the chaos, grabbing his mic and unleashing a flood of words.
“The Kansas City Chiefs Defense delivers yet another textbook display of teamwork.”
“Jones’ blitz, Kpassagnon’s disruption—piling unthinkable pressure on Goff.”
“Fowler’s close coverage, Ford’s leaping deflection, and Ward’s diving snatch—all seamlessly shutting down Cooks.”
“And that’s not all.”
“From the pressure from the defensive line to the safeties and cornerbacks locking down the short pass options, layer upon layer of pressure crushed the opposition.”
“In the end, it was teamwork that allowed the Kansas City Chiefs Defense to secure this interception together.”
“Unbelievable, oh God, this—this is undoubtedly the triumph of teamwork!”
Nantz’s voice was a roar.
Hoarse, passionate, electrifying.
“Interception! This is an interception! The Kansas City Chiefs Defense has intercepted Goff’s passing attempt!”
Blood boiled, excitement overflowed.