Chapter 1401: Chapter 1400: Beyond Redemption
Buzz, buzz, buzz, buzz.
The noise came from the TV, and no one expected the Houston Texans’ first wave of offense to end in such an elusive fashion.
However, without warning, those sounds vanished completely, even the chatter in the San Francisco 49ers’ home team locker room abruptly ceased.
Garoppolo was stunned, pulled himself from his thoughts, and looked at the TV screen, where the live broadcast focused on the Kansas City Chiefs’ sideline.
The man appeared.
Wearing the number twenty-three jersey, he looked relaxed and at ease, chatting jokingly with Mahomes and Kelsey. From his expression, one could tell they were making jokes, while behind them, Hardman and Damien were laughing and falling over each other, showing no sign of tension.
In an instant, countless eyes all followed the live camera’s focus.
Including the Houston Texans’ defensive group.
Garoppolo couldn’t help but break out in a nervous sweat, even more so than the Houston Texans.
Not just Garoppolo, the entire league knew that Li Wei excels at reading the game and seizing opportunities, knowing exactly when to push, when to accelerate. This keen insight made him undoubtedly the second coach on the field at Kansas Chiefs Stadium, able to gain an early advantage.
Now, seeing the Houston Texans hand over the opportunity, Li Wei had no reason to miss it.
The Kansas City Chiefs have already seized fate by the throat, resolutely marching towards the Super Bowl.
No need for bold words, no need for shouting, merely standing there, Li Wei naturally exudes a threat that gradually descends upon the Houston Texans.
Even before stepping on the field, the special duty group remained on the field for a punt, but the pressure weighed heavily on the chest.
For a very, very brief moment, amidst the roaring stadium, a brief silence occurred, as if an invisible spotlight shone on Li Wei.
Then.
"He’s here, he’s there, he’s everywhere, he’s the Edgerunner, Li Wei, Li Wei, Li Wei!"
Arrowhead Stadium erupted with astounding energy, singing full-heartedly and soaring freely, like a midsummer storm instantly drenching the entire stadium.
Not just inside the stadium, even those standing in front of their TVs could feel the overwhelming surge of energy, as if immersed in warm, humid steam, surrounded by the swampy heat, blocking all the pores, gradually enveloping a person entirely, leaving no escape.
Garoppolo tried to swallow a mouthful of saliva, but found his throat parched.
Perhaps the only hope is... JJ-Watt?
Once again, proved, you can always believe in Watt!
At a critical moment, JJ-Watt led by example, stepping forward and singlehandedly awakening the entire defensive group, fiercely countering.
Even with the Houston Texans completely at a disadvantage, even with Watson having three outs in a lackluster fashion, even with Li Wei returning to energize the team, even with all signs pointing to the Kansas City Chiefs controlling the game, Watt continued to fight with absolute determination.
Refusing to surrender, refusing to lay down arms, refusing to give up.
As Watt said, today on this field, no one wants victory more than him.
Impact. Confrontation. Tumble.
Get up, and continue.
Collision. Stalemate. Shatter.
Bruised and battered, yet still enduring the pain, holding breath, continuing to fight relentlessly.
Watt, burning with life.
The Kansas Chiefs Offense felt the relentless pressure, but this scene was not unexpected.
After a solid hit and narrowly avoiding a sack at the last moment, Mahomes used Watt’s right hand to stand up, noticing Watt’s scraped knee, with torn pants exposing the bloody wound, he worriedly called out a reminder to Watt.
Yet, Watt simply waved him off and turned away.
It was Li Wei who intercepted Watt in time, advising him to stop the bleeding, otherwise, the referee might force Watt to leave for treatment, delaying the game.
Only then did Watt jog back to the sidelines where the team doctor hurried to meet him.
Mahomes watched wide-eyed at this scene, then turned to Li Wei to ask, "Is he really okay?"
Li Wei shrugged lightly, looking completely at ease—
He knew Watt wouldn’t give up.
Not just for the sake of victory, but as a spirit, an attitude, a belief; Watt needed to fight to the end with everything he had, unafraid of breaking to pieces, as an answer to himself and Houston Texans fans. He wouldn’t allow himself to slacken, nor would he permit himself to surrender.
The tougher the challenge, the higher the spirits.
Similarly, Li Wei wouldn’t hold back, readying seriously; it was a sign of respect and admiration for Watt, showing his best form.
Facing the Houston Texans’ relentless, impermeable, do-or-die defense, Crennel already completely abandoned all reserve, applying pressure, as their defense charged on more decisively than the offense. In this moment, the Kansas City Chiefs displayed their depth, not just calm but also steady, handling things with strategy, patiently advancing through numerous obstacles.
The key was not an immediate breakthrough, but in strategies like feigning attacks, luring and distracting to disrupt the Houston Texans’ defensive efforts, patiently finding gaps amid the chaos, even if risking the offensive drive breaking down with three outs, they still steadily controlled the pace.
The core lay in the brilliant cooperation between Mahomes and Li Wei—
Reed simply used both Mahomes and Li Wei as running-style quarterbacks, utilizing their dual cooperation to multiply threats, advancing cautiously with thrills, with Li Wei even completing two passes and taking a hit as a quarterback.
Dazzling yet solid.
From the Houston Texans to the Kansas City Chiefs, the offensive tactics since the second half had been somewhat confusing, but the difference was that the Houston Texans were flustered, whereas the Kansas City Chiefs had order within chaos.
Finally, the Kansas City Chiefs pulled off another trick.
Mahomes handed the football to Li Wei, but Li Wei instantly gave it to Damien without hesitation, executing the move subtly. Turning and posing as if preparing to pass while reading the defense, with Watt leading, all defensive players focused on Li Wei, while Damien seized the chaos to break through.
A seventeen-yard rush for the touchdown, the Kansas City Chiefs still broke the stalemate.
Spending eight minutes and seven seconds, ending with a Kansas City Chiefs touchdown.
A bloody clash, the Houston Texans squandered their chance with three outs, while the Kansas City Chiefs broke through with dazzling changes to score a touchdown. Following the tense stand-off of the second quarter, for the third consecutive time, the outcome of offensive and defensive struggles ended with the Kansas City Chiefs narrowly triumphing, widening the score and momentum gaps.
It was clear to see, the Houston Texans had no way of reversing the situation.
"13:35".
The stark and dramatic gap lay right before them, shocking and striking.
Garoppolo closed his eyes in frustration; he anticipated the result but not the process. Watson and the Houston Texans ultimately failed to make a substantial impact, and in his view, this game was already without suspense.
So, was the heavy task of defeating Li Wei ultimately falling on his shoulders?