In America, the winner takes all.

Chapter 326 The Battle of the Gods

As the third quarter ended, the players from the two teams walked off the field. On the Broncos' side, head coach Mike Shanahan high-fived the players one by one. John Elway took off his helmet with an implicit smile on his face. Smiling, the reaction of other players was much greater. They hugged each other enthusiastically, laughed heartily, and talked about where they should go to celebrate tonight. This is not the halftime champagne. The current score on the field is equivalent to the Denver Broncos having already won half the game. The trophy is in the pocket.

Even the commentators called the remainder of the game the "Cowboys' Game of Honor."

"The Denver Broncos are now infinitely close to defending their title. This is a memorable day for the Denver Broncos, for head coach Mike Shanahan, and for quarterback John Elway, who has twice stood in the Super Bowl. In the game, he lost twice. Compared to Stephen Young and Troy Aikman, his career was called a "loser" at that time, but now, John Elway is the real Winner."

"Years from now, when the world talks about tonight's game again, people will say that John Elway is one of the greatest quarterbacks in the NFL."

"And his opponent today, young Ethan O'Connor. Although he lost the game, he did his best. As a young man, he still has more to go, and he has to be like the Broncos Like my predecessors, I will taste the taste of failure and work hard to make myself stronger. I sincerely hope that Ethan can have a better future. The Cowboys are an excellent club that can carry Ethan's career. Old Jones will Give him enough help..." Madden said as he couldn't help but bring the topic to Ethan. This season he was assigned to commentate on most of the Cowboys' games. He also commented on Ethan's college games earlier. It can be said that I have witnessed Ethan’s growth all the way.

At this moment, he was like a gentle elder. There was no doubt in his words, but more encouragement. In fact, even if Ethan does not win the Super Bowl championship, he can still refresh history.

Maddon has almost explained the "arrangement" after the game. John Elway finally ascended to the throne at the end of his career. Ethan, as the leader of the next era, quickly recovered after a short setback and headed towards the No. 1 title next year. A Super Bowl trophy launched the effort.

This is what the veteran John Elway wants to see, and even what the league and broadcasters want to see.

But everyone ignored one most basic fact.

Ethan is not one to give up easily.

From the moment he first joined the high school team, to this moment when the Cowboys are almost certain to lose the game, and to the foreseeable future, Ethan is not a person who gives up easily.

At this time, Ethan and his teammates walked off the field.

He saw that the situation of the Cowboys was exactly the same as that of the Broncos. Head coach Dave Campo was shaking hands and hugging all the players on the field.

At this time, Dave Campo had already walked to Ethan's side. He took the initiative to hug Ethan and patted Ethan on the back.

"Young man, thank you for your performance. No matter where you are in the future, I will never forget the days of working with you in the past six months. I hope the same for you. I wish you can achieve better results in other teams." Dai. Fcampo said heartily.

After Dave Campo, there was Emmitt Smith. He followed Dave Campo and came to Ethan and hugged Ethan tightly.

"Wait..." Ethan seemed to have something to say, but was interrupted by Emmitt Smith.

"I know failure is not a pleasant feeling, but we need to accept it, remember today, and wash away today's mistakes in the future."

Then Larry Allen, Nate Newton, a pair of quarterback bodyguards.

"Wait a minute..." Ethan was serious this time, but the two of them still didn't give Ethan a chance to speak.

"Ethan, don't think about those messy things. You are the best quarterback this year. John Elway only got just over 3000 yards in his rookie season."

"Look at this year's No. 1 pick. He has been so thrown by you that he can't even see the taillights of his car."

The two people said one after another, they were comforting Ethan in this way.

Next is the team's backup wide receiver, Patrick.

"Forgive me Ethan, I failed to catch your pass at the most critical moment. No matter what happens in the future, you will always be my role model." When Patrick, the white receiver, looked at Ethan, his eyes Have become strong enough.

This time, Ethan stopped other teammates who wanted to hug and comfort him.

"Have you finished talking? Now it's my turn to say a few words." Ethan glanced at his teammates one by one.

The teammates thought Ethan was going to make some concluding remarks, but unexpectedly, Ethan changed the subject and talked about his college days.

"I graduated from the University of Alabama, which has a long history of football, but when I came to the University of Alabama, the team's performance was not very good. In a sense, it was just like the current Cowboys, in a new era. It’s a rebuilding period, but... I never let any champion fall by the wayside, even in the most difficult times.”

"At this moment, I think of what the head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide said at the time. It was a female team leader who usually did trivial things, passing towels and the like, but she saved the Crimson Tide and won the championship against the University of Florida. At halftime, when even I thought we were going to lose this game, she talked about the old Crimson Tide spirit of never giving up, never giving up."

"In the end we won that game and won the Southeastern Conference championship."

"This is what I want to say now, never give up, never admit defeat. No one can really defeat us, whether it is the BHHS Normans, the Alabama Crimson Tide, or the Dallas Cowboys today, including Any team I play for in the future will have the same result, no one can beat us."

Ethan spoke very quickly, but seemed extremely firm.

There is a spiritual attribute in his tone that only a team leader can possess.

The playful smiles on everyone's faces had disappeared at this time...

"So, do you feel it? Let's talk about how to turn defeat into victory now." Ethan nodded.

Just as he was about to talk about tactics in the fourth quarter, someone burst into laughter the next second, and then everyone started laughing.

The so-called facial tension is actually just suppressing a smile.

"Sorry, Ethan, I shouldn't have laughed at this time." Emmitt Smith apologized.

"I have to admit that your speech was indeed very contagious, but...it's over Ethan, we are a full 24 points behind." Dave Campo shook his head.

"Even if the Broncos do nothing, they just need to use the winning formation to delay time, and they can win the game." Dave Campo then added.

It's not wrong to say that. If the Cowboys want to turn defeat into a victory, they must score at least four touchdowns, and this will give the Broncos multiple offensive opportunities. The Broncos only need to hold the ball and wait for the third gear to pass. , and then punted, even so the Cowboys couldn't score four touchdowns.

In sports, there is such a thing as "theoretically possible."

When multiple low-probability events are superimposed, the final result is actually impossible.

"But will the Broncos really do this?" Ethan asked.

Dave Campo was silent this time.

"Can't we even get a touchdown?" Ethan looked at Emmitt Smith at this time.

"Of course, but then..." Emmett said hesitantly.

"Don't think about what's going to happen next, just make every attack right now." Ethan said.

Asking himself, Ethan certainly knew that this was an extremely unlikely event. In fact, this was more difficult than the comeback in a game with the largest point difference in his memory.

Tom Brady's shocking comeback in the Super Bowl, the score gap once reached 27-3, which was also 24 points behind. However, the score has been chasing back since the third quarter of that game, and he only has one pitiful quarter now.

But no matter what, even if there is a 1% chance, Ethan will go all out.

"Ethan...the Broncos are stronger than we thought." Patrick whispered.

Ethan looked at him and asked, "How many times in your life do you have the opportunity to stand in the Super Bowl?"

This sentence is like a heavy hammer, hitting the players' hearts.

Now no one dared to question it.

"Dave..." Ethan finally looked at the head coach.

"You're really a lunatic!" Dave laughed helplessly.

"Where's the offensive coach?!" He turned around and called offensive coach Hudson Hawke over...

·

"We see the Cowboys and Broncos back on the field, now heading into the final quarter of the Super Bowl, and the Cowboys from Dallas were at a huge disadvantage in the previous game. The current score is 30-6, The Cowboys lead off the offense...wait a minute, we see Ethan O'Connor at returner position..."

Madden's voice came from the TV.

However, Lisa and Susan were not focusing on the competition at this time. They were still discussing where to have a good meal tonight.

The next second, Mia suddenly raised her hand and pushed Lisa twice.

"Look!" Mia's eyes widened and her eyes were firmly fixed on the back of the figure with the name "Ethan" written on it as he walked onto the court.

"Mia..." Lisa called in a low voice.

Seeing Mia's stubborn expression, Lisa and Susan didn't know what to say. All I can do is be patient and continue watching.

As the Broncos' punter kicked the ball out, Ethan, who was left behind, jumped high into the air and deftly caught the ball, then started running wildly.

At this time, the players at the front of the Cowboys' special teams team held each other's arms tightly around their teammates, and several players were connected to each other, forming a barrier. This barrier kept moving forward, opening up valuable buffer space for Ethan.

The Broncos' special teams members who came out from both sides were also nimbly dodged by Ethan and quickly crossed the 40-yard line.

But the Cowboys' wall could not stop the Broncos' continuous impact. Soon Ethan heard a scream. The teammates on the edge of the wall fell to the ground in pain. They were obviously injured. The remaining four teammates It was also quickly washed away.

Even so, the teammates who were about to fall to the ground pressed against the Broncos players and provided Ethan with cover as much as possible.

With the help of his teammates, Ethan was able to successfully pass the 45-yard line. At this time, there are no teammates in front of him to provide assistance, and Ethan is surrounded by enemies.

Ethan quickly used a fake move to dodge the first opponent, but the second and third opponent had already entangled Ethan again.

Ethan immediately felt a huge force coming from his body. The average weight of these special team members was more than 265 pounds. The force of several people pressing up was far beyond what a human could bear. But with a roar, Ethan abruptly jumped from several people. He broke free from the squeeze, and then Ethan collided hard with another Broncos player.

A sharp pain came from his calf, and the skin on his back seemed to be torn apart. The violent impact made his head buzz... Ethan knew that he had encountered a "black hand" again. In close contact, these things were insignificant. avoid.

But it cannot be denied that the Broncos players became more violent than ever in order to cause more damage to Ethan.

In the end, Ethan almost limped across the 50-yard line. In the footage, people saw that Ethan's running movements were deformed, but he still tried his best to control himself and prevent himself from falling.

At the last moment, like a big truck driving violently, a Broncos player rushed towards Ethan with a shovel that would definitely get a red card in football. Ethan used his last will to jump to avoid it, but his body was still uncontrollable. Falling heavily to the ground.

The on-site radio equipment accurately transmitted the clicking sound of Ethan's protective gear hitting the ground to the live broadcast signal.

This made Mia's heart twitch.

In the camera, Ethan clutched his leg in pain and screamed in despair.

The team doctor immediately rushed onto the field, and his teammates began to kneel on one knee and pray for Ethan.

Not only the players, but also many spectators at the scene began to pray.

"This lunatic, is he desperate for his life?!" Mia's voice was trembling, her eyes were moist, and she mainly felt sorry for Ethan.

"Ethan O'Connor showed his tenacity and willpower that everyone is in awe of, and fought until the last second! Let us applaud him and pray for him..." Madden couldn't help but say, and his expression was somewhat unbearable at this time. .

Fortunately, Ethan was not seriously injured in the end and moved his body a little. Although his movements were a little unsmooth, he still gave Dave a thumbs up, indicating that he could continue to stay on the court.

There is a rule in the NFL that regardless of whether the players indicate that they are fine or not, they must leave the field to receive medical assistance at the necessary moment. I wonder if the referee on duty was infected by Ethan's amazing willpower and did not take the initiative to let the rescue vehicle arrive at this time. .

Ethan was also able to stay on the field.

"Ethan, that's enough, you need to receive treatment now." Emmitt Smith said worriedly.

Ethan shook his head, indicating that he was fine.

"Next, we will continue to implement running tactics." Ethan whispered.

Before taking the field, the coaching staff discussed and felt that the Cowboys' running tactics would be more likely to score a touchdown.

"But..." Emmitt Smith wanted to say something else.

"I'm fine." Ethan forced a smile.

In fact, his condition was not good at all. He felt a continuous buzzing in his ears.

Apparently, this is a symptom of a concussion.

It's just that the current Cowboys can no longer afford to leave the game.

"The 54-yard line of scrimmage is a very favorable situation for the Cowboys. This is almost double the distance compared to the previous returns in this game. Ethan successfully used his ability to run the ball. Use it in counterattack!"

The game resumed and on the first offense, after receiving a pass from the center, Ethan handed the ball to Emmitt Smith, who maintained a stable performance and gained 7 yards for the Cowboys. In the second attack, Ethan used a short pass to get a new offensive opportunity.

At this time, it was only 35 yards away from the Broncos' end zone.

On the new offense, Ethan handed the ball to Emmett again. This time the Broncos strengthened their run defense, and Emmett only gained one yard.

In the second attack, Ethan still handed the ball to Emmett. After handing the ball over, Ethan immediately started running in the other direction. Darryl was on the same side as Ethan at this time.

Just like before, Emmett was immediately double-teamed by many people, but instead of making any further breakthroughs, Emmett directly passed the ball back to Ethan.

The only linebacker on this side was knocked away by Daryl. There was a clear road in front of Ethan. After getting the ball, he started to accelerate with all his strength.

Change of direction, emergency stop, fake movements, deft escape, excellent straight-line acceleration ability, and powerful impact!

This is Ethan's signature ball-running move.

One, two, three.

Ethan was like a shark swimming in the deep sea, breaking through the blocks of multiple Broncos players.

The Cowboys fans at the scene also went crazy as Ethan ran wildly!

Seeing Ethan complete a series of passes, the safety guard at the defensive end could no longer bear it and used the same type of flying defense that the special team members used just now.

Just as he was about to block Ethan from the area, he saw Ethan's low body, a deft roll, and directly backhanded the ball into the area.

Although several Broncos defenders suppressed Ethan in the next second, it did not change the fact that Ethan had already scored a touchdown.

"Touchdown! In a 34-yard long run, Ethan, the blue lightning horse, rushed into the zone and fought against the entire Broncos defensive chain with one person. He succeeded! This is Ethan. Although the Cowboys won Hopeless, but Ethan proved with his performance that he is not even one point worse than John Elway.”

After Ethan completed this extremely beautiful touchdown, the fans in the audience applauded Ethan. All the members of the Broncos offensive team on the sidelines, including John Elway, couldn't help but applaud Ethan. Express admiration for Ethan's fighting spirit and ability.

At this time, everyone just regarded this as Ethan's "performance" to save face, and it had nothing to do with victory or defeat.

Ethan and the offensive team members immediately returned to the field. The team doctors surrounded Ethan and checked his legs. It was not until this inspection that Ethan's legs and ankles were bruised to varying degrees. Bruises and even blood oozing out.

Ethan didn't care to check himself. He sat in a chair and asked the defense to pay attention to the Broncos running the ball.

Eason knew the Broncos were going to run the ball on offense, and it was John Elway who ran the ball himself.

This is a good opportunity for the Cowboys to come back.

"The reason is simple. John Elway has a competitive spirit that is incomparable to ordinary people. Whether it is passing the ball or the Broncos using our tactics, John Elway has been sending a signal to everyone, I can do it, He can do it too, so after I run the ball for a touchdown, he will try something similar." Ethan said his reasoning.

"You think of John Elway too simply. He chooses tactics based on only one basis, and that is the ease of scoring." Dave Campo shook his head and disagreed with Ethan's statement.

"Really? Although I haven't had much communication with him, as a quarterback, I can understand his heart." Ethan said calmly.

After the Cowboys scored a touchdown, the Broncos also started a new round of offense.

Facts have proved that Ethan seems to be wrong. The scene he expected of John Elway running the ball in person did not appear at all. The Broncos offensive team adhered to the tactics before this game, passing the ball steadily and not seeking offense. The effect, depending on the number of offenses, is to erode the Cowboys' "territory" bit by bit and keep getting closer to the formation.

It took twelve plays to get the Broncos to the 27-yard line.

Ethan looked at the time and saw that it was already halfway through the fourth quarter.

Time is running out for the Cowboys.

"Keep an eye on Rod Smith!" Dave Campo arranged the tactics in real time through the radio device, reminding the cornerback to pay attention to the Broncos' wide receivers.

In the Broncos' two scoring attempts, John Elway passed the ball to Rod Smith, a wide receiver who has performed exceptionally well this year. The cornerback successfully completed the first pass, and the second was even more thrilling. The cornerback nearly intercepted John Elway's pass.

Even the commentator Madden broke into a cold sweat.

"If this ball is intercepted... the Cowboys will further narrow the score gap. Although there is not much time left, don't forget that the game is not over yet. If the Broncos do not score a point in the fourth quarter, maybe The game will be dragged into overtime by the Cowboys..."

John Elway stood behind the center, and the relief on his face had disappeared. He gradually felt that, including the defensive team, the Cowboys had made some changes in the fourth quarter. They should not have been so desperate at this time.

Are you still thinking about winning the game?

John Elway turned his head and looked at the young figure sitting on the sidelines receiving simple treatment.

Stop dreaming! John Elway thought to himself, and then heard coach Mike Shanahan's voice from the headset:

"Pass to the tight end!"

"Yeah," John Elway responded.

Before the start of the third attack, Ethan ignored the treatment and jumped to Dave Campo's side. He directly picked up his earphones and used the radio to give orders to the players on the field.

"Give the Broncos room to run the ball. Dexter (the linebacker) stays put after the kickoff and waits. The prey is about to get into the pocket. The rest depends on how fast you can run!" Ethan road.

Dave Campo was robbed of the radio at the critical moment and looked at Ethan with some annoyance.

But seeing Ethan’s playful smile, it was hard to say anything.

Forget it, it was a game that was meant to be lost, so just let him mess around.

Dave then asked several defenders to follow Ethan's lead.

When the game resumed, John Elway, who received a pass from the center, was about to raise his hand when he suddenly saw that the defensive end and linebackers did not rush forward. The tight end and wide receiver were closely surrounded. There is a lot of space in front of him.

Wouldn't this be a great opportunity to run the ball?

Ethan can do it, why can’t I do it!

The rapid changes on the field, coupled with John Elway's character of never admitting defeat, the combination of various factors led him to make the decision to change the coach's tactics.

And his choice has been perfectly predicted by Ethan.

John Elway immediately put down the arm he was about to raise, hugged the football and started running the ball, quickly crossing the line of scrimmage.

It's just running, it's not difficult, isn't it? John Elway thought.

Little did he know that at the age of thirty-eight, his running movements were so slow and funny.

"Where are you going, little pony?" A low hoarse voice suddenly appeared next to John Elway, which sounded like a devil's call at the moment.

Why are you here?

Only then did John Elway realize that the center linebacker hadn't moved at all. He was just standing behind the forward, hesitating to be blocked by the tall center. John Elway didn't even notice that he was standing there.

The situation was urgent, and John Elway began to run to the other side, obviously trying to replicate Ethan's previous flexible escape, but his speed made the middle linebacker look like an old woman crossing the road with a cane.

Dexter grabbed the football directly from John Elway's hands and started to attack back without saying a word.

"Shit!!!!" the Broncos' head coach yelled angrily on the sidelines!

Why a temporary change in tactics?

Not far away, the tall linebacker had returned to midfield.

"God!" Dave Campo looked at Ethan next to him with an expression that looked like an alien. Unexpectedly, he was really fooled by this kid.

Although the middle linebacker failed to directly score a touchdown in the end, his interception gave the Cowboys one more offensive opportunity.

At this time, there were only five minutes left in the game, but the score difference was still 17 points.

Looking at the disgraced quarterback John, the head coach suppressed the anger in his heart and began to arrange the defense.

Ethan ignored his injury at this time and led his teammates on the offensive team back to the field again.

Before appearing on the stage, Ethan took a special look at Emmett.

The other party nodded, indicating that he was ready.

In the first attack, after receiving the ball, Ethan started to retreat seven steps, and the posture he put on was to make a long pass with a large number of yards.

The Broncos players did not dare to neglect, and divided their forces into two groups, attacking Ethan along the way, while the other group surrounded the Cowboys' two receivers in the backfield from different angles.

Emmett, who seemed to be covering his movement, was not noticed.

Ethan waved his arms and shot the rugby ball. The rugby ball had a high arc and was a standard high-altitude bombing. However, it fell quickly after just leaping over the front line. At the same time, the route began to flow horizontally.

Another fallen leaf ball!

At this time, several defensive players suddenly woke up, but it was already too late.

They see an unlikely person in an unlikely location.

Emmitt Smith, the running back, actually stood in the slot receiver area, and Ethan's seemingly powerful pass landed in this area through its erratic route.

Looking up, observing, running, jumping, catching the ball, and starting, Emmett's entire set of actions was smooth and smooth, and he was nearly ten yards away from his nearest defender.

For Emmett, who has had several consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, this is a free touchdown.

Although the Broncos' last defender reacted quickly enough to intercept Emmitt before he could run into the end zone, only five yards from the Broncos' end!

"Look what happened in these few minutes! The Cowboys once again stood in front of the Broncos' zone. Although the score difference between the two teams remained at double digits after the touchdown, I already had a bold idea, The Cowboys will not lose, but will most likely drag the game into overtime!" Maddon made a bold point.

Just minutes ago, this was dismissed as the Cowboys' wishful thinking.

"This is football, no one can predict what will happen next! In my commentary career, there is no game that will be more suspenseful and exciting than this year's Super Bowl!" Madden couldn't help but say.

"Be bold, John, I think this is the most exciting Super Bowl ever, bar none." Pat Summer made a bolder statement.

Before the fourth quarter began, the expressions on the faces of the Broncos were relaxed.

But at this moment, no one could laugh.

The Cowboys' intentions were exposed at this time. They did not admit defeat, but tried to reverse the game by overestimating their capabilities.

how dare you? Many Broncos players looked at Ethan standing on the field.

"The Cowboys were only five yards away from a touchdown at this point! It looked like a double conversion, but the Cowboys were able to score a full six points!"

The Cowboys didn't get together for too long and quickly began to line up, so fast that the Broncos didn't even have time to prepare.

Ethan, who was holding the ball, quickly handed the ball to Emmett. The Mustangs responded in a hurry, and Emmett handed the ball back to Ethan again in the next second.

Ethan, who took two steps forward, threw a backhand, and actually gave the ball directly to fullback Daryl. The fullback who was originally responsible for covering now turned into a running back and began to join the attack. Such a dazzling short pass made the Mustangs The team's defensive team was exhausted.

"Touchdown! Relying on the West Coast offense, the Cowboys scored another touchdown..."

Madden is right, this is indeed a West Coast offensive tactic, and it is also the Broncos' best defensive tactic. In the first two quarters, the Cowboys used similar tactics without achieving any results. But by this moment, the situation was completely different.

After they had a premonition that the Cowboys retained a glimmer of possibility of victory, the Broncos fell into panic and fear!

At this point, no one questions what Ethan said before the start of the fourth quarter. The Cowboys are moving towards the Vince Lombardi Trophy step by step!

But the more this happened, the less Ethan dared to relax. He looked at the scoreboard on the sidelines and saw that after these two touchdowns, there were only the last five minutes of the game left.

Although the Cowboys scored two consecutive touchdowns, the gap was still huge.

All things considered, even if the Cowboys get two two-point conversions and a touchdown, as long as the Broncos kick a free kick, the Cowboys will still lose the game.

The score difference is really too big.

Have to find extra ways to score...

Ethan suddenly saw the kicker standing on the sidelines, and a plan came to mind.

　Happy New Year, brothers!

(End of this chapter)