"Thirteen yards! Marshawn Lynch, Marshawn Lynch!"
The commentators, who were just hyped about the San Francisco 49ers' epic long pass, were now losing their minds over the Seattle Seahawks' insane run.
Thirteen yards is a big deal for a run, especially when you're busting through a tough defense. It was just as jaw-dropping as Luke's first-down rainbow pass.
"Beast Mode!" All the commentators shouted, their voices full of awe.
Marshawn Lynch, picked 12th overall in the first round of the 2007 draft by the Buffalo Bills, was known for his killer skills and solid game, even making the Pro Bowl in 2008. But he didn't quite hit the mark of a first-round pick until last year when Peter Carroll joined the Seattle Seahawks and pushed to get Marshawn, who had just wrapped up his rookie contract with the Bills.
In the first round of last year's playoffs against the defending champ New Orleans Saints, Marshawn dodged nine tackles in one play, including a one-handed takedown of Saints cornerback Tracy Porter, running for 67 yards and scoring a touchdown.
This run got him mad props from the Seattle media and the nickname "Beast Mode."
Tonight, Marshawn flipped the Beast Mode switch again, gaining thirteen yards on the first play despite heavy coverage, making a powerful counterattack! The game was heating up!
Tarvaris Jackson isn't your typical passing quarterback. His passing skills are hit or miss; in one game, he might throw three touchdowns but also three interceptions, with a completion rate rarely over sixty percent. When needed, he could use his legs to escape the pocket, gain yards, or even score a touchdown. But compared to the younger running quarterbacks, he was still a bit lacking.
First Tarvaris, then Marshawn—both players were like heavy artillery. The Seattle Seahawks' offense wasn't about finesse but was powerful, earth-shattering, and formidable.
Tarvaris's four passing attempts resulted in three failures and only one success, gaining just four yards, failing to push the team forward. But Marshawn's four runs successfully gained twenty-one yards, and combined with Tarvaris's own run, the Seahawks managed to get three first downs in a row.
In no time, three minutes and forty-seven seconds had passed, and the team crossed the midfield line.
With the long offensive drive, Luke put down his playbook and started closely watching the Seahawks' offensive strategy. He raised an eyebrow and joked, "How about you go out there and say hello to that beast, ask him to go easy on us?"
In reality, the Seattle Seahawks' offense had no real strategy this time. It was basically handing the ball to Marshawn to run or having Tarvaris fake a pass and then hand it to Marshawn. Simple and crude, but effective.
"I thought you didn't need extra help and preferred to win with absolute strength," Marcus, sitting next to him, rolled his eyes and complained.
Luke slightly raised his chin and then said, "So you're saying you're powerless too."
Marcus burst into laughter.
Marcus's full name is Marcus Lynch. He shares the same last name "Lynch" with Marshawn Lynch—they're cousins and have a good personal relationship, not just distant relatives.
As they spoke, another cheer erupted from the field. Marshawn, holding the football, broke through again, leading the team to another first down.
Beast Mode, it's unstoppable. The San Francisco 49ers' ground defense was already solid, but even when they saw it coming, even when it was clearly a run, even when they made the tackle, Marshawn could still use his physical talent to forcefully push forward, leaving everyone helpless.
Luke nudged Marcus's shoulder and joked again, "So, feeling itchy? If you get a chance to play, you could activate your own mode, like Rabbit Mode or something."
Marcus ground his teeth and stiffened his neck, joining in the banter, "Why not Bambi Mode? I think Bambi Mode is great, scoring a touchdown on the first pass. Beast Mode is too much trouble; he hasn't even scored a touchdown yet."
Before he could finish his sentence, a deafening cheer erupted from the field: Marshawn Lynch had scored a touchdown!
Patting Marcus's shoulder, Luke shook his head lightly but said nothing. A simple gesture and a meaningful expression were enough. Watching the stunned Marcus, Luke stood up, started stretching, and prepared to take the field again.
"Marshawn Lynch went full Beast Mode again, practically carrying the whole offense on his back and legs, and scored a touchdown with a powerful response. The Seattle Seahawks matched the San Francisco 49ers' touchdown, making this NFC West showdown in the first quarter super intense and exciting."
Sitting in the studio, Kirk summed it up quickly, and then Teddy chimed in, "The San Francisco 49ers' offense is about to hit the field again. This time, we can finally get a good look at the starting lineup."
Kirk and Teddy were watching the replay of the last run, giving commentary for the audience. The Seattle Seahawks' special teams then took the field, nailed the extra point kick, and tied the score at "7:7."
Next up, it was still special teams' time to shine as the Seahawks kicked off and the 49ers returned the ball.
The stadium finally came alive, with scattered screams turning into a roaring wave, echoing through Candlestick Park. The howling sea breeze added a touch of drama to the excitement on-site.
The fans were puzzled: What happened on the first drive? They scored a touchdown, but how did they do it? How did the quarterback, who got so much flak from the experts, pull it off? Was it just a lucky shot, or was it skill? Should they keep protesting, or start cheering for the team?
So many questions, but one thing was clear: they loved touchdowns, they craved touchdowns, and they hoped the mysterious quarterback could score again.
In the world of competitive sports, it's simple: winning is everything. Only victory matters. So, they were shouting: Kid, show us what you got again!
"That first pass was mostly luck. I don't think it shows the real ability of number fourteen."
"The Seahawks' defense was caught off guard on the first drive. This next drive won't be as easy."
"Number fourteen barely had a chance to show his skills earlier. I think this drive will reveal his true level."
"This drive, number fourteen will face immense passing pressure. For the 49ers' coaching staff, the smartest move is to trust their running back, Anthony Dixon."
"Back to square one, the rookie will now face more pressure. It's hard to keep a clear head again."
"Luck can only happen once. This is the NFL, the most competitive professional league in the world. I don't think that Asian quarterback can keep it up."
"Now number fourteen has to face the Seahawks' storm. Things are getting tough."
The commentators' speculations and predictions spread far and wide through the airwaves. Clearly, no one believed in Luke. They didn't believe before, and they still doubted now. The mockery and disdain lingered.
Compared to the fans, the commentators were more objective and ruthless. One drive, one pass, wasn't enough to change their minds. Luke was still Luke, the unknown rookie quarterback, the freshman, the nobody.
But in the Fox Broadcasting Company studio, Teddy was already eager, "In the first drive, the 49ers' rookie quarterback..."
"Luke," Kirk noticed Teddy's pause and took over.
Teddy nodded, "Yes, Luke. His first pass was a stunning long pass, showing arm strength and accuracy, but more importantly, his courage and audacity. This is rare for a rookie quarterback. Even this year's first overall pick, Cam Newton, might not have done better."
"I agree," Kirk responded enthusiastically. "To the league, Luke is a complete unknown. Before the 49ers announced their starting quarterback, no one had heard of him."
"Kirk, your tone suggests you know this rookie quarterback?" Teddy sensed something unusual and interjected.
Kirk smiled and nodded, "I wouldn't say I know him. But I did commentate on the only two games of his college career." Before he could finish, the 49ers' offense took the field again, and Kirk sped up, "This rookie's greatest strength is his extraordinary composure. Both games were come-from-behind victories."
"Wow, that's interesting. But we'll talk more about that later. For now, let's look at the 49ers' starting offense..." Teddy skillfully managed the show's pacing.
As neutral broadcasters, they didn't care about authority or victory but excitement. A back-and-forth battle between the 49ers and the Seahawks, thrilling and spectacular, was the best way to attract viewers. So, both Teddy and Kirk were eagerly anticipating.