The role skill test was almost over, but Luke was still scratching his head over one thing: this was the rookie training camp, not the Bruins' team practice. How the heck was the scrimmage supposed to start? And once it did, how was he supposed to become the quarterback? Plus, the special mission didn't give any details. If there was no scrimmage, the system shouldn't trigger the mission, right?
Luke couldn't help but think back to when the special mission got triggered.
"Listen up, everyone!" Joe's voice boomed as Geep, Carl, and a few other coaches walked up looking all serious. "We're gonna have a small scrimmage. A seven-on-seven game, one offensive group against one defensive group, and that counts as one matchup. This isn't an official game, so we won't use the four-downs-to-ten-yards rule. Each matchup gets ten downs, and we'll see how many yards you gain and how each player does on offense and defense."
Joe's announcement made the rookies exchange looks, both pumped and freaked out. This sudden scrimmage could be their chance to shine, or it could be a total disaster.
Among rookies, there's no such thing as training, chemistry, or coordination. It's all about relying on their instincts and raw talent. The problem is, football's a team sport. In soccer, you might see a crazy solo goal, and in basketball, you might see someone dominate one-on-three, but in football, that's just not happening.
Amidst the noisy chatter, a light bulb went off in Luke's head: the special mission got triggered right after he nailed the coach's long pass challenge! Does this mean this impromptu scrimmage is all about him, and the coaches want to see more of his passing skills?
This guess was kinda out there. The rookie training camp was packed with rookies; no way the coaches would set up a scrimmage just for one guy. But either way, Luke knew this was another shot to prove himself and a special mission waiting for him to crush!
"If you got any questions, ask them now, don't whisper about it!" Joe shouted, scanning the crowd. Sure enough, he spotted a rookie quarterback hesitantly raising his hand. Joe nodded, giving him the go-ahead with a look.
The rookie then shouted, "What if we score a touchdown before the ten downs are up? Like in six or seven downs?"
Joe glanced back, and the other coaches had these amused grins. They'd been betting on whether a rookie quarterback would ask that. Looks like there were some ambitious QBs this year. Ah, youth!
"Well, that'd be a slap in the face for the defensive guys," Joe said with a smirk, eyeing the defensive players waiting for their turn. Offensive and defensive coaches always have this friendly rivalry going on. "And yeah, it's allowed. If a quarterback can nail a touchdown with one pass, that's on you. If that happens, the game ends right there."
As soon as he said that, the quarterbacks started grinning like kids on Christmas. The offensive group had no chemistry, and neither did the defensive group. If they could spot an opening or a weak spot, one killer pass could make them look like stars!
But Joe's next words were like a bucket of ice water. "Same goes if your pass gets picked off by a defensive player. The game ends immediately." That statement killed the quarterbacks' buzz, and the chatter died down instantly.
A killer long pass also meant a way higher risk of getting intercepted.
It's like a long pass in soccer. A high-flying ball gives both offensive and defensive players a shot at it. But in soccer, even if the other team gets the ball, you can try to win it back, and the pass is aimed at the opponent's half, making it tough for them to counterattack right away. But in football, if the other team picks off your pass, possession's over, just like that.
In this scrimmage, if your first pass gets intercepted, it's super embarrassing, and you won't get another shot. So, what's a quarterback to do?
This is a showdown between the offensive and defensive squads, but it's also a battle among players in the same position, especially the quarterbacks!
Twenty-one quarterbacks, all with that hungry look in their eyes. Maybe in the pro league, facing those seasoned vets, they still need to learn and close the gap. But in the rookie training camp, it's like an NCAA game. Naturally, they're itching to dominate and show off their skills again.
No doubt about it, Cam's the top dog among the quarterbacks. This year's Heisman Trophy winner, his skills are straight-up undeniable. The Heisman Trophy doesn't care about positions; it's for the best player, period. So, winning it means you're the cream of the crop in the NCAA.
Cam lifted his chin, giving Luke a look that screamed disdain and mockery, like a cat playing with a mouse. He wasn't in a rush to finish him off, just toying with him, letting him think he had a chance before snatching it away again.
"You're toast."
That was the message in Cam's eyes, and Luke got it loud and clear. But he wasn't fazed, just smirked and raised an eyebrow like, "Bring it on." That cocky look made Cam clench his fists.
After breaking eye contact, Luke's heart started pounding. Not backing down in a stare-down was one thing; the real deal was another.
Luke knew his own skills. Everyone at this rookie training camp was a standout in the NCAA. Out of these guys, over 250 would make it to the league, separating the pros from the amateurs. The gap between these levels was huge.
So, this scrimmage, these ten downs, were way tougher than any game at USC or the Rose Bowl. Plus, the special mission had strict requirements, meaning any slip-up could mean failure.
The stare-down lasted just a moment, and Joe's voice cut through the tension, "Carl, why don't you start?" This scrimmage was basically a showdown between the offensive and defensive coaches. They wouldn't be calling plays directly, but the challenge was in how well they paired up the players.
Seattle Seahawks' quarterback coach Carl stepped up, scanned the group, and then shouted, "Cam Newton." Behind him, other coaches and scouts started to jeer and tease. Picking Cam was a no-brainer, no skill needed.
Carl didn't care and shouted back at the Carolina Panthers' quarterback coach, "Jealous!" This got everyone laughing.
After Carl made his pick, Joe crossed his arms, "One by one, like a draft? Why don't you all just rush up and pick like it's a flea market?" His teasing kept the laughter going. He then said, "I'll go first then, and I'm sure you won't mind. Luke."
Who?
Luke! All eyes turned to Joe. The first pick was Cam, and the second was Luke. Was this a joke? If it were a real draft, Joe's choice would shock everyone. But Joe just shrugged, "Told you, you wouldn't mind." Without explaining, Joe waved, "Kid, come on, let's pick the offensive line and receiving team."
One was the top draft pick favorite, and the other was a name just heard for the first time at the rookie training camp. Cam and Luke were worlds apart, but in this scrimmage, they unintentionally became the focal points again. Plus, the quarterback coach who picked Luke was Joe from the New Orleans Saints, known for developing top quarterbacks. Did this Avalis American quarterback have some hidden potential?
Not just the coaches and scouts, but even the other quarterbacks couldn't help but glance over curiously. Even though this wasn't a real draft, Joe's choice was intriguing.
Luke pushed down the turmoil inside and jogged to catch up with Joe. Countless eyes followed him, filled with intense curiosity, gradually settling behind him until everything quieted down.
Joe didn't say a word to Luke, just silently walked across the field to start picking the receiving players.
A seven-on-seven game is a passing drill for the quarterback. The lineup includes one quarterback, three offensive linemen (a center, a left guard, and a right guard), two wide receivers, and one tight end. Compared to a full eleven-man lineup, the offensive line lacks the wings and a running back, making it a pure passing drill.
Of course, this also means the offensive and defensive lines are tested more rigorously, and the showdown between receivers and defenders is more direct. Every position faces serious challenges.
However, among this year's rookies, there are only six centers, and the numbers of tackles and guards are uneven. The number of cornerbacks far exceeds other positions. So, when picking the offensive group, each player's position might be slightly different, making it an even tougher test for the coach's judgment.
Finally, Joe quickly completed the selection of seven players!