Dominate the Super Bowl-Chapter 808 - : 807 Read Option

Chapter 808: 807 Read Option

Step, adjust, observe.

In a flash of lightning, Mahomes used his peripheral vision to make a judgment.

Initially, Mahomes habitually prepared to break through from the right side; but this time, it was a Read Option Offense, simplifying the tactics and leaving space for observation and adjustment. Mahomes noticed an opportunity on his blind side.

The blind side, which was usually in the “weaker focus” zone, even when caught by peripheral vision, often wasn’t clear enough. This made Hightower’s step-up and hit even tougher and more brute-like, without finesse, like a bull seeing red.

Mahomes immediately seized the opportunity—

Push off, step forward, accelerate.

Hightower lunged forward with reckless determination, charging toward that spot of red light, a rush of elation in his heart: Got him.

But just as the hit was about to land, a blur passed in front of Hightower—he missed entirely! Yet the momentum of his unleashed power couldn’t be stopped. He staggered forward, crashing onward like a fool.

Hightower: ???

There stood Mahomes, like a Matador, flicking the red cape, shifting his steps lightly, effortlessly evading. The road ahead was wide open.

Take off, sprint—

It was just that simple.

Because the New England Patriots were using a full-blitz, every defensive player was locked onto their match-up target. If one offensive player broke free, there was no backup.

What no one expected was that the first to break free would be the quarterback.

Belichick: Read Defense Offense!

…Shit.

Belichick held his tongue for a moment, but couldn’t resist cursing under his breath.

He had been bracing for it, anticipating it, because he knew Mahomes possessed that capability. Yet, he had still fallen into the blind spot, failing to see through Reed’s smoke bomb in time.

He could only watch as Mahomes, like a nimble colt, despite his seemingly sturdy and clunky frame, moved with surprising agility. He easily gained ten yards and slid to the ground before the defenders closed in on him—

First down, secured.

Belichick stood there for half a second, restraining himself from more profanity, issuing a slew of instructions to the Defensive Group instead.

The key to cracking the Read Option Offense lies with the linebackers.

Assign a linebacker to keep a tight watch on the quarterback, shadowing his movements and adjusting accordingly.

Of course, NFL-level defenses are rarely that simple.

From the 2011 to 2013 seasons, the Read Option Offense also shone brightly in the Professional League. Though not as dominant as in the NCAA, it still achieved significant success. However, beyond that period, its brilliance gradually faded, becoming just one among countless offensive strategies. The core reason was the evolution of defensive strategies within the league.

Defenses could apply more pressure on the front line, disrupting the Read Option Offense’s setups and complicating the offensive-defensive standoff. In such moments, running quarterbacks might falter, lose pace, or make misjudgments. In the ever-changing nature of the game, even a brief hesitation can shift the tide.

At this moment, Belichick was orchestrating his adjustments—

Now, it wasn’t just a battle of offensive and defensive plays; it was a clash of momentum.

Since the second half began, the Kansas City Chiefs were surging in momentum. If they scored another touchdown here, the New England Patriots might not be able to contain it.

Thus, in this clash of plays, Belichick was especially assertive. The New England Patriots had to be tough.

Across the field, the Kansas City Chiefs were just as aware.

After a brief celebration of Mahomes’ rushing first down, Li Wei turned to Mahomes, “Next, they might tighten the defensive net even further.”

Mahomes’ eyes lit up. He tapped his helmet, signaling at the headset: “You and the coach are saying the same thing.”

Belichick was studying Reed, and Reed was analyzing Belichick—

And, naturally, Li Wei was doing the same.

As previously mentioned, the New England Patriots’ Defensive Group played a pivotal role this season. When Brady’s performance faltered, they stepped up to change the momentum of games.

When neither the New England Patriots’ pass defense nor the Kansas City Chiefs’ passing game was exceptional, how did Belichick leverage defense to alter the game?

Keyword: Pressure.

The source of this c𝐨ntent is freeweɓnovēl.coɱ.

This season, the New England Patriots’ blitz rate on quarterbacks reached 30.9%, one of only eight teams in the league with a rate exceeding 30%. Aside from the blitz-heavy Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens, the other six teams had similar percentages.

And the results?

Quarterback sacks: 30, tied for third-lowest in the league.

Quarterback hits, meaning contact after a pass: 53, third highest in the league.

This indicated that the individual prowess of the New England Patriots’ defensive players wasn’t outstanding. Despite frequent blitzes, their sack numbers were dismal. More often than not, they only managed to hit the quarterback post-throw.

Efficiency, decidedly average.

Still, this didn’t deter Belichick’s commitment to blitz tactics. The rationale lay in the psychological warfare: imposing hard-nosed, aggressive pressure on quarterbacks and running backs at the front line, endlessly accumulating mental strain.

Ultimately, at crucial moments, such intangible pressure could become the breakthrough to disrupt the balance. The New England Patriots relied on their seasoned experience to create opportunities.

To Belichick, raw statistics meant little. Even if a game’s blitzes resulted in zero sacks, it wouldn’t matter. As long as, in a pivotal moment, a single pass disruption or quarterback hit secured the win—that was enough.

Thus, by the numbers, the New England Patriots’ Defensive Group wouldn’t be considered “strong.” Yet, the perception persisted: they won games through defense.

And now, the same principle applied.

Since the second half, the Kansas City Chiefs’ offense seemed to have regained its groove, albeit in an unconventional manner. Yet, the New England Patriots stuck to their strategy of relentless front-line pressure, steadily building up the intensity.

Right now, Belichick had likely deciphered Mahomes’ Read Option Offense strategy. He was bound to tighten the defense further, unleashing maximum pressure up front—

Targeting not just Mahomes, but also zeroing in on Li Wei.

Thus, the likelihood of the New England Patriots’ Defensive Group shrinking their net was extremely high, a prediction aligned between Li Wei and Reed’s tactical foresight.

And the proof? It was immediate—

“Attack!”

The moment Mahomes called the snap, the entire New England Patriots’ defensive front surged forward.

Defensive line, linebackers, cornerbacks, safeties—all eleven players simultaneously stepped up. From different positions and angles, the white tidal wave came crashing down, an overwhelming assault.

In an instant, a crushing wave of pressure—visually and psychologically—descended on Mahomes like an unstoppable force.

Perhaps, in broad strategy, there were no secrets; but in tactical execution, Belichick’s rich on-the-fly adjustment experience shattered the balance in an instant.

Not just Mahomes; even the spectators felt the immense power of the New England Patriots’ sudden eruption. The air was sucked out of the stadium.

Buzzing—

Roaring chaos.