Chapter 1039: Slight Advantage

The game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks was once again at a standstill. In a way, it reminded many fans of the regular season opener between the two teams in 2011. The game’s progress was somewhat similar. But this was just a state of mind. In fact, the strength and ability of the two teams had undergone a huge transformation compared to back then. The current showdown was far from what that game could be compared to.

After Lu Ke successfully advanced to the edge of the red zone, he was unfortunately sacked due to a minor offensive detail, but he still managed to extend the score with a stable performance from David Akers. Then, Russell Wilson led the offense back onto the field. Everything seemed very similar to the first quarter.

Russell still chose to focus on the running game and supplement it with the passing game. The three running backs also took turns on the field, and the read-option offense was still a force to be reckoned with. But the entire offense was like a precise machine. If even one small gear was slightly out of place, the offensive drive could stop.

One running play was predicted early by Justin Smith, who tackled Marshawn Lynch. On a pass rush, a successful sack on Russell forced the Seahawks to lose six yards. On a front-field pressure play, Russell hurriedly handed the ball to Marshawn again, but Willis and Aldon Smith teamed up to tackle him.

Three-and-out.

Facing fourth-and-13, the Seattle Seahawks didn’t fight back or take a chance. They simply chose to punt.

So, the San Francisco 49ers’ offense came back onto the field!

"Lu Ke! Lu Ke is observing! Lu Ke is still observing!"

"After the Seattle Seahawks’ defense gave up on the quarterback blitz, they gave Lu Ke enough time to observe. It’s only a second-and-6 situation, but Lu Ke suddenly slowed down his release speed. He missed two passing opportunities, one to Marcus Lynch and one to Logan Newnam, and he’s still moving in the pocket."

"Pass!"

"It’s a rainbow pass! The receiver in the deep area is... Randy Moss and Ted Ginn Jr. are both at the very front of the field. The two safeties are quickly retreating to defend, but it’s too late now. It’s a one-on-one situation. Ginn, it’s Ted Ginn! Ginn suddenly accelerates, leaving Earl Thomas behind with his pure speed! Ginn! Ginn is going for the catch!"

"Beautiful!"

"Touchdown!"

"Ted Ginn successfully caught a 46-yard long pass and sprinted into the end zone, scoring another touchdown for the San Francisco 49ers! This long pass came with no warning. The suddenness of the play created a clear mismatch in the Seahawks’ secondary defense. This should not have happened to the Legion of Boom! It really shouldn’t have!"

"Now, the home-field advantage is once again in the hands of the San Francisco 49ers."

At a critical moment, Lu Ke once again used his signature move to break through the Seattle Seahawks’ defense. What seemed like a short-pass play, under the cover of a series of fake movements, ended with him using his wrist power to send the ball flying at the last moment.

On the surface, the throwing power didn’t seem too great. The hang time and speed of the ball didn’t look very impressive, but the arc control showed Lu Ke’s peak ability. He overcame the special situation of the slightly hard football leather and accurately found the spot in the deep area.

Then, Ginn used his pure speed to leave the opposing safety behind and complete the touchdown catch.

Everything was so familiar, just like the countless long-pass touchdowns from last season.

At this point, there wasn’t much time left in the first half. Fans and commentators alike thought the home team would go into the locker room with a 20-7 lead, but at that moment, the Seattle Seahawks scored another touchdown.

The entire stadium was stunned.

It was too sudden and too unexpected. It seemed like just a small, minor mistake, and it led to a touchdown. The truth of "a long dike crumbles from a tiny ant hole" was presented to everyone’s eyes so abruptly.

Aldon Smith stood with his hands on his hips, breathing heavily. His eyes were full of unwillingness as he looked at Marshawn Lynch in the end zone.

Marshawn Lynch! Marshawn Lynch! That damn Marshawn Lynch again!

Marshawn’s ability to hold his own in the running back competition in the league is not a false reputation. The so-called beast mode not only means that his body is strong enough, but also refers to the characteristics of his running style.

When running with the ball, his balance and rhythm are very solid. His running speed doesn’t seem fast, but it has a powerful, heavy effect. When facing a defender trying to tackle or block him, he is always able to find the right point of contact, combining his momentum, inertia, and strength to deliver a strong blow to his opponent.

For a defender, this is a very difficult problem.

They have to quickly get into the rhythm of their defensive assignment, get ahead of Marshawn’s run before he really starts, and be prepared for a head-on, powerful impact. Only by disrupting Marshawn’s rhythm and footwork can they take him down immediately. Otherwise, as long as there’s a chance, Marshawn will relentlessly continue to move forward.

The real problem isn’t here.

Although the above requirements are difficult, they are what a top-tier defender is capable of. The real challenge is maintaining this defensive state without a single lapse in concentration. One moment of carelessness or one mistake could directly cause Marshawn to activate his beast mode and go on a crazy run.

In this offensive drive, the Seahawks once again used the different running rhythms of their three running backs and one quarterback to constantly challenge the 49ers’ run-defense. With just a small gap, Marshawn Lynch successfully broke through and scored his second rushing touchdown of the game.

In fact, Aldon had already gotten into Marshawn’s defensive rhythm, but Marshawn moved out of the way early. After taking down Willis, Aldon lost his point of contact for the tackle. In the end, he could only hit Marshawn’s waist, shaking his balance, but he couldn’t stop him from running.

This feeling of frustration really annoyed Aldon.

Patrick Willis, who was lying on the ground, was also filled with anger. He hit the ground hard, then got up, patted Aldon’s shoulder, and said with a look of disdain, "What, are you scared?"

"Who said that?!" Aldon was like a firecracker. He would blow up at the slightest provocation. Upon hearing this, he immediately glared at Willis and then turned and walked off the field in a huff. But his frustration was noticeably reduced.

At this moment, the positive effects of the undefeated season were showing. When faced with a difficult situation, the players weren’t discouraged. Instead, they were confident that the team could turn things around again. Especially after sweeping their opponents in the regular season, their belief in victory was even stronger.

After entering the playoffs, they needed to forget about the undefeated season and start over to avoid being arrogant. But at the same time, they also had to remember the undefeated season and strengthen their desire and determination for victory. They would never give up easily in any situation.

Of course, this is not an easy thing to do, but if it were, a team would not have gone 28 years without winning the Super Bowl after winning 15 games in a season. Mindset and willpower are always unknown factors in competitive sports.

The first half of the game finally ended.

"20-14."

You could feel it now. The second quarter was almost identical to the first quarter. Not just the score, but the entire process and rhythm of the game were so similar.

In this quarter, the San Francisco 49ers scored a touchdown and a field goal. Their offensive play-calling was still their strength. In the clash, Lu Ke successfully gained the upper hand. The Seattle Seahawks, on the other hand, scored a touchdown. Their running game was still their unbreakable weapon. It was like a steamroller, relentlessly crushing their opponents.

But the difference between the advantage and disadvantage was not obvious.

For two consecutive quarters, the San Francisco 49ers only had one more field goal. The score difference between the two teams was still within one touchdown. This gap was almost negligible. The second half would be a new beginning, and anything could happen.

Objectively speaking, the 49ers’ performance didn’t drop. Instead, the Seahawks’ performance on both offense and defense improved.

The playoffs are ultimately different from the regular season. The atmosphere and mentality change. In a single-elimination tournament, there are countless underdog victories. What’s more, the strength difference between the two teams today is definitely not as obvious as their seeding would suggest.

However, for Lu Ke and the San Francisco 49ers, this was just the first test on their way to the Super Bowl. If they couldn’t defeat an opponent they had swept in the regular season, the games after this would only get more difficult. They might as well surrender now!

The second half would be all about whether the team could improve their performance and form in time to regain the initiative in this fierce showdown.

During halftime, the 49ers’ offense and defense actively held tactical meetings. They were orderly and calm in their preparations for the game. There were no feelings of frustration or chaos. Instead, they were becoming more and more excited. It was because their opponent was a bitter division rival, and the opponent’s strength always managed to ignite more of their fighting spirit. This is what makes a true powerhouse!

Time flew by, and before they could even catch their breath, the second half began.

This time, the Seattle Seahawks’ offense would start with the ball.

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