Chapter 903: Breaking the Tactical Deadlock

At his own 20-yard line, Lu Ke stood tall, his gaze meticulously analyzing the Chicago Bears’ defensive formation.

From their alignment alone, the Bears’ defense hadn’t made any obvious adjustments. The setup of four defensive linemen, three linebackers, two cornerbacks, and two safeties was essentially the same as it had been for most of the first half, with layers of defense stacked one after another, like a siege.

However, the Bears’ defensive alignment today was specifically tailored to their opponent.

One of the outside linebackers on either side would move up slightly, standing between the linebacker and defensive lines in a blitz stance. It was impossible to predict whether this was a true blitz or a feint. The read would have to be made after the snap, as the position could be a left or right outside linebacker, constantly changing to keep the offense guessing.

Both cornerbacks were positioned slightly to the inside, relative to the sideline. Both starters and their backups would deliberately move to the inside, so only after the snap could the offense tell if it was zone or man coverage and if they were defending the inside or the outside.

Furthermore, the two safeties were also noticeably compressed forward. This wasn’t because they were abandoning deep-pass defense. It was a different defensive strategy. They worked in tandem with the two cornerbacks, cooperating on coverage after the snap and adjusting their positions based on the offense’s strategy. There was no need to worry about a deep-ball threat.

In both of the first-half touchdowns, Lu Ke had used a numbers advantage, tearing open the defensive coverage with a dizzying array of routes, treating every player as a potential target.

In the second half, the Bears’ defensive alignment remained mostly the same. But in the details, Lu Ke could sense that the entire defense had tightened up slightly. He couldn’t tell if this was due to Jay Cutler’s departure, which increased the front-field pressure, or if it was a smoke screen to lure him in.

Lu Ke’s gaze fell on Charles Tillman.

The standout Tillman was still the Bears’ best player. His position had shifted slightly to the inside, but that didn’t mean anything. He was constantly swaying from side to side, ready to move inward or outward at any moment. He was positioned between Logan Newman and Ted Ginn Jr., as if he hadn’t yet decided on his coverage target.

Of course, this was just an illusion.

About four or five yards behind Tillman and to his right stood safety Chris Conte. About five or six yards in front and to the right of Tillman was defensive line star Julius Peppers, and about five or six yards to the side of Tillman was outside linebacker Lance Briggs.

In other words, the Bears had already planned their coverage. These four players could all be part of a man or zone defense. They might also abandon pass coverage and rush the quarterback. They had shown enough aggressiveness throughout the game.

So, how should Lu Ke break through?

It wasn’t just Tillman; the cornerback on the other side, Jim Jennings, was also a tough opponent. This meant Lu Ke couldn’t deliberately avoid or challenge certain matchups. He had to think about the entire tactical situation. Regardless of whether it was Tillman or Jennings, he had to create more space for his passes and catches.

Objectively, in the first half, Lu Ke had a breakthrough on Tillman’s side without using a special ability, which was a significant improvement. But if he wanted to make further breakthroughs, he needed to try more. A lack of experience in crisis situations, wasn’t this the best opportunity to "level up"?

If the Bears’ defense knew Lu Ke was treating them as a boss to gain experience, they would be very upset.

But Lu Ke wasn’t being reckless. He had a plan and a safety net.

He used his special ability, "Bullet Time."

After calling the snap, Lu Ke immediately activated his skill, his gaze scanning the field like a hawk.

1 Second

As Lu Ke quickly dropped back, he could clearly see the defensive linemen rushing forward.

In his matchup with Alex Boone, Peppers was constantly trash-talking. The details were impossible to catch in a flash, but it was clear that Boone couldn’t hold his ground and was being pushed back step by step. Even though he was giving his all, Peppers’ ability was superior.

Lu Ke’s right side of the pocket was about to break when Peppers suddenly dropped back, leaving Boone. This was a fake blitz. He then moved laterally, like a mountain blocking the running path of Marcus Lynch, anticipating the play and cutting off any chance of a pass to Marcus.

At the same time, Tillman and Briggs both made lateral moves to the outside. Tillman covered Logan, and Briggs covered Ginn. These two man-to-man matchups were immediately set, which allowed Conte to drop back and move toward the center, acting as a hunter waiting for a loose ball.

What about the left side?

In contrast to the right side’s complex coverage, the left side was a straightforward man-to-man defense, with Jennings covering Michael Crabtree and safety Major Wright covering Vernon Davis.

But the trap was on the left.

The four defensive linemen were deliberately spread out, isolating 49ers center Jonathan Goodwin with middle linebacker Brian Urlacher. This allowed Urlacher to stay in place to defend against a run without having to rush. If it wasn’t a run, Urlacher could assist in the short-pass area, effectively neutralizing Goodwin’s role.

The four defensive linemen were all in position against the four offensive linemen on both sides.

In this situation, the left outside linebacker Blake Costanzo was free. He moved laterally, passed the rushing Vernon, and went around the offensive line, charging toward the pocket.

To summarize: By using mismatches and pre-planned movements, the defense was one step ahead of the offense, creating an advantage.

If Lu Ke chose to run, Peppers would not drop back. Combined with Urlacher, they could immediately stop the play. If Lu Ke chose to pass, Costanzo would be the first wave of pressure, with the precise secondary defense as the second barrier. Urlacher and Peppers could also assist in coverage.

Overall, the Bears were confident that the 49ers would try to pass, and their entire defensive focus was on that.

The Bears were once again showing the full force of their defense!

2 Seconds

Lu Ke completed his dropback. Without any panic, he moved laterally to the right, first creating distance from the oncoming Costanzo. But he still didn’t rush his throw. He called out, "Boone! Boone!"

Boone heard Lu Ke’s call.

Because of Peppers’ sudden retreat, Boone was now a free player. He was adjusting his balance and felt a bit confused. He couldn’t see the full picture, so he didn’t understand his situation. But his regular training and instincts kicked in.

Boone didn’t know what was happening, but he reflexively moved back in the direction of the voice. The quiet of Candlestick Park helped him to pinpoint the location.

When he finished his adjustment, he was on Lu Ke’s left side. Lu Ke was still adjusting with small, quick steps to the right, and Boone immediately understood. He looked to his left and saw Costanzo flying toward him. He turned and faced Costanzo like a dam, blocking the approaching flood.

A half-beat slower, the "idle" Goodwin also realized the change and quickly dropped back, further disrupting Costanzo’s forward momentum.

After calling out to Boone, Lu Ke didn’t hesitate. His eyes quickly darted forward, looking for an open window.

3 Seconds

The entire right side was now incredibly crowded. Logan, Ginn, and Marcus were moving toward the middle of the field. Peppers, Briggs, and Tillman were in tight, man-to-man coverage.

At the same time, Conte, who had been in the backfield, was moving back to cover the area because he saw Lu Ke’s movement. The pass was clearly going to come in that direction. Also, the free Urlacher was dropping back, joining the defense of the short and middle zones.

Logan was on the outside, Ginn was in the middle, and Marcus was cutting in.

Logan was stopping to turn back, Ginn was continuing his forward route, and Marcus was cutting laterally to the inside.

Their routes blossomed like a flower, forcing the Bears’ defense to open up space. The chaotic situation was becoming clearer.

It was at that moment that Lu Ke raised his right hand, making a throwing motion toward Logan.

Logan and Tillman’s entanglement was still suffocating, but Logan suddenly made a hard stop and cut back, creating two yards of space between him and Tillman.

Tillman’s internal alarms blared. He knew how accurate Lu Ke’s throws could be from his blind side. He had now lost his position. As long as Logan didn’t make a mistake, he could hold his ground and make the catch.

Damn it!

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