Dominate the Super Bowl-Chapter 589

Chapter 589: Ignoring what one sees Chapter 589: Ignoring what one sees What is the root cause that the Pittsburgh Steelers Offensive Team has completely opened up the situation?

Subverting expectations.

A seemingly important but forgotten Brown.

A Conner who, because he replaced Bell as the starter and stood in the spotlight, ended up being treated like the fifth offensive lineman.

A Roethlisberger who seemed low-key and inconspicuous, as if he had entered a time of retirement, but became assertive at crucial moments, taking control of the offensive hub.

Speculations abound, but no one knows what really happened to the Pittsburgh Steelers during the offseason—

From the performance of Antonio Brown, he didn’t know either.

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Originally, with Bell’s strike and Brown’s statement, it was clear that Brown chose to stand with the team, speaking to Bell on behalf of the team, and the situation became clear.

Without Bell, Brown was the only superstar in the Pittsburgh Steelers Offensive Team.

But now?

In the season opener, he met with a cold reception; although Brown was always on the field, up to this point, he had only been targeted three times.

All during the first quarter.

Of course, there were objective reasons.

The Kansas City Chiefs defended Brown with two or even three players, making it hard for Brown to break free, and Roethlisberger couldn’t find suitable opportunities, leading to a natural decline in passing opportunities; once the Chiefs’ defense relaxed, and Brown regained space, things would be different—

This is also why the Kansas City Chiefs couldn’t easily dismiss Brown.

But three times?

Isn’t that an exaggeration?

Plus, there’s that minor conflict between Brown and Tomlin.

All signs seem to indicate that the Steelers’ top wide receiver isn’t satisfied with being used merely as a decoy.

So, does this mean that the Kansas City Chiefs should adjust their defensive strategy?

“Fuller, are you ready?”

The defending champions’ defensive group had already taken the field.

Before lining up, Houston looked towards the third-year cornerback who had just joined during the offseason with a slightly worried expression—

Eager and rubbing his hands together, yet somewhat impetuous.

In such moments, Li Wei was much calmer and more stable, trustworthy.

Houston didn’t realize it, but Li Wei had become his standard of measure.

Fuller didn’t notice the concerns hidden behind Houston’s hesitant expression; his eyes were fixed solely on one person in a black jersey not far away—

Antonio Brown.

After lightly bouncing twice, Fuller turned his head to glance at Li Wei on the sidelines.

The second-year rookie had grown into the team’s undisputed leader while he was still eagerly waiting for his chance to prove himself.

Now that the opportunity had come, he wouldn’t miss it.

He would demonstrate his capability.

He was not a shooting star.

His outstanding performances in high school and college weren’t a dream.

In the Professional League, he could also earn his place, just like Li Wei.

Looking away, Fuller continued to focus on Brown, still not looking towards Houston, but just tossed out the word, “Of course.”

If Li Wei can do it, so can he.

Then.

Without waiting for Houston to speak again, Fuller already ran to his position, ready for the lineup.

Houston was left behind, somewhat helpless, but eventually said nothing more.

You wouldn’t know if it was a mule or a horse until it was taken out for a stroll; Revis’s retirement was a done deal, and the focus was now on the young players.

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Taking a deep breath, Houston also lined up.

Everything was ready.

In the past quarter and a half, the Pittsburgh Steelers Offensive Team had completely taken the initiative, and the pressure on the Kansas City Chiefs Defense seemed to have exceeded its limits, but that didn’t mean the outcome.

The game was still continuing—

“Attack!”

Roethlisberger declared the start of play.

Fuller didn’t rush forward immediately, instead, he stepped back.

Bending his knees, lowering his center of gravity, fully on the alert, he stared at Brown without blinking.

Fowler knew that when facing Brown, any lapse of concentration was not allowed.

In fact, in terms of physique, Fowler was slightly larger than Brown; however, Brown had his own understanding on how to face the trend of larger cornerbacks in the league, not just being more agile and quick, but also not lacking in aggressiveness, plus his excellent route running and soft hands for catching passes, which made it no surprise that Brown had become the leading wide receiver in the league.

Therefore, defending Brown often required a numerical advantage in manpower.

But now, the Kansas City Chiefs decided to make a change—

They let Fowler cover Brown alone.

Fowler had just one task: neglect everything else like pressuring the quarterback, ground runs, or secondary support; his sole focus was to shadow Brown, with the Kansas City Chiefs freeing up a cornerback specifically to cover him.

Whether the defending champions could turn around the defensive disadvantage depended on whether Fowler could lock down Brown.

This was the opportunity Fowler had been eagerly waiting for.

Just like Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Ramsey, who got the chance to challenge the opposing team’s top wide receiver in single coverage every game, proving his ability through these high-level showdowns and earning a place in the league.

Fowler also believed in himself.

He knew he wasn’t on Ramsey’s level yet—it was an objective fact, and there was no need to deny it; but he also knew his potential was greater, he was still growing, still improving, and he would diligently hone his skills like Li Wei, eventually shining in his own right.

The first step was right in front of him.

Fowler didn’t rashly move forward, but instead took a step back to gain space for defending Brown, only starting to move when he noticed Brown’s start.

Only when they were about five yards past the kickoff line did Fowler stick to Brown, continuously bumping into him with his shoulder to disrupt his balance, and clinging to Brown with his body like glue.

However, Brown too showcased his ability.

He suddenly realized that he wasn’t being double-teamed, just single coverage.

In the NFL, in single coverage, Brown had never feared anyone.

Including Ramsey.

Despite the Pittsburgh Steelers’ shocking loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in last season’s divisional playoff, Brown had held his own against Ramsey.

In Brown’s view, Ramsey was still too young and needed more polishing, whether he aspired to become the next Sherman or Revis, Ramsey still had a long way to go.

And Fowler?

Heh, who is this guy?

He never bothered to remember the names of the insignificant, for there were too many who had fallen at his feet to keep track of.

Brown didn’t try to shake Fowler off.

Not only did he not try, but he also actively stepped forward, sticking to Fowler.

The two of them were completely entangled, but the moment Fowler was preparing to block him off, Brown made the first move to launch himself forward, using the stepping action to deliver a blow with his shoulder and pry Fowler open, creating an arm’s length of space in the blink of an eye.

A stutter step, a turn—

The space for the catch was already there.

Brown called for the ball, “I’m open, I’m open!”

Roethlisberger didn’t see Brown.

The football was thrown towards tight end Jesse James, positioned not far to the right in the slot, securing the first touchdown for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Brown, watching the football’s arc just out of reach and unable to help, looked up in despair, knowing this offensive pass play had nothing to do with him again.

Damn it!

But this time, the Kansas City Chiefs Defense finally had their hands free.

Lineman Houston blocked the position immediately, and safety Murray quickly followed with support, the sandwich maneuver by the two causing James to lose his spot.

The pass was incomplete!