Chapter 1301: Arrogance
"Bring it on!"
Confident, arrogant, provocative, flamboyant, full of vigor.
A single sentence, spoken with authority.
In an instant, the entire League was stirred into waves of turmoil; Watson, overlooked and underestimated since the draft, seemed destined to be swallowed up by the overwhelming and airtight competitive nature of the Professional League and fade into the crowd. But finally, motivated by fellow rookies, he made his mark—
A sensational debut.
Now, things are getting interesting.
The upcoming divisional matches, as the Houston Texans head to away games, whether to challenge the Baltimore Ravens or the Kansas City Chiefs, will be the focus of all eyes.
So, what should people expect?
"Watson VS Jackson," the pinnacle showdown of the new generation of mobile quarterbacks?
"Watson VS Li Wei," or perhaps "Watt VS Li Wei," the true clash between the League's most popular players over the past five years?
No, no, even just imagining it gets the blood boiling; all sorts of fantasies, analyses, and speculations are already abuzz.
The entire social network is exploding.
After last season's playoffs, which were drowsy and boring, this year's playoffs have begun with a thrilling, soul-stirring game—
Indeed, it's the NFL; the competitiveness is back.
However, this matter isn't decided by Watson, nor is it dictated by the fans; fate will be determined in the second American League Wild Card Game.
"New England Patriots VS Tennessee Titans."
From every angle, the New England Patriots are considered the favorites.
Not only because of the New England Patriots' strong and stable form throughout the season, twelve wins and four losses speak for themselves. The elderly still reign supreme.
But also because the Tennessee Titans have struggled all the way, with starting quarterback Mariota's injury forcing backup quarterback Tannehill to rise to the occasion, barely clinching their playoff spot in the final week of the regular season.
Moreover, after the regular season ended, Brady commented in an interview.
"I know many people want me to retire. You're 42 years old, there's no need to keep pushing; you're outdated, it's time to leave the court and enjoy life."
"But in reality, I still enjoy training, I still enjoy competing, I still look forward to stepping onto the field each week for victory, I enjoy it all."
"I still have energy, I still have desire; I still hope to prove myself. This season isn't over, I still have a voice that needs to be heard—
Not here, but on the field."
Confident and eloquent.
Then, Brady flashed a smile.
"I know you're eager to enter a new era, but I can still clinch the championship; I am still the opponent everyone must defeat on their way to the title. Hey, how about giving the old man a bit of the spotlight?"
With humor and self-deprecation, yet retaining confidence, only someone strong enough can deliver such a message with casual ease and firm conviction.
This is Brady, this is the confidence of nearly two decades at the League's pinnacle, not only arrogant but also proud.
Although Brady didn't spell it out, everyone can hear the undertone.
When all eyes are fixed on the ultimate showdown between Li Wei and Jackson, Brady protests with that posture, never underestimate him.
The veteran, undefeated!
Moreover, more than aiming at Jackson, the gesture seems targeted at Li Wei. After all, this year's Kansas City Chiefs pulled off a surprising victory at Gillette Stadium, almost suppressing Belichick and Brady's New England Patriots throughout the game, and the crowding doubts surrounding this team reached a peak.
Brady is seeking his revenge—
He's not dead, nor retired, don't just put him up as a Hall of Fame player.
His battlefield remains on the field.
Maybe, even more.
Besides Li Wei and Jackson, Brady issues a challenge to the entire League that's questioning him, taunting him, looking down on him; he is ready to face every challenge on his own.
Finally, Brady ends his interview with a sentence: "You can't touch me!"
Wow!
The League is in an uproar.
At this moment, such a Brady is more dangerous than ever.
Even Belichick says, "I've never seen Tom so motivated. I believe in Tom and the team; our goal remains the championship."
Casual in tone, but full of confidence.
The New England Patriots are showing unprecedented focus throughout.
On ESPN's "Inside the League" program, expert commentators unanimously picked the New England Patriots, "10:0," everyone optimistic about Belichick and Brady defeating the young Tennessee Titans to advance to the next round of divisional matches.
Furthermore, if the New England Patriots win, it means the divisional matches will see clashes of "New England Patriots VS Baltimore Ravens," "Houston Texans VS Kansas City Chiefs," both games packed with excitement—
Come, come, give a full welcome with both hands and feet raised, no one can refuse such matches.
Not even the League.
Clearly, this is widely expected internally and externally, with the League already quietly brewing the atmosphere, and Goodell is hopeful that this year's playoffs can sweep away last year's gloom; if the New England Patriots win today, the American League finals matchups will not disappoint, sparking full-scale reactions online.
Even the teams from the National Conference are not exempt, generally favoring New England Patriots' victory and advancement.
Who remembers when the New England Patriots last stopped at the Wild Card Game in the playoffs?
Answer: 2009 season.
That year, the New England Patriots lost to the Baltimore Ravens.
That was the only time in the Belichick era the New England Patriots stopped at the Wild Card Game, with one very, very important reason being Gillette Stadium.
December and January at Gillette Stadium are devil's home field, and Belichick and Brady have an undoubted strong ability to control playoff dynamics and home-field advantage.
This year is no exception.
This time, the New England Patriots are about to once again hold court at Gillette Stadium to face a challenge. From any angle, they have no reason to lose.
Perhaps, the only contrarian voice—
Tennessee Titans.
They've stumbled and crashed along the way, but the Tennessee Titans found a way amidst adversity; especially after the disappointing season start of quarterback Mariota, head coach Mike Vrabel earned a lot of praise for his decisiveness—
Mariota's disappointing start at two wins and four losses, Vrabel boldy elevated backup quarterback Tannehill, salvaging the Titans' season.
After losing to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 10 of the regular season, the Titans' record was only five wins and five losses, and their playoff hopes remained very dim; however, in the six remaining games of the season, the Titans proudly secured four victories, including the vital battle in the final week of the regular season.
With heads held high, the Titans marched into the playoffs.
Reaching the playoffs, the Titans are not prepared to "take a holiday and go home"; while everyone's focus is on Brady, the Titans are brewing and preparing, with anger bubbling hotly.
After all, this is the NFL; no team can be ignored.