Dominate the Super Bowl-Chapter 1585 - 1584: Turning the Tables

Hill, nicknamed "Cheetah," is well-known for his outstanding speed and explosiveness, and last season he shone brilliantly in the "Cheating Motion" tactical system.

However, he is definitely not just about speed.

Speed is both an appearance and a result. Route running, defensive reading, positioning judgment, and other abilities are the unseen but crucial fundamentals that allow Hill’s speed talent to be fully unleashed, far from being as simple as it looks.

Football is not a 100-meter sprint.

A wide receiver, if unable to accurately determine his position within the defensive layout and the changes in defensive tactics, could find himself surrounded at any moment, running into a dead end.

A situation like Rags’, where he relies on speed to forcibly break through and repeatedly wins on the NCAA field, gives him the illusion that his speed can solve all problems; but the NFL is not that simple, and when his speed can’t break the game, he could find himself in a predicament.

And then?

Repeatedly using his body to confront and crack the dilemma, completely losing his explosiveness and speed advantage, the outcome is—

Either he’s rendered ordinary, missing the star aura he had during his NCAA days; or in the NFL’s brutal and fierce defenses, he’s left scarred.

That is precisely why those players who repeatedly break the forty-yard record in the Rookie Training Camp don’t necessarily stand out in the professional arena.

Li Wei says this is one opinion, of course, Harbaugh doesn’t fully believe it either, considering it carefully:

If Li Wei is correct, then such details are indeed hard to spot in match footage.

Firstly, these instinctive judgments and reactions are very hidden and trifling. Not to mention the match footage, even professional scouts might not accurately grasp them.

Secondly, NCAA players and games are too numerous, and when team managers and coaching staffs select players, the game footage watched is often exciting highlights. They don’t have enough time to watch every match completely; what’s more, in the NCAA, tactics are secondary and physical confrontation is primary, making some players’ reflex habits normal, and easy to overlook if not careful.

Injury.

Harbaugh taps his fingers lightly on his thigh, realizing that for players like Hill and Rags, injuries can have devastating impacts, so the ability to competently and intelligently engage in matches is the foundation of their professional success—

These details again showcase Li Wei’s subtlety and acuity as a player.

Thoughts pause here, fingers pause, Harbaugh looks at Li Wei again, "So, among this year’s rookie wide receivers, which one do you favor the most?"

Li Wei raises an eyebrow slightly, not answering immediately, but instead gazing at the field.

This year indeed sees a batch of promising wide receiver talents emerging, with noteworthy youngsters more than a couple, fully able to rival cornerbacks and linemen; moreover, they come in various types and styles.

Objectively speaking, Rags manages to stand out among a group of talented wide receivers largely because of the Kansas City Chiefs’ "Cheating Motion," with teams on the lookout for speedy young receivers, allowing Rags, who excels in the forty-yard dash, to suddenly enter the spotlight.

Li Wei thoughtfully considers for a moment, "Lamb."

Harbaugh’s eyes reveal a hint of playfulness, "The wide receiver from Louisiana State? I thought you preferred those with speed advantages."

It’s not just because of "Cheating Motion," but more because the Kansas City Chiefs’ current offensive core relies on rhythm.

Lamb from Louisiana State University has balanced abilities in various aspects, though speed isn’t his most prominent strength.

Li Wei shows a smile, half-seriously saying, "I’m not a team manager, I don’t need to consider for the team, it’s purely my personal liking."

"Furthermore, on the field, we’re considering not absolute speed, but relative speed, so selecting players isn’t simply based on that."

Indeed, the Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive core relies on rhythm, yet rhythm doesn’t equate to speed, with the wide receiver’s speed just a single component of the entire offensive group’s rhythm:

The quarterback’s throw speed, the offensive line’s pocket protection, the receiver’s route running and gap cooperation, all interlinked, creating a rhythm that’s truly oppressive and impactful.

Harbaugh’s eyes also reveal a bit of a smile, realizing that if Li Wei’s words were entirely unrelated to the Kansas City Chiefs’ draft, he would be the first not to believe it. True or false, continuous misleadings, Li Wei remains just as tricky even off the field.

Harbaugh chuckles lightly, "Kid, you’ve learned to play tricks, speaking only half the truth." 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶

Li Wei doesn’t mind, "Otherwise, how would I survive in Lucas Oil Stadium? I might have already been devoured whole?"

"Haha." Harbaugh laughs heartily, again sizing up Li Wei, his laughter growing even merrier, "Hahaha, I originally planned to come probe information, but it seems I’ve landed in a trap myself?"

Li Wei widens his eyes, gasping, "Coach Harbaugh, you came to spy on us? Ah, what a surprise, really unexpected, I thought we were friends."

With an expression of heartbreak and regret, the whole world seems about to collapse.

However, Harbaugh isn’t convinced, "If you consider retiring to head to Hollywood, my advice is, don’t."

Li Wei looks at Harbaugh in amazement, appearing genuinely saddened.

Harbaugh waves his hand, "Not because your acting isn’t good, but because I don’t like clowns. Watching football players toil and sweat on the field only to become gorillas before the camera lens, oh God, that’s truly a painful experience."

Li Wei collects himself, pondering seriously, "Are you implying about the Manning Brothers?"

Harbaugh: ???

Clearly, Harbaugh struggles to suppress his expression, nearly choking on spit, "No, I’m mocking those starring in HBO series."

HBO released a series, "Ballers," led by Dwayne Johnson, focusing on the world of football players, accurately predicting the Oakland Raiders’ shift to Las Vegas, with numerous active professional players guest-starring, beyond just the NFL—

In the latest season, NBA star Stephen Curry also appears for thirty seconds, showing off his private plane.

Realizing Li Wei is joking, Harbaugh shakes his head repeatedly, never expecting to be caught up by Li Wei’s cunning.

Continuously shaking and almost pounding his chest, Harbaugh too proves to be an adept actor.

Then, Harbaugh looks at Li Wei, frustrated, "So, everything you said earlier about the Kansas City Chiefs planning to select a wide receiver is a lie?"

When did Li Wei say the Kansas City Chiefs planned to select a wide receiver?

Harbaugh set a trap for Li Wei to fall into, but Li Wei isn’t fooled, somberly stating, "No, wide receivers are good, they’re definitely worth attention this year."

"However, Coach Harbaugh’s focus on wide receivers should be a smoke bomb, right? I feel you’re particularly interested in defensive players."

"For instance, linemen?"

Counterattack!