American Football: Domination

"The game has ended."

"Final score, '31:10.' The Kansas City Chiefs decisively defeat the Los Angeles Chargers on the road, maintaining their undefeated streak for the season."

"Amid a storm of controversy, Lance once again delivered a flawless performance: 17 carries for 185 rushing yards and two touchdowns."

"With an undeniably dominant response to media criticism, Lance has proven that the preseason doubts were baseless. Not only can he withstand the intensity of professional football, but he has also demonstrated consistent high-level play for three consecutive games, establishing himself as the top-performing rookie this year."

"In fact, not just among rookies."

"Currently, Lance leads the league in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns, topping lists filled with superstar names—all while still a rookie."

"Following this game, the September awards seem like a foregone conclusion. After being named AFC Offensive Player of the Week in Week 1 and topping the weekly rookie rankings for three consecutive weeks, Lance is the overwhelming favorite for NFL Rookie of the Month honors for September."

"To be precise, we should set our sights higher and look farther back."

"Three games. 509 rushing yards. Seven rushing touchdowns. These stats are achievements that many running backs can't achieve over a full 16-game season. Yet Lance accomplished them in just three games, breaking multiple records set by Adrian Peterson and cementing himself as the most outstanding rookie performer in NFL history through three games."

"Since the turn of the millennium, Peterson's rookie stats through his first three games—271 rushing yards, 160 receiving yards, for a total of 431 yards—were considered untouchable. Such dominance has validated Peterson as one of the all-time greats."

"However."

"Lance has raised the bar to an entirely new level. His performance transcends not only rookie running backs but also wide receivers, tight ends, and even some quarterbacks. His unprecedented start redefines the term 'dominance.'"

"This is not only a record for the Kansas City Chiefs but also an NFL historical milestone. From now on, when we speak of 'dominance,' we'll need to recalibrate its definition."

"Rookie."

"Even now, the league continues to refer to Lance as a 'rookie.' What was once a term of ridicule has become a badge of honor, underscoring his miraculous feats."

"With every mention of 'rookie,' we are reminded anew of Lance's extraordinary achievements so far."

"We are all witnesses."

"As the media questions Lance's ability and casts doubt on his future amidst relentless pressure, this is his answer."

"I can't speak to whether Lance skipped practice or partied all night. But as of now, it appears that even without practice, it wouldn't matter."

"So, who's the joke on now?"

Barrett: Please stop; my face is already swollen like a pig's.

To be fair, no one expected the Chargers to suddenly transform into a dominant force overnight. At the very least, they expected quarterback Philip Rivers to put up a fight. But no one foresaw the Chiefs dismantling the Chargers entirely within the first quarter.

By halftime, disillusioned home fans were already leaving the stadium. The Chargers' first season back in Los Angeles has been grueling.

Barrett was utterly deflated.

However, the Chiefs had little energy to celebrate. They immediately headed to the hospital—

Safety Eric Berry had torn his Achilles tendon.

In the first quarter, during a non-contact defensive play, Berry collapsed clutching his ankle after landing awkwardly, a sight that squeezed Lance's heart tightly.

Though athletes are familiar with the ever-present risk of injury, and Berry's medical results last week had already signaled potential trouble, the reality of the injury was still hard to bear.

When Berry left the field, this indomitable warrior—who had endured two catastrophic injuries and always bounced back—was visibly emotional. He gazed skyward, desperately holding back tears, yet couldn't stop a few from falling.

Berry himself knew his body could no longer withstand such injuries. This one might mark the beginning of the end of his career. And he still hadn't had the chance to showcase his skills on the Super Bowl stage.

Regret. Melancholy. Sorrow.

No one could predict what lay ahead for Berry—not even Lance, despite having lived two lives.

Motivated by Berry's injury, the Chiefs unleashed their determination and crushed the Chargers in the first quarter.

After the game, there was no celebration. The team rushed to the hospital to visit Berry, where they were met with grim news:

Season-ending injury.

As devastated as they were, the players found Berry, ever the leader, comforting them instead. Like an elder brother, he joked to lighten the mood.

"Well, this sucks. Our secondary is about to get torched. Can you guys handle it?"

"Maybe you all can hold on, and I'll try to be back for the playoffs?"

Inside the hospital room, the atmosphere was heavy. Berry tried to lift spirits with humor, but when Coach Reid arrived, he immediately sent everyone out.

Lance also left but then remembered something. After the game, a Chiefs fan in Los Angeles had asked him to deliver a signed scarf to Berry, wishing him a speedy recovery and a triumphant return.

After informing Reid, Lance returned to Berry's room.

Opening the door, he saw Berry staring blankly out the window.

No expression. No sadness, no anger, no disappointment—just silence. Yet the quiet conveyed an unspeakable bitterness.

Lance hesitated, feeling his heart tighten.

Berry's injury was to his Achilles tendon, a notoriously difficult area to recover from.

Even a layman would know how daunting this road to recovery would be—almost insurmountable.

Lance wanted to offer comfort but found himself at a loss for words. Anything he might say felt hollow. Even with the wisdom of two lives, he had no easy answers for such pain and uncertainty.

It was Berry who noticed Lance first. He quickly adjusted his demeanor, forcing a smile. "Hey, rookie."

Lance took a deep breath and handed him the scarf.

Standing at the foot of the bed, Lance wanted to leave but couldn't move.

Berry understood immediately. "Don't worry about me. I'm fine. This isn't my first rodeo. I've been through worse."

But Lance knew it wasn't fine. He just didn't know what to say.

"How long do the doctors say for recovery?" Lance finally asked.

Berry paused, caught off guard. "At least five months."

Lance sighed dramatically. "Ah, what a pity. If you push yourself harder, maybe you can make it back in time for the Super Bowl?"

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Powerstones?

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