Chapter 803: Six Consecutive Wins
"The San Francisco 49ers snatched victory in the final moments of the game. Kyle Williams, who recovered the ball in a crucial moment, has redeemed himself, but this time, he was hit with an unexpected injury. At this moment, the home fans are showing incredible unity and determination. They are using their cheers and shouts to support Kyle."
"This is the most wonderful and touching moment of the week, not just for the victory, but also for the team. This team, which has been silent for many years, is now slowly rebuilding its fighting spirit! They are not just warriors; they are also Niners."
"This is a revenge that is destined to be full of bitterness!"
"But, the 49ers have finally won. After countless difficulties and twists and turns, the game has finally come to an end. After this game, we can officially declare that the San Francisco 49ers and the New York Giants have become the representatives of the NFL's national derby. Every match and every showdown is full of surprises and suspense. You can't predict the outcome until the very last moment!"
"Both of these opponents are worthy of respect! They have once again delivered a game that will go down in history! How honored we are to have witnessed the entire game in person! If both teams can make it to the playoffs this season, does this mean there will be another national derby?"
In the broadcast booth, Kirk summarized the game with tears in his eyes. The victory was surprising, but what was more important than the victory was the spirit that Candlestick Park showed today. They never gave up when they were behind, and they were always full of confidence when the game was tense. And...
And the collective standing ovation and cheers when Kyle Williams was injured and left the field. Everything was so wonderful. It wasn't just the unity and support brought by the victory, but also the reawakening of the soul of the loyal fans.
Such a San Francisco 49ers team was captivating.
On the field, Lu Ke watched as Kyle was taken off the field. He let out a soft sigh and then perked up, clapping and giving a round of applause to the entire stadium. The strong support from the 49ers fans today was undoubtedly the most important motivation, and it was the source of their energy to fight until the very last moment.
Lu Ke was not the only one. The other San Francisco 49ers players also gave applause to the fans to show their sincere gratitude.
Turning around, Lu Ke saw Eli Manning standing near the fifty-yard line.
After a player was injured and the entire stadium erupted, Eli still patiently stood at the center line. He didn't leave or show any impatience. He even looked like a bystander, staring at the surging red wave of humanity with a face full of awe, like a little fan who was seeing it for the first time.
Lu Ke stopped in front of Eli and said with a chuckle, "You can see the same scene at MetLife Stadium, and it's even more intense, isn't it?"
"Are you sure the home team's target is correct?" Eli withdrew his gaze, gave a big smile, and said.
So far, all three matchups between the San Francisco 49ers and the New York Giants have taken place at Candlestick Park. The only time the San Francisco 49ers visited MetLife Stadium was to play against the New York Jets. That's why Eli said that.
"I'm not sure, but I'm sure the last team I want to face right now is you guys," Lu Ke shook his head gently and complained.
No matter what the state of the two teams was, every matchup was a grueling one, and it was always full of injuries and penalties. This was indeed frustrating. It was like the "Steelers-Ravens" rivalry. Even if the strength and form of the two teams were very different, every game was still a close and difficult battle.
Eli made a look of being wronged. "It's not like I want to play against you guys either."
"I will pray that you guys don't make it to the playoffs this year," Lu Ke said seriously.
Eli's response was even more direct. He raised his right hand, made a fist, and waved it threateningly. However, his baby face didn't look threatening at all. Instead, it was... cute and charming.
Lu Ke laughed happily. "Today's game was a fight to the very last moment. The next time we play, I hope we can end the suspense before the fourth quarter."
"The victory will definitely belong to us," Eli quickly said.
Lu Ke said slowly, "I mean, if we play again this season." The regular season matchup was over. The next time they would meet would be in the playoffs. The subtext was that he was "cursing" the New York Giants to not make the playoffs. It was better for rivals not to meet.
"Are you worried about history repeating itself?" Eli was also someone who wouldn't back down. Although he didn't have Peyton Manning's "comedic" talent, he still had a sense of humor. He was hinting at last season's history: the San Francisco 49ers won in the regular season, and the New York Giants won in the playoffs.
"It seems we'll only know the answer if we play again," Lu Ke puffed out his chest and accepted Eli's challenge. Then he smiled brilliantly. "But we are the ones leaving with a smile tonight."
"I'll wait for the next time," Eli replied with a big smile. He then sobered up a little and sincerely offered his condolences. "I hope the player who just got injured is okay."
"Thank you for your concern." Lu Ke shook Eli's right hand, and they bumped shoulders. The short post-game conversation was over. But as Lu Ke was about to leave, he remembered something else. "Eli, can we trade helmets?" He noticed Eli's confused look and continued to explain, "After a fierce or memorable matchup, I'd like to trade helmets as a souvenir."
Eli held up his helmet with a look of disbelief. "Are you sure it's not because you won today?"
Lu Ke laughed out loud again. "You can explain it that way. No problem."
Eli also chuckled and handed over his helmet. "Do you want me to sign it, and write down today's date and score? Like a trophy?"
"Don't you know that trophies are written by the winner?" Lu Ke also handed over his helmet, not backing down.
Eli gently held up the helmet in his hand and didn't continue to joke. He just congratulated Lu Ke again. "Congratulations, enjoy today." Then he turned around and walked toward the New York Giants' side, leaving with his teammates and leaving the stage for the home team to celebrate.
Today's matchup was no easier than the previous two, for both the winning and losing teams.
Lu Ke looked down at the helmet in his hand. He had missed the chance to trade helmets the previous two times, and he finally got Eli's helmet today, and it ended with a victory. This was a good thing. The only flaw in this perfect moment was Kyle's unpredictable injury.
But... after all the twists and turns, ups and downs, and heart-stopping moments, they finally won this game. They broke the curse of five consecutive wins and achieved the first six-game winning streak of Lu Ke's career. This was an important step forward and a breakthrough, a crucial step in their transformation!
However, this was still not the main point.
Last season, the San Francisco 49ers won five consecutive games in the last five games of the regular season, plus they defeated the New Orleans Saints in the divisional playoffs. That was also a six-game winning streak. The only difference was that there was a week-long break in between, and the rhythm and atmosphere of the regular season and the playoffs were completely different.
Now, after the San Francisco 49ers have achieved a six-game winning streak, they are about to face two consecutive tough tests: a home game against the Seattle Seahawks and an away game against the Arizona Cardinals. Only by truly establishing dominance and hegemony in divisional matchups can a strong team be considered transformed.
"Refined into steel!" This was the true essence and meaning.
But at this moment, they could still enjoy this victory to the fullest. For the first time in two seasons, they had such a satisfying winning streak. There were crushing victories and close, nail-biting wins. Regardless, they had once again withstood the test. They could temporarily let go of the burden and relax.
In the post-game interview, Lu Ke was once again the undeniable center of attention.
Regarding the tactical choice of the last drive and the decision to execute the final play... this was undoubtedly a re-evaluation of the quarterback's skills. This offseason, Lu Ke's transformation and progress began to attract reporters' attention for the first time. The subtle changes in his pocket presence, body weight, and play execution were gradually becoming apparent.
Regarding the pressure of a six-game winning streak and the pressure of two consecutive divisional matchups... this was also a severe test for the young San Francisco 49ers offense. Whether they could withstand the pressure and continue their upward momentum this season, and what heights they would reach, would undoubtedly become one of the biggest talking points in the entire league.
Regarding Randy Moss's resurgence and Kyle Williams's injury... this also became an uncertain factor for the San Francisco 49ers. For example, the wide receiver rotation for the next game and the new choice for the kick returner. These changes would also become variables in the long regular season.
Questions came in one after another. Everything was a testament to Lu Ke's rise as a superstar in the league. Not a new star, but a superstar. Lu Ke's influence and appeal were now on a different level. And as long as Lu Ke continued to win and make history, this craze would continue to rise.
Just as the interview was about to end, Harry Waynes finally appeared. He threw a sharp and tricky question at Lu Ke, but Lu Ke wasn't flustered at all. Instead, he chuckled. "Oh... hey! I'm glad you're still here, Mr. Harry Waynes. I was just wondering if you had left. The interview would have been much less exciting without your presence."
That lighthearted and teasing tone made all the reporters look at Harry with great interest. The show was about to get good again.
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