On the Edge

0 - 21.

From defense to offense, from the field to the sidelines, the New England Patriots had taken complete control of the game.

On one side stood the dominant dynasty of the 21st century, a team that had proven itself time and time again in the postseason. On the other, the Kansas City Chiefs—a team that often thrived in the regular season but repeatedly collapsed in the playoffs.

It wasn't just a matter of talent. The difference in postseason mentality between the two teams was night and day. And now, under the bright lights of the playoffs, that gap was fully exposed.

The fans at Gillette Stadium were already celebrating.

See? We told you.

The Patriots weren't just going to win. They were going to dominate. This was a statement game.

This was what a defending champion looked like.

The rookie isn't crying for his mommy yet? He better not piss his pants!

The overwhelming jeers, the mockery, the taunts—all ignited by Brady's roar—crashed down on the Chiefs' sideline like a tidal wave.

Even the commentators could feel the suffocating pressure.

"…Wow. This is rough."

"Everyone expected the Patriots to have the upper hand, but no one thought Kansas City would struggle this much."

"The young Chiefs look like a child standing against the battle-hardened Patriots."

Romo, too, was stunned.

From a neutral perspective, he wanted the game to be competitive. A blowout wasn't fun for anyone.

But he had a job to do. He quickly analyzed the formations, hoping Kansas City could adjust before halftime.

Then, his voice sharpened.

"No, no, no—this isn't a blitz."

"This is a fake blitz. They're baiting Kansas City into running the ball."

"Smith—oh no! He shouldn't hand this off to Lance!"

"Lance is running straight into a trap—there's a wall of defenders waiting for him!"

The words barely left Romo's mouth before the exact scenario unfolded on the field.

The Patriots' front line suddenly backed off, easing pressure on the offensive line. But instead of an open lane, the short passing zone became a minefield—

Romo had predicted it again.

Like a prophet.

Lance planted his foot.

Slip. Stumble.

Damn it.

Even as his body reacted, he was half a step too late.

A split-second later, defensive end Flowers, linebacker Harrison, and Van Noy closed in from all angles.

No space. No power. No traction.

Nowhere to go.

Another stuffed run.

Three-and-out.

"AHHHH!"

Brady punched the air, jumping in celebration.

Even though it was the defense that made the play, Brady was fired up.

He turned toward Lance, still on the ground, and kept pumping his fist, his energy spilling over onto the field.

"Wow, Tony."

Nantz shook his head, chuckling. "The Chiefs should hire you as a defensive coordinator. You've called every Patriots scheme perfectly."

"How many times is that now?"

Romo flashed a smile. "If they let me coach from the booth, I'd do it."

A small joke. But Romo had just highlighted a key issue.

Perspective.

From above, the whole field was visible. The big picture.

The Chiefs couldn't see it.

And that was the problem.

"I think Kansas City needs to calm down and reset their approach."

"They've been completely thrown off by New England's defensive pressure. Nagy's play-calling, Smith's reads—everything is breaking down."

"The more they panic, the more mistakes they make. The more mistakes they make, the more they panic. It's a vicious cycle."

"Right now, the priority isn't a touchdown. It's not even a field goal. It's about getting into rhythm."

"They need to balance the passing and running game."

"The situation looks terrible."

"But it's not over."

"The Chiefs have been the most efficient offense in the league all year. Their ground game is ranked No. 1, but their balanced attack has been just as impressive."

"Smith is playing the best football of his career. If he can settle down and find Lance, Kelce, and Hill, Kansas City's offense still has the firepower to turn this around."

"The key is handling New England's pressure. Finding patience in chaos. Creating space under duress. It's not impossible."

"If they can't calm down and adjust, things are only going to get worse."

"And don't forget—they're facing Belichick and Brady. If you give them an inch, they'll take a mile."

Romo wanted a fight.

The first divisional game had been a letdown.

The second—a primetime matchup—was turning into a one-sided disaster.

Romo needed the Chiefs to push back.

He wanted a battle.

Nantz nodded.

"This game isn't over."

"Last season's Super Bowl—3-28. Almost everyone thought the game was finished. The Patriots were dead. The Falcons were champions."

"But New England had other ideas."

"They completed the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history."

"And tonight, they're on the other side. They're the ones leading. They don't want to be on the wrong end of a comeback."

"But the Chiefs—this young team has been tested all year. They're not the type to give up."

"Of course, this won't be easy."

"In 2014, Wild Card Round. Kansas City led 38-10 against the Colts in the third quarter."

"Then came the worst ten minutes in franchise history."

"They lost, 44-45."

"That 28-point collapse is the second-biggest comeback in playoff history—only behind Buffalo's 32-point miracle against Houston in 1993."

"It was a nightmare."

"But last season, in the regular season, Kansas City erased a 21-point deficit to beat San Diego."

"They've proven they can fight back."

"Now, they're facing their biggest challenge yet."

"Maybe this is a disaster."

"But maybe—this is their chance to evolve."

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Powerstones?

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