Unexpected moments often arrive without warning—no signs, no cues—leaving you utterly unprepared.
Just like this.
The Cincinnati Bengals had only just begun to build momentum, finally clawing back some rhythm amid chaos and confusion. The smiles on their faces hadn't even fully bloomed before an unexpected twist flipped the script, sending them hurtling into the abyss.
"Fowler!"
"Fowler is on the return, and clearly, the Bengals' offense wasn't ready—their reaction time is visibly half a beat behind."
"Fowler crosses the line of scrimmage—Dalton!"
"Andy Dalton's throwing himself in to stop Fowler—he's all in!"
"Oh, brilliant!"
"Fowler shakes off Dalton's full-force tackle, regains balance, resets his footing—he's back on track."
"Fowler—oh, Fowler!"
"The entire Bengals offense is scrambling to catch up, but Fowler leaves them all in the dust."
"Touchdown!"
"Absolutely brilliant! Fowler delivers his first pick-six of the season and lands a crushing blow to the Bengals!"
"No doubt, this is a game-changing moment."
"The Bengals had just started to mount a comeback. That interception should have been their lifeline to close the gap. Instead, it's been flipped against them, and turned into a touchdown for the Chiefs."
"Oh my god… this has to be painful…"
Bzzz. Bzzzzzz.
Like a hornet's nest in the head. Shame, regret, anger, frustration—they all surged up in a choking wave. If left unvented, someone might explode the next second.
And so, Coach Lewis's personal brand of fury—like a hairdryer on high—kicked into full blast. He lost it.
Not far away, Fowler, still panting from his sprint, turned and saw Jones and Houston galloping toward him, faces beaming.
Houston stepped in with a big, sweaty hug for the breakout defender, grinning wide: "Careful, man—he might bill you for a burst blood vessel after that one."
Fowler looked puzzled. He followed Houston's gaze and finally saw Lewis—face beet red, drenched in sweat, looking like he might blow a gasket.
But Fowler wasn't concerned. He turned away and said, "If he's billing anyone, it's not me."
Fowler looked elsewhere.
Houston followed his gaze.
So… was Fowler staring at Lance? Or Mahomes?
Examining Fowler's burning determination, the fire in his eyes, Houston took a wild guess: Lance?
After all, not just Fowler—Mahomes was also looking Lance's way.
The guy was bouncing around like a flea, excited and eager, totally unaffected by the recent interception. He was chomping at the bit, itching to take the field again.
Then Lance casually reminded Mahomes that it was still Bengals' possession. Mahomes slumped in disappointment—he didn't even try to hide it.
Houston understood.
This season, Houston had been feeling his age. Lingering injuries, slower recovery, reduced output—all signs that the body can't defy time.
He'd felt frustration, regret, even fear.
But looking at the team now, seeing Lance, Houston's anxiety began to ease.
Whatever happens, the Chiefs are in good hands with these second- and third-year stars. With Lance around, he didn't need to worry about the team's future.
At the same time, he couldn't just give in. Youth has its flair, but veterans bring wisdom. Houston still had goals. He wasn't ready to be outshined.
No way was he letting them steal the spotlight.
"Stopped cold!"
"Justin Houston with a clutch stop! The Bengals' fake handoff doesn't fool this veteran linebacker—he sniffs it out and makes the solo tackle, ending the Bengals' drive and handing Dalton his first three-and-out of the second half."
"Once again, the Bengals offense hits a wall."
"They're trying—trying so hard to get back on track—but the Chiefs defense rises when it matters."
"Houston's key third-down stop proves veterans still have teeth. His experience ends the Bengals' five-minute drive that crossed midfield. Just like that, the ball returns to Kansas City."
"The Bengals are in deeper trouble. Whatever spark they found during halftime seems to have burned out. Lewis's squad now faces an unprecedented challenge."
You could hear it in the commentators' tone—they were grasping at straws to preserve dignity.
Everyone had hoped for a classic shootout. People believed the Bengals could pose a real threat. But… this?
Still, the broadcasters had to sound fair. Even if the game was a total wipeout, they had to find silver linings.
When the Bengals finally showed some life in the second half, there was hope. But before they could strike back, the Chiefs smothered them again, restoring the gap they'd just closed. All signs pointed one way: this game might already be over.
Yet… deep down, hope flickered—
Maybe the Bengals couldn't win, but if they showed grit, kept fighting, they'd still earn respect. Maybe the fourth quarter could still have some meaning.
Even in defeat, there's value in heart. Hope for the future.
But.
The Bengals' defense couldn't stop the Chiefs' offense. After the interception, Mahomes returned like a Super Saiyan—firing dazzling passes that left Cincinnati's defenders spinning.
"Fake handoff!"
"Mahomes fakes the pass again—it fools the Bengals defense completely."
"Lance—wait, no—it's Hunt with the run."
"Oh god, that's the Bengals' second straight misread. They've lost containment. We nearly forgot Hunt was a running back."
"Lance! Brilliant block! He shoves Atkins out of the way, clearing the lane for Hunt, and Hunt takes off!"
"Hunt! Stiff arm! He slams into linebacker Vigil, knocks him over, and keeps going!"
"10 yards!"
"20 yards!"
"25 yards!"
"Bates—the safety, the last man—Hunt hits him head-on, and they're locked together!"
"Wait—Hunt breaks free! He's through!"
"Bates couldn't hang on! He grabbed Hunt's jersey, drew a flag—but it's too late! Hunt bulldozes into the end zone!"
"Touchdown!"
"That's a touchdown!"
And now…
This game might be over.
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Powerstones?
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