After every game, the quarterback rating is one of the most valuable stats. But as Charles said, there has always been controversy about it. According to the formula, the final quarterback rating is calculated by plugging in five data points: pass attempts, completions, yards, touchdowns, and interceptions. In other words, quarterbacks like Tom Brady, who open up the field with short passes and boost their completion rate, or Aaron Rodgers, who excels at long passes at critical moments, often see their quarterback ratings soar. The quarterback rating system always favors Aaron Rodgers, with his stats constantly reaching new highs.
In other words, the quarterback rating is just one stat. It can't be perfectly balanced and is a bit skewed, which has led to a lot of controversy. But overall, when the quarterback rating is compared with PFF ratings, a relatively objective conclusion can still be drawn about a quarterback's performance. Lu Ke's excellent deep passes and his careful control of interceptions have been important factors in his high quarterback rating. So, Charles's words weren't entirely groundless.
Faced with the shocked expressions in front of him, Charles had no intention of stopping. The emotions he had suppressed for so long erupted like a volcano.
"The San Francisco 49ers have been very successful this season, that's a fact. But all the credit goes to head coach Jim Harbaugh," Charles concluded. "Harbaugh had great success at Stanford and is now implementing his West Coast offense with the 49ers. With a proper distribution of resources, he's led them to one victory after another."
Charles could clearly feel the stares coming from all directions, full of mockery, sarcasm, surprise, and shock. But he wasn't afraid. He nodded emphatically, confirming his statement. "You heard me right, that's what I said. Lu Ke is a system quarterback. The system is winning, not him."
When people discuss system quarterbacks, it's usually a negative term. In a system, the quarterback is more like a pawn, strictly executing plays under the coach's control. Even if the pawn is a "general," it's still just a pawn and only one part of the victory, like a puppet on a string. In other words, the credit for winning goes to the coaching staff, not the quarterback.
But every coach knows that a game can change in an instant, and they can't control every variable from the sidelines. At such times, they need the quarterback to step up, become the team's brain and leader, and lead the team to victory. A truly excellent quarterback can't just be a pawn in a system; they need to be able to think independently and make decisive decisions.
Looking at the nearly frantic and irrational Charles, Spencer shook his head in disbelief. Whether Lu Ke is an excellent quarterback is still to be determined, and his performance in the second half of the season will be crucial. But it's certain that Lu Ke is not a system quarterback. His ability to read defenses, control plays, and interpret timing has been impressive, and those are not the skills of a system quarterback.
Spencer was so shocked that he couldn't immediately find the words to object, and then he listened as Charles continued his rant.
"They defeated the Lions, we all know that," Charles said, confronting his own past humiliation for the first time. The shock and hurt from that game still lingered. He then changed his tone. "But that game wasn't decided until the very end. Now, facing an excellent New York Giants team, the 49ers' chances of winning are slim."
"This is a team that just defeated the New England Patriots! Let me tell you what's going to happen this Sunday: the Giants will leave Candlestick Park with a victory and end the 49ers' four-game winning streak," Charles said with conviction.
Spencer suddenly realized that any argument at this point would be meaningless. The game between the 49ers and the Giants was a coin toss. Both teams have shown excellent form and don't shy away from tough matchups. To some extent, the Giants' ability to rise to the occasion is more pronounced than the Lions'. This week's game is sure to be exciting. For an analyst, it's perfectly acceptable to support either team. It's not a "51-49" situation; it's a 50-50 game. The factor that tips the scales is the analyst's personal opinion and preference, becoming that "1%" that breaks the 50-50 balance. Spencer chose the 49ers; Charles chose the Giants. It's that simple.
So, Spencer suppressed all the arguments and objections in his mind and simply said, "I completely disagree with you. The New York Giants have been inconsistent this season, both on offense and defense..."
As Charles seemed ready to argue like a matador, Spencer raised his right hand, stopping Charles, and said sternly, "You just gave your opinion, now it's my turn. So, please be quiet, okay?" This retort effectively silenced Charles, and his frustrated and angry expression made the other analysts laugh. This kind of confrontation is exactly what the production crew loves.
"Relatively speaking, the 49ers' defense is still not trustworthy and is prone to mistakes at key moments. But the offense, led by Lu Ke, has my vote. Besides, Candlestick Park has been more passionate than ever this season and is becoming a new 'house of horrors' for opposing teams."
Spencer stated his position simply but firmly. "So, I believe the 49ers will defeat the visiting Giants at home and continue their winning streak this week."
"A joke." Charles shook his head repeatedly, a look of disdain on his face. "Think back to when Tony Romo first emerged. What was the whole league's attitude toward him? Even now, people still question his ability. Lu Ke and Romo are both undrafted rookies, and you should know that going undrafted is a solid fact! It means that all the scouts and teams chose to pass on this rookie!"
"In nearly fifty years in the league, we had a Kurt Warner and a Tony Romo. Do you think we're going to get another Lu Ke? Maybe he's just another Tim Tebow!" Charles's aggressive posture and his firm belief were unshakable. "I bet you that this week's victory will belong to the Giants."
Spencer was both angry and amused. Looking at the childish Charles, an impulse surged within him. He raised his chin. "Fine, I'll take that bet. I believe the victory belongs to the 49ers. What's the stake?"
"If the 49ers win this week's game, I'll crawl from Hollywood to the Great Wall." Since everyone in the league already knows Lu Ke's Chinese heritage, Charles's words were a direct jab at Lu Ke.
Seeing Charles's arrogant, ranting, and menacing expression, Spencer's anger ignited. "No problem! If the Giants win the game, I'll kneel and kiss Eli Manning's shoes."
"Wait, wait," Edward, who had been watching the show, finally realized something was wrong, but his intervention was a beat too late. He quickly raised his hands and made a stop gesture to the camera, interrupting the recording. "Charles, Spencer, are you sure? Once this airs, there's no going back."
If they regretted it now, the production crew could re-edit the content or re-record it, killing the fun before it could begin. To be honest, Spencer had some regrets. This game was a coin toss, and suddenly, the stakes were so high. Was this too risky? It was very out of character for him.
But Charles waved his hand dismissively. "No problem. Just air it as is. I'm okay with it." Then, Charles looked at Spencer provocatively. "Or has someone changed their mind?"
"If you're scared, don't be stubborn. Say it now, and we'll just laugh about it internally. Otherwise, you'll become the league's laughingstock," Spencer shot back, his neck stiffening.
With this back and forth, the bet was officially finalized. Edward looked at the other eight analysts in shock, his eyes full of confusion. How did this show get to this point? Why did things suddenly get out of control? After a brief communication, the show recording resumed. For the "Inside the League" production crew, this was naturally the best thing that could have happened. They welcomed it with open arms. A bet like this is the ultimate way to boost ratings. After all, the production crew isn't the one who has to pay the price. They just get to watch the show and reap the benefits.
As expected, after the show aired, it caused a huge stir across the United States. In an instant, the matchup between the San Francisco 49ers and the New York Giants sensationally surpassed the three night games of the week and became the center of attention once again. It seems that Lu Ke's ability to attract attention, as a talking point in the league, is far greater than anyone imagined.
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