In the conference room of the training grounds, the mood is gloomy, and no word is spoken.
A stack of charts on the table shows the NFL (National Football League) regular season division standings for that season. On the board, it's not hard to see that the Washington Commanders sit in last place in the NFC East standings with two wins and seven losses.
Each division of the NFL has a total of 4 teams. There are 17 games in the regular season; among the 17, there are six against the other three teams. According to the current record, the Washington Commanders have no chance of winning the division.
The Philadelphia Eagles already have as many wins as the Commanders have losses, and while the prayer for them to lose all of their remaining games, the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys won't agree.
It is possible to marabout one team (?) but not three.
After a long silence, Coach Johnson said, "Now it seems impossible for us to win the division this year. If we want to qualify for the playoffs, we can only go through the Wild Card, and that alone will be complicated.Ā Ā»
Everyone suddenly got tired after hearing this, and the atmosphere became more depressing.
"You have to take every game that comes up, and the priority is to prepare for the next game against the Dallas Cowboys. I'm very worried about Gardner's condition, and maybe it's time for Shoya to start." Although the assistant coach said that, he couldn't help but be nervous.
This game is key for both teams as the tenth game of the regular season. A division matchup is a game that every team must win, and the Cowboys, to catch the Eagles, have no interest in losing.
Currently, they are at five wins and four losses. They aim for first place in the division, and every game against the Commanders must be taken. For the Commanders, it's a last-ditch battle, which makes the game exciting.
Washington travels to Dallas in hostile territory, and there is no shortage of fans.
"It's not going to be easy!"
Seeing the momentum of the other team, Shoya is worried. Roger squeezed her shoulders and encouraged, "We have to get the job done no matter what! We're also very strong; you'll have to be there sooner or later! You don't have the right to be worried. Cheer your team on to win and lose!Ā Ā»
Roger is the team's quarterbacks coach, and he's been with the team for three years, like Coach Johnson. The match began as the fans applauded and the referee entered the field.
It was the Cowboys who got the first drive. Veteran quarterback Dak Prescott used the lineman's conversion to turn and hand the ball to running back Simons.
But when he received the ball and before he had time to sprint, he saw a strong man push his offensive lineman away and rush in front of him.
"As always, Chase Young is starting to become the player he was expected to be before he was drafted." Chase is a defensive end drafted in 2020 who was inconsistent early in his career, but since last season, he has matured and made 16 sacks.
In line with the previous season, he currently has 8.
Shoya shook her head as she chatted with Roger. While the Commanders' results aren't ideal, the foundation remains. The Commanders' defense is good, but the offense is the evil of this team.
Although the Cowboys couldn't get any points, the game had just begun. Their coaching teams immediately met to discuss new tactics and sent in special teams.
The Cowboys punter kicked the ball twenty-five yards from the Cowboys' endzone.
"Our defense is doing really well! Chase and the others are the best!Ā Shoya is happy with his team's defensive stop. Although he's in a different unit, he knows the pressure she has to deal with.
Coach Johnson watched the chaotic offense on the field and continued to shake his head, but at that moment, he seemed helpless. It's true that last season, the team came close to the Wild Card, but it was with an iron defense.
After several rounds, the Commanders pulled one back, but the difference was too big. And the Cowboys made no mistakes and won the duel with a score of 9-20.
In addition to the spectators, sports journalists were standing off the field, including reporters and editors of the famous "American Football."
"What do you think of this game?" the editor-in-chief asked, though wearing glasses.
The journalist thought momentarily and said, "It's almost as planned. If the Commanders can't improve the quarterback or shock their offense, winning the remaining games will be very difficult.Ā Ā»
The reporter's statement aligns with everyone's thoughts, including the defensive players. On the plane home, the head coach said: "We only have eight games left before the end of the season. It's time to start internal competition.Ā Ā»
Internal competition refers to the battle between replacements and starters. Usually, it takes place during training camp and preseason, but he talks about it in the middle of the regular season.
After hearing the news, the state of competition in the team was reinstated. With a bit of intelligence, anyone can become a starter in case of good performance in training.
"Shoya, on the field, just use your skills to speak! Without strength, no matter how much you talk, it's useless! If you have strength, even if you don't need to say it, it will be convincing!Ā Rogers said, looking at the big boy in front of him, who nodded.
His situation is different from other players. He never got his chance to start. We have clarified that he will start on the bench for a while because his profile and career path are atypical.
"I've been training hard for at least four months and feel I'm progressing. I will be the future No. 1 quarterback in the next game."Ā After dinner, he couldn't afford to be relaxed. In fact, it never was.
"You left before you saw me play in the NFL. I pray to Allah every day, hoping that you rest in peace.Ā He said to himself, looking up at the sky.
"Despite all my fame, football took more from me than it gave me. Like your dearest wishes, I've gotten good enough to play in the NFL. I'm ready to take a new step. Inshallah, Dad and Mom, we'll see you up there proud of my achievements.Ā Ā»
Shoya Barthelemy is the quarterback drafted in the 5th round of the previous draft. He didn't know what impact his impact on the league would be, but this loss to the Cowboys will be the beginning of a new era.