In the eleventh game of the regular season against New Orleans, Shoya Barthelemy got off to a good start in his career but didn't have time to savor his victory. The fans don't care who beat whom or who made a mistake. What they remember is the victory.
In a season with few wins, any win is good to take.
This afternoon, Shoya celebrated and enjoyed the joy of his first debut and win: he and the rest of the team, including the coaching staff.
Shoya is speaking with the coach on the sidelines of the rest of the team: "Overall, it was a decent game, and your room for improvement is good," said Coach Johnson.
Like you, the world, he doesn't think he's perfect, but he's growing from training to rookie quarterback, and his growth rate is more stable than it seems.
His football IQ has always been good, but he went from FCS to the NFL. It was a big red spot when he was drafted, and at least the baptism of fire went off successfully. His abilities and skills have been greatly improved. The one drafted and the Shoya of today are not the same player.
The next day, the team took a short rest. However, Shoya was in training, and repair training is essential, especially for an injury-prone sport. He is not elusive mainly because of his large size, betting on power to energize his athleticism.
Then he was with Gardner Minshew, re-reading the tactical manual. He was re-reading the opponent's last match of the next match, which will be a tough test to manage.
He's a great mentor to him who has experience in the league. He's not a good starting quarterback but he's a luxury replacement.
"Over time, you'll see teams with simple and complex play patterns. You will have to make the right choices at the right time, and you already know that, but other things can influence you: the noise, the weather, an injury. I think you have potential, and the coach believes the same. I will do what I can to support you. I've been in this situation, too, and it doesn't bother me. Gardner said, looking at Shoya with satisfaction.
He's not the kind of strong personality, and the Jaguars didn't draft him himself. Faced with the impact of the new generation, he can only show his support. Having a career like hers is already a gift.
Shoya's eyes stopped focusing on the screen, and looked at Gardner with a cute smile. He nodded softly, "Thank you for your blessing. I hope the competition will be healthy; that's fine for me, too."
The competition started for everyone simultaneously, and with rare exceptions, the whole team was called into question. No one has time to feel shy. The NFL is a shark's world, and fish don't belong here.
Once out of the video room, he heads to the training ground. Some of the players were warming up, but he couldn't see. To the side, Widad walked steadily, swinging his arms, but didn't move. He must have moved closer to her.
"What happened?" as he sat with her on a nearby bench. He knows what she's talking about.
As a result, Shoya replied, "Nothing, just an elder advising the next generation."
Widad nodded in agreement, "I've also heard rumors. Gardner is a very likable player and has a good relationship with everyone, regardless. »
He can only agree with her. Gardner is a character apart, living in his world. Players appreciate him as a person, but as a player, it's something else. Of course, this is not the only problem, but he must take responsibility for it.
It's the thankless role of the quarterback!
He knows it. It's his way of being responsible, huh? Think Shoya
Being the leader of a team of 50 players is complex, and he is the first banner. An underperforming QB can ruin a team both on and off the field. No one has a problem with him, but they have difficulty seeing him have their backs.
It takes more than one game for Shoya to earn the trust of a roster. No one wants to bet on him, but if some people want to, they are not influential in the squad and ride the wave.
"Do you still have work? I'll go to the mosque with Mustafa after training. Are you coming or not?" asked Shoya. As his name suggests, Widad is also a Muslim. A common thread has brought them closer; they often speak on the phone.
Shoya is a top athlete; he can't afford to stay on the phone all night or any day, but they see each other the next day. Being one of the few people in his working circle (for the moment?) of the same religious denomination as him, the feeling is good, and he knows the values of the other.
Even though Shoya is an atheist-turned-Muslim, he is a Muslim even though he is of white ethnicity.
"No, not tonight. My dad called me, and he's coming to the United States. I won't be able to see you this week. She said uncomfortably. But he realizes he knows nothing about her except her first and last name.
But he doesn't want to force things. Indeed, he's not insensitive to this young Arab girl a little older than him.
"Welcome back," he said, patting her on the head. He has to lower his head to look this girl in the eye; she's too small. He watched her leave for work, not knowing how he felt.
But as he left the mosque, he felt he was being followed. In fact, he's had that feeling since he left the Commanders' facility. Located five miles east of Washington, he confirmed his feet before entering the mosque.
But the man sitting on the bench hasn't taken any action, so he will force him to come. He sat in a Starbucks, not far from the mosque, and waited.
Suddenly, a white man in his forties, dressed in a black trench coat, sits across from him. This man has been following him for over an hour, and Shoya admires his perseverance.
"Relax, I'm not a fan who comes in for an autograph." He knew he was being spotted when Shoya landed in the Starbucks, which led to his total vigilance.
He pulled out a business card, simple, elegant, without the slightest superfluity, only a name and a title:
"John B. Layfield, Agent"