During an away defeat, almost no team fans are present, which makes the loneliness and desolation more cruel—alone on the other side of the world, isolated and helpless. The head coach came to learn about Shoya's psychological state.
"A game is over, and the season isn't over yet. Please, I need a good Shoya to win as many matches as possible.'
Johnson's words restored confidence in Shoya, who wasn't all that demoralizing. But seeing the bright gleam in his eyes when his rookie quarterback still has that self-confidence, there's no need to worry.
Shoya started tapping Chase Young's shoulder, then Montez Sweat patted Emmanuel Forbes and hugged Mustafa. One by one, Shoya walked through and comforted each teammate. But there were too many people, so it looked like everyone was around a circle.
"I take full responsibility here; you've done what you can, and I've ruined all your efforts," he said loud and clear. A strong leader has to tell it like it is; the locker room is not a monolithic block, but everyone has to go in the same direction.
"Today, we lost and will lose again, but we are not losers. Those who want to defeat us must pay the price. I will still make mistakes, but not acknowledging them would have been a failure as a quarterback; that's why I'm taking the voice today. »
"We have to do not lose our minds, not surrender. I will take and analyze the defeat carefully and expect you to do the same. I want everyone to lift their heads, raise their chests, and get back on the field with determination! »
Not an impassioned speech but firm words, easy to understand. He's not the type to come out with fiery speeches; he's more of a calm personality, and they know that, too.
But this rookie in front of them is fearless, and despite his horrible performance, he doesn't hide. His time in the team is too short, and he is a starter who, for the last three games, the break-in is still not perfect.
However, he showed his perseverance.
Jerrod Johnson watched it all from afar; it was a moment for the players, and the coaches, out of respect, did not interfere.
"Rogers, we saw a new side of Shoya, and I have to say he surprised me. Despite losing four balls, he still didn't give up and refused" to admit defeat despite the wide margin. That's the mark of growth, and more than a quarterback, he's a leader. »
"I don't care if he's a rookie; I just know he deserves respect. Even though there's no chance of making the playoffs, I'm not frustrated." watching Shoya walk towards the journalists.
Shoya can't avoid reporters as a quarterback and was questioned when he came to the press conference.
"Shoya, do you have any particular feelings about the loss?" an ESPN reporter asked his question first and put a smile on the quarterback's face.
"Chase and Montez grabbed me in the locker room and beat me up. When I told them we had a lot of work to do, they threatened me with death. This response left journalists laughing collectively.
What kind of response?
After two good games, you made a lot of mistakes today. Do you have an opinion on this? Another journalist asked a question that was also the focus of attention.
"I have some progress to make; I know my position, and my teammates know my position because I have expressed myself clearly, but I don't mind saying. As you said, I've only had two good matches; this is my first loss today. I'm aware of all my mistakes; the good news is that I will make more mistakes sooner or later. I know it, and you knew it too. It's my area of progress. »
The interrogation lasted for a while.
The following day, after a strength training session, he was in the video room with offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Roger Copield. For any player, watching the video of the game is a necessary process, no matter how boring it may be.
Not only to prepare for the game but also to learn. It's a gold mine that Shoya exploits as best he can. He was always smart and a good learner. Shoya is a boy who passed the Wonderlic test with a perfect score.
He is the only quarterback and the second player in history to achieve such a performance, the other being wide receiver/punter Pat McInally.
To be brief, the Wonderlic test is a quick IQ test. Knowing that a score is the average from a score of 24 is important. 50 is Shoya's maximum rating, and Ryan Fitzpatrick with 48 next up.
This test is not a true indicator of success, and it is not entirely reliable as a test because other factors make a good quarterback. That's why the Scouts have forgotten this information, but anyone next to him will realize how intelligent he is.
Meanwhile, Niklas Oberg is with coach Johnson, surprised by his player's initiative. "Why? I don't see the need to change. »
"Because Shoya is a good leader," Oberg said thoughtfully, "For us players, the captain's responsibility is to control the pace of play. I was thinking about that before this game, and his reaction to the defeat reassured me that I would make a choice."
It's a long process, and Oberg doesn't know how long it will take. But if Shoya can take on the captaincy role, that's good for the entire offensive team.
"His influence on the pitch and in the team is starting to be felt, and I think it's time to let Shoya take over officially. We'll unlikely make the playoffs, so let him gain experience. It's our best choice. »
As a rookie, Shoya is currently the starting quarterback for the Commanders. But it's only the rookie season; no one can predict what will happen next year and what will happen in the future.
He knows his status on the team; he's the only Pro Bowler on the offensive team and has had to protect four quarterbacks, and Shoya is the best of them. From Oberg's point of view, it's the best choice.
But for the coach, it's more than that. Yes, he's a rookie, but will he be injured next season? What will its condition be? Will it fluctuate or even decline? Will he get back up?
For these reasons, Jarrod Johnson never knows how to ask the question. He didn't respond immediately; he didn't have time to change it, and it was too late to consider it. Even Jerrod Johnson himself is delighted with Shoya.
So why should he refuse? He had no reason to refuse.