Foxborough, Massachusetts, Gillette Stadium.
This brand-new stadium, just built in 2002, is the home field of the New England Patriots. The new facility holds 68,756 fans, including 6,000 club seats and 87 luxury suites.
Right now, the place is completely packed. Countless fans and people just looking for some excitement have not only bought up every ticket inside, but huge crowds are gathered outside the stadium as well.
The fans are loudly debating the day's game. Since this is the New England Patriots' home turf, their supporters definitely dominate the conversation.
"So, who do you guys think is gonna win today?"
"Is that even a question? The New England Patriots, hands down. Haven't you seen the odds from the betting companies? I bet half a year's salary on this!"
"You're gonna make a killing. I only had $500 saved up, and I put all of it down."
"Does the New York Giants team really have zero chance of winning? They are a classic powerhouse, after all."
"If Luke wasn't playing quarterback for them, sure, they might have a chance. But now? How about we just guess how many points the Giants are gonna score?"
"They'll get at least one touchdown, right? I'll say six points."
"I'm guessing zero touchdowns. They'll manage a three-point field goal just to avoid getting totally shut out."
"Hahaha, that's brutal, but since we're going there, I'll say zero! They're already way weaker than the Pats, and they let a total newbie play the most important position, quarterback? They'd be crazy not to get shut out!"
In NFL history, low scores like 10-3 do happen sometimes, but usually only when two top teams with killer defenses play each other.
The New England Patriots are definitely going to put up some serious points today. If the New York Giants only manage 3 points or even zero, it's going to be absolutely embarrassing. It would be a historic failure that future fans would occasionally dig up just to mock.
Before the game, dozens of media outlets on the field were firing off bright, blinding flashes from their cameras, making everyone's eyes hurt.
Tom Brady was being interviewed by several reporters, including the New York Times, Fox News, and the Washington Post.
"Mr. Brady, how confident are you about today's game?"
"Very confident, of course. We're going to win," Tom Brady answered assuredly.
"So you also completely dismiss Luke and think the New York Giants have absolutely no chance of winning with him at quarterback?" The Fox News reporter was pushing for a soundbite.
Tom Brady frowned. This exhibition game was essentially born out of the controversy surrounding Luke, but why bring that up now? You seem to have a real grudge against Luke, but I don't. I'm not going to be your attack dog.
He answered seriously, "My confidence comes from my belief in myself and in the ability of my team. It doesn't come from looking down on our opponent."
"Then, as a Super Bowl MVP, do you think Luke can play quarterback well?"
Tom Brady thought for a moment and replied, "A quarterback is like the commander on the field. You need outstanding individual skill, but also a sharp mind that can analyze the whole situation quickly. I believe Luke has great potential, and I really like his action movies. But when it comes to the football field, he probably needs a lot more training."
It was a very objective assessment from Tom Brady. He didn't know how much football Luke had played, but he certainly wasn't a professional. Just based on experience, team chemistry, and team trust, it was logical to conclude that Luke was almost impossible to succeed as a starting quarterback.
The reporters completely understood Tom Brady's reasoning and agreed with his conclusion. After a quick interview, they had to leave, as the players needed time for their pre-game preparations and couldn't spend too long talking to the press.
So, the reporters headed to the New York Giants' locker room.
"Think Luke even remembers his teammates' names?" the Fox News reporter joked with a laugh. When all those guys are together, it's tough to tell them apart without spending some real time with them.
"Just interview them. Assuming things like that is poor journalism," the New York Times reporter shook his head.
"Seriously, so boring. I don't believe for a second that the Giants players actually trust Luke's calls," the Fox News reporter shot back.
When the reporters finally reached the Giants' locker room, they were surprised to find the players sitting in a circle around Luke, who was leading a discussion on today's game plan. The Fox News reporter simply couldn't believe his eyes.
How in the world did Luke manage to earn the trust of this group of professional football players in just two days? And how could he possibly know all the complex strategies for a game like this?
"We're going to play exactly like we rehearsed. We are not going to lose today! Now, I'm going to go talk to the reporters."
"Mr. Luke, how confident are you about today's game?" the New York Times reporter asked first.
"Very confident. We're going to win."
His answer was the exact same as Tom Brady's.
"As far as I know, your football experience isn't extensive. Where does this confidence come from?"
"We've developed a very effective game plan, but I can't go into detail right now. I can tell you this much: there's an ancient saying that describes our strategy: 'One strength breaks ten clever tricks.'"
"What does that mean? Brute force wins?" The reporter looked confused.
"You'll see when the game starts."
After a short exchange, Luke politely ended the interview himself, as the game was about to begin.
---
The starting time was getting closer, and the crowd's excitement was building.
Suddenly, a massive sound system roared to life, the booming noise echoing across the entire stadium. It seemed to be the signal for everyone to turn their attention toward the center of the field.
A tall announcer walked to the middle of the field, microphone in hand, his powerful voice filling the stadium:
"Ladies and gentlemen, fans! Welcome to today's game! We're about to witness an incredible battle! Please give a warm welcome to our two competing teams!"
As the host finished speaking, the stadium got even louder. Some excited fans started chanting, beating drums, and screaming out their team names.
The two teams gradually emerged from their locker rooms, walking into the roar of the crowd's screams and cheers.
The brief pre-game preparations were underway. Players were carefully going over their assignments on the field, and coaches were constantly passing along instructions and encouragement from the sidelines.
Luke stretched out a bit. His body was fully covered in protective gear, which made moving feel a little awkward. Football and ice hockey are probably the two sports that require the most padding:
Helmet: Made up of a shell, a face mask, and a chinstrap to reduce the chance of facial injuries, especially to the nose and mouth.
Shoulder Pads: Used to prevent the shoulder from dislocating due to impact, while also protecting the chest and ribs.
Hip and Tailbone Pads: These protect the player's waist, hips, and groin area against pushing, hitting, tackling, and falls.
In addition to these three main pieces, there are gloves, elbow pads, knee pads, thigh pads, and other bits and pieces. All of this gear shows just how intense and high-risk the contact is in this sport. That's also what makes football so attractive; its appeal as a national American sport is rooted in the combination of savagery and strategy on the field.
Everything was set. Luke and his teammates walked out to the 50-yard line in the center of the grass. The big game—the one that would determine Luke's honor—was finally about to kick off.