The Key Figure

"...The game is over. The entire game is over. Alabama University easily defeated Washington to advance to the National Championship game for the second consecutive year. Saban's team remains unbeaten this season..."

"In this game, the Crimson Tide's rookie running back, Lance, continued his outstanding performance with 193 rushing yards and two touchdowns, extending his season-long dominance."

"Last season, the Crimson Tide's running back, Derrick Henry, achieved historic stats with 2,219 rushing yards and an astounding 28 touchdowns over 15 games, shattering SEC records."

"One of Henry's most unbelievable records was scoring at least one touchdown in every single game of the season—fifteen straight games. It was a feat that left everyone in awe."

"However,"

"No one expected that within just a year, Henry's seemingly unbeatable and widely believed untouchable record would face the possibility of being broken."

"Thus far, Lance has played 14 games, rushing for 2,003 yards while maintaining Henry's streak of at least one rushing touchdown per game. His total count stands at 26 touchdowns, just two shy of Henry's record."

"With one game remaining, anything is possible."

"But in my view, whether or not the record is broken isn't the main point. The key difference between Lance and Henry lies in Lance's versatility—not only is he an exceptional running back, but he's also a masterful decoy and strategist. His presence diversifies the Crimson Tide's offensive playbook, benefiting teammates like Jacobs, Hurts, and others."

"This current Crimson Tide offense isn't just the most dominant unit in the NCAA this season—it's also one of the most dominant in Alabama's history, setting new records for average points per game and displaying explosive multi-dimensional offense."

"A player like Lance offers much deeper value to a team..."

Blah, blah, blah.

The Peach Bowl had ended, with Alabama's Crimson Tide convincingly defeating Washington and securing their spot at the top. Despite facing the fourth-ranked team in the nation, Saban's squad displayed sheer dominance, impressing all. Yet, even after the game, the spotlight remained firmly on Lance—a testament to his impact.

In Front of the TV.

Rivera sat with a stern expression, his brow furrowed, and his arms crossed tightly as he intently watched the screen without uttering a word or blinking, until a knock interrupted him.

"Come in," Rivera called out.

The visiting team meeting room door creaked open. "Coach, it's lunchtime," someone informed him.

Rivera didn't respond.

Carolina Panthers Offensive Coordinator Mike Shula stepped in and glanced at the TV for a moment, confirming the Peach Bowl game had ended—

Shula was Saban's predecessor, serving as Alabama's head coach from 2003 to 2006. However, he never managed to elevate the team during his tenure, so he transitioned to the NFL, not as a head coach but as a quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator.

Over the years, Shula bounced between different teams, first with the Jacksonville Jaguars and then with the Carolina Panthers.

Last season was the highlight of Shula's career, as he successfully helped Cam Newton demonstrate the prowess expected of a former top draft pick, ultimately earning Newton the MVP award.

Unfortunately, they fell one step short of the Super Bowl title.

This season, however, was a nightmare for both Super Bowl 50 teams.

The Denver Broncos unraveled after Peyton Manning's retirement, while the Carolina Panthers found themselves bogged down by injuries.

Even before the regular season had ended, both the Broncos and Panthers saw their playoff hopes crushed, highlighting just how fiercely competitive the NFL is. Dominance in one season doesn't guarantee it in the next; every year resets the slate.

However, from a different perspective, it meant that with the right off-season moves, any team could rise again.

For the Panthers, a young team with ample resources, the upcoming draft and free agency offered ample opportunities. There was every possibility they could storm back into the playoff picture by next year.

So, with this season winding down, Rivera's focus had already shifted to the next.

Today, the Carolina Panthers were in Tampa Bay, preparing for tomorrow's last regular-season game against their division rivals, the Buccaneers.

For the Buccaneers, the season wasn't over—they needed to win to keep their slim playoff hopes alive, while relying on outcomes from other games. But for the Panthers, sitting at a disappointing 6-9, the season had ended in last place within the division. Their only motivation now might be to spoil their rival's playoff aspirations.

Rivera wasn't thinking about that.

Instead, he chose to watch the Peach Bowl, his mind racing.

Noticing Shula's presence, Rivera didn't turn away. "Mike, what do you think of that running back?"

Although Shula had once coached Alabama, it had been a decade ago. Moreover, Shula specialized in quarterbacks, and his talents and expertise leaned heavily towards that position. Evaluating a running back wasn't his forte, and he wasn't confident about offering an informed opinion.

Nevertheless, as an offensive coordinator, Shula was aware of the Panthers' issues this season—Newton was bearing too much of the offensive burden alone—

Newton needed a pressure valve or a decoy.

Shula thought it over. "Personally, I'd lean towards Leonard Fournette from LSU."

Rivera raised his eyebrows, looking intrigued.

Shula elaborated, "Fournette's built like a tank."

Rivera chuckled, "No, Mike, we don't need a tank—we need a weapon that can unlock offensive diversity."

Shula asked cautiously, "So you mean, Lance is that weapon?"

Rivera nodded slightly, "Look at Hurts. He's still too young and inexperienced—he's not even a third of Cam's current ability. But with Lance on the field, Hurts's potential gets fully unleashed. If Lance were with Cam, our offense could transform completely."

Shula could hear the excitement in Rivera's voice. "Coach?"

Rivera nodded decisively. "We need to get him. No—we must."

Shula read between the lines. "Coach, does that mean… should we aim to win against Tampa Bay or… not?"

For the Panthers, this game's result didn't matter, but in terms of draft positioning, it was an entirely different story.

Rivera understood, taking a deep breath. "Mike, see if you can gauge the Jaguars' intentions. I've got a feeling they're also eyeing him."

Though the NFL season wasn't over, the draft storm was already brewing.

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Powerstones?

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