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Wentz’s Moment

"00:08."

"20:27."

The first is the remaining game time—just eight seconds left.

The second is the score—a one-possession game, still within reach.

Victory for the Kansas City Chiefs seemed inevitable, just one step away from opening the season with a 2–0 record. Yet, second-year quarterback Carson Wentz rose to the occasion. In God-mode, he delivered the most electrifying sequence of his career.

Seven passes. Seven completions. A perfect 100% success rate.

And, in the final play near the edge of the red zone, the Chiefs' defense broke through the pocket with a relentless pass rush, catching Doug Pederson's offense completely off guard. Wentz, like a gazelle surrounded by lions, was moments from disaster.

But Wentz held firm.

Dodging three separate near-sacks, he launched a precise 13-yard pass into the end zone's corner. Third-year receiver Nelson Agholor, nearly losing his balance, wrestled the ball away from tight coverage to secure the touchdown.

The clock froze at eight seconds.

It was breathtaking, miraculous, and heart-stopping.

Just as everyone thought the game was securely in the Chiefs' hands, Wentz stepped forward to declare otherwise—the Eagles had different plans.

"Wow, Wentz's moment!"

"I'm not sure what just happened, but it felt like Wentz suddenly unlocked his potential. It's not just his completion rate—the way he's reading the defense, spotting openings, and making split-second decisions is on another level."

"Most importantly, his composure and poise under pressure—those killer instincts to handle the blitz—are simply extraordinary."

"It's not that the Chiefs' defense played poorly; it's that Wentz has ascended to God-mode. They're not even competing on the same level anymore."

"Simply incredible!"

Pash didn't hold back his admiration.

"While everyone's been fixated on the 'Rookie vs. GOAT' narrative from the season opener, this game offers a new storyline."

"Think about it: In the second half, rookie Lance single-handedly broke the game open with a God-like performance that was impossible to ignore."

"And just when everyone thought the game was over, Wentz turned the spotlight back on himself, pulling victory out of the jaws of defeat with an almost divine display of skill."

"'The Rookie vs. The Chosen One'—a clash between two young stars who represent the NFL's future. Doesn't that sound even more compelling? Plus, it adds extra drama to the mentor-vs-protégé showdown between Reid and Pederson."

Pash's excitement surged, his commentary pouring out like machine-gun fire. His words elevated the "Lance vs. Wentz" rivalry to new heights, positioning it as the headline of Week 2, even more captivating than "Lance vs. Brady."

Jared Goff, the 2016 draft's top overall pick, currently with the Los Angeles Rams: Pash, am I a ghost to you?

Clearly, Pash had forgotten all about Goff.

"Oh my God, I can't wait for their next meeting!"

"Of course, this game isn't over yet. We still haven't seen the final outcome. Right now, the Eagles have only one option left:

The onside kick."

In Week 1, the Chiefs snuffed out the Patriots' late-game rally, avoiding the need for an onside kick.

In Week 2, there was no escape—the inevitable had arrived.

For the uninitiated, what is an onside kick?

An onside kick is a special kind of kickoff, typically used in desperate situations.

Under normal circumstances, the kicking team aims to boot the ball deep downfield to limit the opponent's return. But in an onside kick, the ball is kicked low and short.

According to NFL rules, once the ball travels 10 yards from the spot of the kickoff, it becomes a "live ball," meaning either team can recover it. The goal of an onside kick is for the kicking team to recover the ball before the receiving team can secure possession—allowing the kicking team to retain possession.

The challenge?

At kickoff, both teams are lined up 10 yards apart, near midfield. The ball must cross the 10-yard threshold to be valid. If it doesn't, the kick must be redone.

Typically, the ball bounces forward upon landing, making it easier for the receiving team to secure it. This gives the receiving team a significant advantage.

The success rate of onside kicks is extremely low—even lower than a Hail Mary pass.

In 2009, the Super Bowl between Peyton Manning's Indianapolis Colts and Drew Brees' New Orleans Saints provided a legendary example.

At halftime, the Colts led 10–6.

When the second half began, the Colts' offense was poised to take control, but the Saints shocked everyone with a surprise onside kick. They recovered the ball, turning the tide of the game.

That bold decision altered the momentum, and the Saints went on to defeat the Colts to claim the championship.

Now, the Eagles would attempt their own onside kick, hoping to regain possession for one final Hail Mary.

From every angle, the Chiefs seemed to hold all the cards. Only eight seconds remained, and as long as they controlled the ball after the onside kick, victory would be theirs. But in sports, nothing is guaranteed until the final whistle.

Thanks to Wentz's miraculous effort, the Eagles had earned one last shot.

The tension soared. Reid and Pederson were frantically deploying their special teams units. The much-overlooked phase of the game now became the center of attention, poised to decide the final outcome.

Jake Elliott, the Eagles' rookie kicker, stepped onto the field, taking a deep breath.

Elliott had never imagined himself in such a pivotal moment. His heart pounded, adrenaline surging.

Even though this wasn't a game-winning field goal, but a low-percentage onside kick, Elliott still wanted to prove himself.

He dreamed of shining on the big stage, of making his mark in the NFL.

Then, the roar of Arrowhead Stadium crashed over him like a wave.

Elliott glanced up—and saw him.

Lance.

The rookie everyone wanted to beat.

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