038 Overcoming Tough Problems

Tiger number six safety Dorian O'Daniel didn't see it coming, not at all. He had expected to take one more step forward to complete the tackle, but now he was abruptly hit head-on. There wasn't enough time to adjust his footing and strength for the action.

Subconsciously, in a conditioned reflex, O'Daniel managed to execute the tackle.

But then!

Bang!

Power, surging, cascading, hitting him straight in the face like a torrential downpour.

Uh.

O'Daniel let out a muffled grunt!

Block! Hit! Push!

Before O'Daniel's arms could fully close in for the tackle, a burst of powerful force slammed into his chest. A stifled grunt got stuck in his throat. He staggered back in a chain of faltering steps, unable to come to a stop.

He was half a beat too slow to realize he had become a meat shield; wave after wave of impact came from behind, all of which he inadvertently absorbed, his faltering steps causing him to completely lose balance while retreating.

Damn!