Super Bowl Domination

Chapter 565 Differences of Opinion
"We still need a leader..."

To be precise, Levi and Hunter have the same position, but their emphasis is slightly different:

It requires running backs to form a collective force and unite firmly to subvert the league's prejudices with their performance on the field, but it also requires leaders to stand up and cheer to stand in front and confront the team and the league.

Only in this way can we change the disadvantaged position of running backs in modern football, which is dominated by passing offense, and even change the composition of offensive tactics.

Both are indispensable.

The difference is that Levi believes that it is necessary to build momentum first, rely on group power to create a situation, and then push the leader to speak out; while Hunter believes that time waits for no one, and now we should seize the opportunity to support Bell to put pressure on the team.

To some extent, both are right, just with different strategies.

Levi tried to communicate with Hunter, but Hunter seemed particularly impatient.

"Now."

"It's now!"

Because he was too excited, his voice was a little loud. Hunter quickly glanced around, then quickly lowered his voice and shortened the distance. His speaking speed became faster and faster like a machine gun.

"We need to get behind Bale, we need to rally behind Bale. We need to take our chances."

"The league doesn't value running backs at all. For the sake of ratings, they have been advocating the passing game and completely abolishing the ground offense of football. They just want the game to be more and more gorgeous. They keep advocating the status of quarterbacks. Not to mention running backs, even the defense has been completely ignored."

"In the soccer world, winning by relying on defense is called an ugly victory; in the rugby world, the league doesn't even bother to mention the defense."

"Running back?"

"does not exist."

"During this offseason, people paid attention to Smith, Cousins ​​and Rogers, but what about the news focused on Bell? They all scolded him for being greedy. God, he just didn't want to be labeled with a franchise tag for the second consecutive year. Pittsburgh simply used him like a dog, giving him all the dirty work but not giving him a bone."

"No one cares, understand?"

"nobody!"

"If we don't speak up for him, he'll be left out there alone, isolated and defenseless, facing the attacks of the entire league."

"We are surrounded by enemies on all sides. The team will not support us, and players in other positions who need to compete with us for the salary cap will not support us. Those high-ranking quarterbacks will not speak for us. We only have each other."

"Bell needs us. We need to step up and fight those devils in Pittsburgh."

"You've enjoyed the lights and the applause, now it's time to give back."

Snapped.

Hunter threw a bunch of words at Levi without any regard, without giving Levi any time to respond. He distanced himself from him and turned away.

Levi: …

To a large extent, Hunter is right. Although those words are a bit sharp and extreme, they are indeed true.

The running back was indeed isolated and helpless, and the situation was getting worse and worse.

In a league and a team that puts profit first, they will not be comrades-in-arms of a running back.

But one thing is that pointing the gun at the league and the teams will not solve the problem, because the teams are the employers who write the final paychecks.

There is no problem in offending the Pittsburgh Steelers, as there are 31 other teams in the league; but indiscriminately attacking the league and team owners will only push the running back into a dilemma of being deserted by everyone.

Anyone can vent their anger mindlessly, like Hunter did; but this cannot help Bell and other running backs gain substantial benefits.

Just look at Cousins ​​and you will know that this is an example of accomplishing great things quietly.

Levi hopes to communicate with Hunter, and the running backs need to unite all their strength. In fact, Levi can understand Hunter. There is a reason why he is so anxious and urgent. Hunter also made a stunning debut last season. Even though Levi suddenly appeared and shone brightly, Hunter still received a lot of praise from professionals and fans, which means hope -

The hope of landing a big contract.

Whether he stays in Kansas City or moves elsewhere, Hunter will be able to secure himself a contract with prospects.

Here, there is a difference between Levi and Hunter, not only because they are competitors for the same team, but also because they were drafted in different rounds.

As mentioned before, the difference in draft rounds can be directly reflected in the contract.

One is annual salary.

The second is the security deposit.

First-round picks are often called "golden boys" because their contracts are often fully guaranteed with only a few exceptions; but starting from the second round, there are obvious differences in the guaranteed portion of the contract.

Taking the second-round rookies as an example, their contract guarantee money gradually decreases, from 50% in the first year to only 25% in the fourth year. There are a lot of performance clauses in the contract, and if you are not careful, your salary may be exploited.

In addition, the number of third-round and fourth-round rookies will gradually decrease.

Because of this, teams can often cut second-round picks in the third and fourth years without worrying about the impact of the salary cap; but first-round pick contracts are fully guaranteed and count against the salary cap, so teams often need to be cautious when making decisions.

In this year's draft, Lamar Jackson was selected by the Baltimore Ravens at the last minute with the 32nd pick in the first round. One can imagine the turmoil in his heart.

Levi was a first-round pick.

Hunter was a third-round pick.

In other words, the risks faced by the two people in the future are completely different.

Although it is only the second year, Hunter has already started to get restless. He needs to plan for himself. The second and third years will be the turning points.

So, Levi could understand Hunter's anxiety.

but--

The communication was not completed. Hunter just threw out his own ideas, ignored Levi's opinions, and turned and left.

Levi seemed a little helpless.

Look at it from another angle, Hunter does things his way and Levi does things his way, which is also good, otherwise no one can convince anyone.

really.

At the end of the first day of training camp, a crowd of reporters gathered outside the training base of the University of Missouri in the small town of St. Joseph.

The players were a little surprised, and Houston made a rare joke, "It seems that the defending champions are treated differently."

Amidst the laughter, the reporters couldn't wait to call out Hunter and Levi's names, and some of those who were quick to react immediately understood what was going on.

Hunter turned around and looked at Levi deeply, then walked towards the reporters with his head held high; Mahomes and Kelce all looked at Levi in ​​confusion, but now was not the best time to explain.

Hunter, full fire, no reservations -

Not only did he criticize the league for stigmatizing running backs, but he also accused the team of not paying enough attention to running backs. Top running backs like Gurley and Bell have to beg for a contract that is only half the value of Cousins. This is a shame and everyone needs to face up to this farce.

Radical, sharp, bold, crazy.

As Hunter puts it, he took his chance.

(End of this chapter)