Sit out the series and rest, but you'll be back.

You hobble off the field, looking the coach in the eye and saying, "I need to catch my breath. That linebacker knocked it right out of me."

He nods, but isn't happy, though it's a general displeasure, not an anger directed at you. "Take the rest of the series off," he says, "We'll get you back in."

You nod and move carefully over to the bench, sitting down next to one of the linebackers, Terrence Bullion. He nods and says, "Stick it out, John, you're the man here. We've got faith in you."

That makes you smile.

You sit there, bullshitting with Terrence for a moment, then the big backer gets up and heads onto the field, your team having been to punt. They hold out, forcing the other team to punt in only one series, then it's back to the field.

You march back on, receiving pats on the back from the coaches as you move past them and into the huddle.

First and ten.

The coach calls in a run to the left.

You pass the word and line up, but the defense in lined up strong left, waiting for it. Time for an audible.