>From James V. Nutley:

Jim: I think I'd reverse that, and have Belldandy tackle Keiichi.  It's

not that
Keiichi wouldn't try to protect Belldandy, but he is just a normal person
with
skill in repairing and driving motor vehicles.  Goddesses are much quicker
than mortals, as well as more powerful, and it wouldn't be the first time
Belldandy threw herself between Keiichi and danger.<<

I liked that passage just fine OTOH. Belldandy might not have been looking
in the right direction at the time, or she might have been too startled to
act for just a second. Giving Keiichi enough time to tackle her instead.