The Detroit Lions recently released the mic’d up footage from their incredible fake stumble trick play against the Chicago Bears, which continues to be a highlight from their game. Although the play happened nearly a week ago, the team dropped the video on Friday, capturing the sheer excitement of the moment.
To recap, with the Lions leading 27-14 early in the second half, offensive coordinator Ben Johnson called a trick play inspired by a 2023 mistake-turned-touchdown from the Packers. On this play, quarterback Jared Goff pretended to stumble while running back Jahmyr Gibbs intentionally fell to the ground. Meanwhile, several players on the field falsely shouted that the team had fumbled, freezing the Bears’ defense long enough for tight end Sam LaPorta to sneak out unnoticed. Goff regained his balance and threw the ball over the defense to a wide-open LaPorta for a touchdown, putting the Lions ahead 34-14.
In the mic’d up video, with Taylor Decker wearing the mic, we hear Goff’s play call:
“Hey, this is where we can finish them right here. Stumblebum,” Goff commands in the huddle.
From that point, it’s pure joy. Decker laughs, the Lions’ radio team quickly realizes it’s a trick play, and the sideline erupts in excitement.
However, the most rewarding moment is Johnson’s reaction. Known for his calm demeanor and focus on the next play, Johnson’s reaction shows just how much this play meant to him.
Celebration of the year might go to Ben Johnson 🤣🔥
🎥: @Lions | #OnePride pic.twitter.com/rScQaCGdcn
— Crunch Time Sports (@officialctpod) December 28, 2024
Coach Dan Campbell described the play as Johnson’s “baby” after the game, which explains his excitement when it succeeded. Although Johnson downplayed its significance this week, calling the Penei Sewell pass “a little bit more special,” he was likely just being modest.
“Honestly, I think the Penei (Sewell) pass is a little bit more special than that one, personally,” Johnson said. “That one, that’s a play that every team runs, and we just happened to put a little hot sauce on the ball-handling.”
You can watch the full mic’d up video below.
Come for mic'd up Stumblebum, stay for Ben's celly 🥳️ pic.twitter.com/xGBIVObYM9
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) December 28, 2024
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Detroit Lions vs. San Francisco 49ers: Predictions, Picks, and Odds for NFL Week 17
The Detroit Lions will face the San Francisco 49ers on Monday, Dec. 30, at Levi’s Stadium for a Week 17 matchup in the NFL. The game, scheduled to begin at 6:15 p.m. MST, will be broadcast on ABC and ESPN, and is also available for streaming on FUBO.
The Lions enter the game as 3.5-point favorites over the 49ers, according to BetMGM Sportsbook. Detroit has a -190 moneyline, while San Francisco sits at +155. The over/under for the game is set at 51.5 points.
Here are some predictions for the game:
- The Arizona Republic: Lions 30, 49ers 21
Jeremy Cluff writes: “Every NFL team has injuries, but both of these teams seem to have more than their fair share. The Lions have been able to deal with them better, however, and we don’t expect that to change this week.” - Sports Betting Dime: Lions 28.9, 49ers 17.9
The site’s formula predicts a Lions victory in the Week 17 matchup. - ESPN: Lions have a 62.5% chance to beat the 49ers
The 49ers have a 37.2% chance to win, with the remaining percentage accounting for a tie. - Dimers: 49ers 26, Lions 23
Dimers’ model gives the Lions a 36% win probability, while the 49ers have a 64% chance of victory. - Sportsnaut: Lions 27, 49ers 17
Matt Johnson writes: “While the Detroit Lions are banged-up, the NFL schedule worked out nicely for them with some winnable games versus bad teams in December. The San Francisco 49ers haven’t been able to stop the run all season and Kyle Shanahan’s offense is one-dimensional because of all the injuries at running back. San Francisco will have some explosive plays against the Lions defense, but Detroit should be in control of this one for all four quarters.”
