The Detroit Lions’ explosive offense doesn’t typically rely on trick plays to rack up points, but it sure is exciting when they do.
On Sunday, in a 34-17 victory over the Chicago Bears, the Lions executed one of the season’s most impressive trick plays for a touchdown. The play was masterfully orchestrated by quarterback Jared Goff, running back Jahmyr Gibbs, and the offensive line.
On a first-and-10 at the Chicago 21-yard line, Goff seemed to stumble after receiving the snap from under center. He feigned falling while Gibbs, appearing to mishandle the handoff, dropped to the ground. Mic microphones picked up players shouting “ball, ball” and “fumble, fumble” as Gibbs hit the turf.
However, Goff still had the ball, securely tucked against his body as he remained standing. Meanwhile, the Bears defense bit on the fake, with Lions linemen blocking to the left as if it were a run. By the time the Bears defenders realized what was happening, tight end Sam LaPorta had broken free over the secondary. Goff, now back at the 30-yard line, launched a pass that found LaPorta wide open in the end zone for a touchdown.
A view from behind the line showed the precision of the play. As Gibbs fell, he quickly popped up to block, and Goff, turning around, locked in on LaPorta.
LaPorta explained the play after the game, saying, “Our coaches do a great job seeing tendencies. I believe a couple of weeks ago they noticed on film that the defense reacted very heavily to a fumble by the offense, so we kind of used that to our advantage.”
It was clear that offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and the team had practiced this play to perfection.
The touchdown extended Detroit’s lead to 34-14, effectively sealing the win early in the third quarter. The Lions bounced back from their loss to the Bills the previous week, improving their record to 13-2 and staying tied for first place in the NFC with the Eagles and Vikings, who also won their games. The Eagles fell to 12-3 after losing to the Commanders, with quarterback Jalen Hurts sidelined due to a concussion. The Vikings matched the Lions’ record after defeating the Seahawks.
Detroit’s 13th win of the season set a franchise record, while Chicago’s ninth consecutive loss dropped them to 4-11.
The trick play capped another 30-plus point performance from the NFL’s highest-scoring offense. Goff was stellar, completing 23 of 32 passes for 336 yards, three touchdowns, and no turnovers. He also connected with Jameson Williams for an 82-yard touchdown in the second quarter. Williams finished with five catches for 143 yards and a touchdown.
Despite being without injured running back David Montgomery, the Lions racked up 474 yards of total offense. Gibbs excelled as the starting back, gaining 154 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown.
The Lions defense, missing several key starters, including Pro Bowl pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson and cornerbacks Khalil Dorsey and Carlton Davis III, allowed the Bears to amass 382 yards. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams had one of his best performances of the season, completing 26 of 40 passes for 334 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions.
With two games remaining before the postseason, the Lions’ defense remains a concern. But as it has most of the season, their high-powered offense was more than enough to secure the win.
