The Detroit Lions dazzled fans on Sunday with one of the most innovative trick plays in recent NFL memory, helping them secure a dominant 34-17 victory over the Chicago Bears and improve to 13-2 on the season. The play, a cleverly disguised “fake fumble,” resulted in a 21-yard touchdown pass to tight end Sam LaPorta, showcasing the Lions’ creativity and execution.
A Bold Trick Play
The play unfolded in the third quarter with the Lions leading 27-14. Quarterback Jared Goff faked a mishandled snap, leading to chaos as Lions players shouted, “Ball! Ball! Ball!” to sell the illusion of a fumble.
Meanwhile, Goff calmly executed a play-action pass, finding LaPorta wide open in the end zone for a touchdown that extended Detroit’s lead to 20 points.
LaPorta’s touchdown was his sixth of the season, adding to an already impressive sophomore campaign. The fake fumble play also marked one of Goff’s three touchdown passes in the game, capping an exceptional performance in which he completed 23 of 32 passes for 336 yards.
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Inspiration from the Packers
As creative as the play was, the Lions may have borrowed the concept from an unlikely source: their NFC North rivals, the Green Bay Packers. Last season, the Packers accidentally scored on a similar play against the Bears when a botched snap led to a broken play that ultimately resulted in a touchdown.
On ESPN’s Get Up! Monday morning, former NFL head coach Rex Ryan highlighted the connection. He praised the Lions’ execution and pointed out how their players shouting “Ball! Ball! Ball!” further sold the illusion. Ryan’s only critique? He wished the Lions had saved the play for a playoff game, where such a bold move could make an even bigger impact.
Playoff Implications
The Lions’ win, coupled with the Philadelphia Eagles’ loss to the Washington Commanders later in the day, put Detroit firmly in contention for the NFC’s #1 seed. Securing the top spot would grant the Lions a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs—a significant boost given the team’s statistical dominance in indoor stadiums compared to outdoor venues.
A bye week would also be a welcome reprieve for the injury-plagued Lions, who have been battling a slew of setbacks on the defensive side of the ball. Heading into Sunday’s game, Detroit had 21 players on injured reserve, underscoring the importance of any extra time to recover before the postseason.
Jared Goff Shines
Goff’s performance against the Bears demonstrated why he’s been a key factor in the Lions’ success this season. In addition to his precise passing, Goff’s leadership and ability to execute creative plays like the fake fumble have propelled Detroit to the top of the NFC standings.
The victory was a testament to the Lions’ ability to adapt and innovate, blending traditional football fundamentals with bold play-calling. The result? A team that’s not only fun to watch but also a legitimate contender for the Super Bowl.
Looking Ahead
With two games left in the regular season, the Lions are focused on maintaining their momentum and securing the NFC’s #1 seed. Their ability to execute high-level plays like the fake fumble underscores their potential to make a deep postseason run.
As for the Bears, Sunday’s loss was another tough chapter in a rebuilding season. However, even in defeat, they served as the backdrop for one of the season’s most entertaining and creative moments—a play that will undoubtedly be remembered as a highlight of the Lions’ remarkable 2023 campaign.
If Detroit continues to deliver performances like Sunday’s, they’ll be a force to reckon with in the playoffs, armed with bold strategies and the confidence to pull them off when it matters most.
