Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and the Detroit Lions are well known for rolling out creative play calls. And during Sunday's Week 16 matchup against the division-rival Chicago Bears, they lived up to that reputation.
On a first-down play early in the third quarter, quarterback Jared Goff took a snap and stumbled into the backfield as he faked a handoff to running back Jahmyr Gibbs.
Gibbs dove on the ground and pretended to go after a fumble as Goff tucked the ball and continued his drop back. Microphones on the Fox Sports broadcast captured multiple Lions players yelling "Fumble!" as Goff stumbled.
This misdirection freed up tight end Sam LaPorta, who strolled into the end zone on a wide-open touchdown pass from Goff.
It was hard to tell in real time. But upon further review, this was clearly a designed trick play from the Lions.
This brilliant play is going viral on social media.
"Emmy nomination for the fake trip," one fan wrote.
"Was… was that a FAKE STUMBLE AND FALL??? Ben Johnson needs to be put on witch trials," another said.
"This is a top 5 great play of the season," another added.
"Fake stumble with players calling out ball is just galaxy level football brain. Ben Johnson is a maniac," another wrote.
The Lions lead the Bears 34-17 at the end of the third quarter. Goff has 328 yards and three touchdowns on 22/27 passing.
