In an exhilarating and unexpected moment during their matchup against the Chicago Bears, the Detroit Lions executed a masterful fake fumble trick play that resulted in a touchdown for rookie tight end Sam LaPorta. This bold and creative call showcased the Lions’ offensive ingenuity and their ability to keep opposing defenses on their toes.
The Setup: A Surprising Turn of Events
The Lions were in the midst of a crucial second-half drive, looking to extend their lead against a Bears defense that had been playing tough. On a 3rd-and-5 situation, Detroit’s offensive coordinator, Ben Johnson, dialed up a daring play that caught both the Bears’ defense and viewers off guard.
Quarterback Jared Goff took the snap and immediately appeared to fumble the ball. As the ball squirted from Goff’s hands, the Bears defenders, notably those in the defensive line, rushed toward the apparent loose ball, anticipating a scramble. The Bears, eager to capitalize on the perceived miscue, neglected to follow Goff’s movements closely. Meanwhile, Goff calmly pulled the ball back into his possession, faked frustration over the supposed fumble, and launched a quick pass to the wide-open LaPorta down the sideline.
LaPorta’s Seamless Execution
LaPorta, who had already made a solid impact as a rookie, was the perfect recipient for the trick play. As the Bears’ defense reacted to the “fumble,” LaPorta was left uncovered, running a crisp route toward the sideline. He caught the ball from Goff without any defenders in close proximity, and from there, he used his speed and athleticism to sprint into the end zone for a 10-yard touchdown.
The Bears were left stunned as they realized they’d been completely outwitted. The fake fumble play, combined with LaPorta’s sharp awareness and concentration, highlighted the Lions’ ability to think outside the box when it mattered most.
Why It Worked
Several factors contributed to the success of this play:
- Perfect Timing: The play was executed at a critical moment when the Bears’ defense had been working hard and was prone to lapses in concentration.
- Goff’s Poise: Jared Goff’s ability to sell the fake was key. His reaction to the apparent fumble drew in the Bears defenders, giving LaPorta enough time to get open.
- Defensive Focus: The Bears’ defenders were overly focused on the potential fumble, leaving LaPorta with a clean path to the end zone.
- Trust in LaPorta: The Lions’ coaching staff displayed confidence in LaPorta’s ability to make a play after the catch, knowing his skill set would make him a tough target to defend once the defense bit on the trick.
LaPorta’s Growing Role in the Lions’ Offense
LaPorta has quickly established himself as a key weapon in Detroit’s offense this season. The rookie tight end out of Iowa has been a consistent target for Goff, earning praise for his hands, route running, and ability to stretch the field. This touchdown only further cemented his status as one of the brightest young talents in the NFL.
The Lions’ ability to mix in trick plays like this one is a testament to their offensive creativity and willingness to take calculated risks. With Ben Johnson at the helm as offensive coordinator, Detroit’s offense has become one of the most unpredictable and dynamic in the league.
Impact on the Game
The fake fumble touchdown served as a momentum shift in the game, injecting energy into the Lions and frustrating the Bears, who had been attempting to claw their way back into contention. It was a reminder that the Lions are not just a team that relies on traditional playcalling but one that is willing to take creative approaches to break open a game.
While the Bears struggled to adjust after the play, the Lions capitalized on the momentum shift, continuing to execute at a high level and ultimately sealing a hard-fought victory.