NFL play designers often surprise even seasoned analysts with their creativity, and Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben
Johnson managed to do just that with a brilliant trick play on Sunday.During the Lions’ game against the Chicago Bears, FS1 analyst and co-host of The Facility, Emmanuel Acho, took to social media to express his astonishment at the play’s ingenuity.
“This is the most brilliant concept I’ve seen all year,” Acho said, as he began breaking down the mechanics of the play.
The Lions executed a clever fake fumble, with quarterback Jared Goff and running back Jahmyr Gibbs appearing to botch the handoff.
This caused the Bears’ linebackers to charge forward, leaving tight end Sam LaPorta completely unguarded for an easy touchdown.
Acho elaborated on why the play was so effective:
“Linebackers’ eyes are always in the backfield. When they see both the quarterback and running back fall, their natural reaction is, ‘Ball’s loose! Go get it.’
That instinct pulls them out of position, and the problem is, they’re supposed to be covering No. 87, LaPorta, on this play.”
In another video, Acho highlighted a small but crucial detail—the Lions’ offensive line yelled “fumble” to sell the deception.
“By shouting ‘fumble,’ the defense surged forward, creating a wide-open path for Detroit to score. It’s absolutely GENIUS,” he added.
Ben Johnson’s innovative play designs have been a significant factor in the Lions’ success this season, putting them in prime position for a first-round bye in the NFC playoffs.
However, incorporating a fake fumble as the centerpiece of a scoring play is unprecedented and has rightfully garnered widespread praise.
Plays like this aren’t seen every week, and the Lions’ creativity is earning the recognition it deserves.