FIRST DOWN: THE FAKE STUMBLE
Early last week, Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson discussed adding a play to Sunday’s play sheet that called for quarterback Jared Goff to intentionally fake fumble the ball, running back Jahmyr Gibbs to pretend to dive on it, and Goff to hold onto the ball and pass it to Sam LaPorta, who was expected to be wide open for a touchdown. “We spent the entire week working on it. Following Sunday’s 34-17 victory over the Chicago Bears, Goff remarked, “We ran it three or four times during the week.” “It began on Monday when Ben asked me whether he believed I could intentionally fumble and then pick it back up. “I don’t know about that,” I said.
“We kind of got off that pretty soon, and I’m fumbling while still holding onto the ball while we pretend to fall. The scene where Gibbs dives, in my opinion, truly makes the play. It operated flawlessly. The Soldier Field crowd gasped as Goff fake-stumbled after receiving the snap, fooling them and freezing the Bears’ defence. When he got back up and spun around, he saw LaPorta wide open for a 21-yard touchdown, which gave the Lions a 34–14 lead in the third quarter.
“Ben, that was one of his brain child’s,” Coach Dan Campbell of the Lions stated. “That’s how it began, and we worked and massaged it. How can we improve this situation? It’s just the offensive line—Goff, Gibby, and LaPorta—making it work. They performed a fantastic job, and we cooked it all week.” According to Campbell, when those plays succeed, everyone is engrossed in them throughout the week, which makes them enjoyable. He claimed that it was entertaining, unique, and essentially sound—qualities that he believes make for the greatest trick plays.
Campbell remarked, “It was just great to see,” “Better than practise.”
SECOND DOWN: JAMO’S BIG DAY
It would be an understatement to say that following an early unsportsmanlike penalty on Williams Sunday, Campbell and wide receiver Jameson Williams engaged in a lively sideline conversation. Williams concurred, according to Campbell, when he told him that he simply cannot give teams a free pass with a penalty like that. They got that chat out of the way and got back on the field. From then, Williams’ quickness and ability to create plays took control.
With five grabs and 143 receiving yards, including an 82-yard touchdown in the second quarter, the third-year wide receiver topped the Lions. According to Campbell, the LaPorta play was even better in the game than it appeared in practice. The lengthy touchdown was Williams’ fourth reception of 50 yards or more this season. “It was an incredible toss. Outstanding defence. He did a fantastic job, man, hitting his milestone quickly and having faith in it. Excellent catch. “It’s huge,” Campbell declared. Williams had an excellent practice week, according to Campbell, and he anticipates more of the same from him as the season draws to a close and the playoffs approach.
THIRD DOWN: GOFF’S PERFORMANCE
Goff put up another outstanding performance this week. This has now reached a stage where it is simply expected each week. In what has turned into an MVP-caliber season for the nine-year veteran, he completed 23 of 32 throws for 336 yards, three touchdowns, and no turnovers for a 137.0 passer rating. In 11 games thus far this season, he has generated a passer rating of at least 100.0, setting a new franchise record for a single season. Additionally, he reached 33 passing touchdowns with scoring strikes to wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, Williams, and LaPorta, setting a single-season career record.
With two games remaining in the season, the Lions set a new team mark with 493 points, and Goff has been the driving force behind an offence that scored 30 points or more for the third consecutive game. In 2011, 474 points was the previous record. It’s entertaining to see Goff play the best football of his career.
THIRD DOWN: GOFF’S PERFORMANCE
The Washington Commanders’ late touchdown to defeat Philadelphia and drop the Eagles to 12-3 on the season, one game behind Detroit for the No. 1 overall seed in the NFC, caused a loud outburst from the players in the adjacent locker room shortly after Campbell entered the Soldier Field media room for his postgame press conference.
After hearing the roar from the locker room and realising what was happening, Campbell smiled and said, “Why don’t we just sit here and wait for this?” Sunday’s victory not only keeps Detroit at the top of the NFC and NFC North, but the 13 wins set a new franchise record for a single season. It was also Detroit’s seventh road victory in seven tries this season, setting a new record as they are still the only NFL team this season without a road loss.
“I understand that being where we are is exciting,” Campbell remarked. “It is, in fact. I believe this is the reason you wish to coach and participate in this competition. Your eyes open at this point. People are vying for your attention when the competition is fiercest, but you’re at the top. There is just no better option than this. This is the main focus.