The Lions dominated the Bears in an easy 34-17 victory to properly respond from a dramatic loss last week to the Bills. Detroit's entire team look exceptional against an inept Chicago opponent, though one play in particular showcased why this team could win the Super Bowl.
Jared Goff, who has an MVP case, appeared to stumble before throwing a deep TD pass. According to Goff, the trickery was all part of the plan.
Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson drew up a genius play and Goff executed it to perfection, illustrating just how good this squad can be when given the opportunity.
Jared Goff Reveals Fumble TD Pass Was on Purpose
Jared Goff on the stumble-play TD, says they ran it three or four times throughout the week.
— Nolan Bianchi (@nolanbianchi) December 22, 2024
Said it was a good play for the Bears' scheme specifically.
Ben Johnson asked him if he could actually fumble on purpose, and Goff suggested they just fake a fumble instead.
It was a remarkable play. Honestly, that the Lions even tried it is disrespectful and showcases just how little opponents think of the Bears. Goff is a legitimate MVP candidate and Detroit chose to play with its food in Week 16.
The team finished with 475 total offensive yards as Goff completed 23 of his 32 pass attempts for 336 yards and three TDs. He didn't throw an interception and the game was never in doubt.
This was planned.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 22, 2024
Ben Johnson is intentional. pic.twitter.com/OBGo0pRA5q
Detroit controls its destiny, seemingly locked into the No. 1 seed in the NFC after Philadelphia lost to Washington. If Goff keeps playing like this and Johnson dials up these plays, it's hard to see anyone toppling the Lions.
They fell short in the NFC Championship Game last year but came out with a vengeance in 2024. They've set a franchsie record in wins and appear to be on a path to make the Super Bowl. Should they fall short, it won't be because of a lack of creativity.
The Lions face the 49ers and Vikings over the final two weeks. Even if they lose one of those games, they still have an edge over the Eagles. Barring disaster, Detroit will have a first-round bye and homefield advantage throughout the playoffs.
After the best regular season Detroit has ever had, the team is determined to hoist a Lombardi Trophy. Thanks to creative plays like this one, that looks like a legitimate possibility for one of the NFL's most tortured franchises.
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