Earlier this week, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson approached veteran quarterback Jared Goff with an unusual idea following their tough loss to the Buffalo Bills.
“It started on Monday with Ben asking me if I thought I could actually fumble on purpose and pick it back up,” Goff recalled. “I was like, ‘I don’t know about that,’ and we kind of moved off it pretty quickly.”
By Sunday, however, the purpose behind Johnson’s request became clear as the Lions secured their first 13-win season with a commanding 34-17 victory over the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. During the third quarter, Goff flawlessly executed Johnson’s cleverly devised “stumble bum” trick play.
On the play, Goff received the snap under center and feigned a stumble, while running back Jahmyr Gibbs mimicked diving for a fumbled ball.
Bears safety Jonathan Owens hesitated, reacting to the fake, which allowed Goff to deliver a 21-yard touchdown pass to an uncovered Sam LaPorta. The score, with 12:18 remaining in the quarter, extended Detroit’s lead to 34-14 and effectively sealed the win.
Gibbs, who tallied 154 scrimmage yards and a rushing touchdown during the game, revealed that the Lions initially called the play earlier but adjusted due to the Bears’ defensive alignment. They revisited the play a few drives later, executing it to perfection.
“I didn’t know if it was going to work or not, but I was hoping,” Gibbs admitted.
The inspiration for this clever maneuver came from a moment Ben Johnson witnessed last season.
On September 10, 2023, Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love accidentally dropped a snap against Chicago, recovered it, and completed a 37-yard pass to tight end Luke Musgrave. That pivotal play contributed to the Packers’ 38-20 victory over the Bears.
Sunday’s trick play was one of several innovative calls made by Johnson, who is reportedly a strong candidate for the Bears’ head coaching vacancy. The win marked the Lions’ most decisive road victory over the Bears since a 32-7 triumph in September 1997.
“The genesis of the play was that it’s a good fit for that scheme,” explained Goff, who completed 23 of 32 passes for 336 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions.
“But their defense is so sharp that it’s hard to execute against them because those linebackers are so good at recognizing plays as they develop.”
The Lions practiced the play multiple times throughout the week, ensuring it would look convincing. Running back Craig Reynolds shared how the team embraced the theatrics on the sideline, shouting “Ball!” as Goff and Gibbs sold the fake.
“Sell it 100 percent,” Reynolds emphasized.
Gibbs expressed admiration for Johnson’s creativity, noting that he’s no longer surprised by the offensive coordinator’s inventive play designs. Johnson’s ingenuity has made him a respected figure within the organization and a likely head coaching candidate in the offseason.
Under head coach Dan Campbell, Johnson has been instrumental in leading the Lions’ offense to impressive achievements, including surpassing 400 yards in three of their past four games and setting a franchise record for most points in a season (493).
“The stuff he comes up with every game is crazy,” Gibbs said of Johnson. “You don’t see things like that much, except maybe in college, where they have all those explosive plays.”
Johnson’s “stumble bum” is just another example of his offensive brilliance, as he continues to drive the Lions toward their Super Bowl aspirations.
