In the Detroit Lions’ commanding 34-17 victory over the Chicago Bears on Sunday, one particular play left fans and analysts buzzing with its sheer creativity and audacity. The Lions executed a brilliantly deceptive play that initially appeared to be a chaotic mistake but was, in fact, a meticulously planned trick. The play featured quarterback Jared Goff intentionally stumbling during a play-action fake, while running back Jahmyr Gibbs theatrically fell to the ground. This choreographed misdirection completely baffled the Bears’ defense, leaving tight end Sam LaPorta wide open for an easy touchdown.
The successful execution of the play was a testament to offensive coordinator Ben Johnson’s ingenuity, showcasing his seemingly limitless creativity when designing plays. However, as it turns out, the original version of this play, aptly nicknamed “Stumble Bum,” was even more audacious—and borderline reckless.
According to Goff, the initial idea for the play involved him deliberately fumbling the football, only to recover it and complete the pass. Reflecting on the concept, Goff admitted, “I don’t know about that.” The Lions wisely opted to scrap that part of the plan, recognizing the potential risks of introducing unnecessary chaos into the game.
Had the Lions stuck to Johnson’s original vision, the results could have been disastrous. Intentionally fumbling the ball, even in a controlled setting, would have introduced a significant chance of turnover, jeopardizing not just the play but also their momentum in the game. The alternative—executing the play without the fumble—struck the perfect balance between innovation and practicality, delivering the desired result without unnecessary risk.
This play not only added another highlight to the Lions’ impressive season but also underscored the collaborative nature of their offense. Johnson’s willingness to explore unconventional ideas, combined with Goff’s seasoned judgment, created a winning formula that kept the Bears guessing and fans entertained.
Ultimately, the Lions’ decision to adapt the play paid off spectacularly. It reinforced why Johnson is regarded as one of the brightest minds in the NFL, while also showcasing the team’s ability to balance creativity with execution. The “Stumble Bum” play will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the more unique and entertaining moments of the Lions’ season—proof that sometimes, even wild ideas can shine when tempered with a touch of pragmatism.
