Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

All-22 film shows just how well the Lions 'stumblebum' play worked on the Bears

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Mike Payton | Last updated Dec 23, 2024 2:20 PM ET

Ben Johnson and the Detroit Lions are constantly putting out new play designs that you can't believe you're seeing. From snapping the ball through Goff's legs to David Montgomery to having Penei Sewell play quarterback, there's always something new.

On Sunday the Lions ran a play called the "stumblebum" in which both Jared Goff and Jahmyr Gibbs fall over and stumble on purpose to make it look like the play is falling apart, only to stand straight up and hit Sam LaPorta for a wide-open touchdown.

Did Goff hit 'em with the fake stumble?!

: #DETvsCHI on FOX
: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/6xDqZ9BFzV
— NFL (@NFL) December 22, 2024

Just beautiful stuff. Everyone watching on TV picked up pretty quickly what happened. Jonathan Vilma totally got it from the press box as well.

The Lions say they worked out the play last week after seeing Jordan Love really stumble and drop the ball against the Bears this season only to wind up throwing a touchdown on the same play. Thank god the Lions didn't do the original plan where Goff fumbles on purpose, but this was a smart plan. You can see from All-22 film how this all worked out.

The all-22 is even better. #stumblerooski pic.twitter.com/SyCjggiWSY
— Jeremy Reisman (@DetroitOnLion) December 23, 2024

Watch the middle of the field. Every single linebacker in Chicago bit on it. Two of the guys are just kind of planted in the middle while one bites on the receiver and then bites on the stumble while LaPorta runs right past him. Then he understood what was happening, but by then it was too late.

Really good stuff from the Lions and it worked against a good Bears red-zone defense that had only allowed scores on 36% of trips at home this year.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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