Top Trick Plays of the 2024 NFL Season by the Detroit Lions

The 2024 NFL season has showcased numerous memorable moments, with teams incorporating innovation and creativity to surprise opponents and gain strategic advantages. Among the most exciting and unpredictable aspects of the season, trick plays stand out as they challenge conventional football wisdom and often turn games in a matter of seconds. For the Detroit Lions, known for their aggressive offense and a mix of traditional and innovative strategies, trick plays have become a hallmark of their attack. In this article, we will delve into the top trick plays executed by the Detroit Lions during the 2024 NFL season, analyzing the impact of each, their design, and the personnel involved.

1. The “Phantom Snap” Pass Play

In an early game of the season, the Detroit Lions unveiled a daring trick play known as the “Phantom Snap,” which sent shockwaves throughout the NFL. The play took place on a 2nd-and-6 situation in the second quarter of their game against the Minnesota Vikings. The Lions offense, operating out of a standard shotgun formation, began with quarterback Jared Goff in the backfield, but an unusual setup immediately caught the Vikings off guard.

The offensive line appeared to be preparing for a regular pass play, while tight end Sam LaPorta lined up off the line of scrimmage. However, instead of snapping the ball to Goff, the Lions executed a misdirection by having Goff look as if he were waiting for the snap. At the same time, running back David Montgomery, who had been motioning from left to right across the formation, received a lateral pass from the right guard. The defensive line, anticipating a typical run or pass play, was completely fooled by the motion.

Montgomery took the ball and quickly pivoted to his right, throwing a perfect deep pass to a wide-open LaPorta down the sideline. The Vikings defenders had been so focused on Montgomery’s motion that they failed to cover LaPorta, who managed to catch the ball for a 48-yard gain. This innovative play demonstrated the Lions’ ability to confuse the defense through pre-snap movement and a well-timed lateral pass.

2. The “Double Reverse” Touchdown

One of the most iconic trick plays of the season came in a Week 7 clash against the Green Bay Packers. With the game tied late in the third quarter and the Lions in a critical 3rd-and-4 situation, head coach Dan Campbell called for a bold double reverse that caught the Packers completely off guard.

The play began with a traditional handoff to running back Jahmyr Gibbs, who then handed it off again to wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown coming across the field. As the Packers defense began to collapse around Gibbs, they were unaware that the play was designed to take a 180-degree turn. St. Brown immediately sprinted to his right and handed the ball off to a trailing quarterback Jared Goff, who had faked a blocking action.

The Packers, now completely out of position, were caught in pursuit of the first two ball carriers, leaving Goff with an open lane to a wide-open St. Brown in the end zone. Goff tossed the ball to St. Brown for an easy 12-yard touchdown, turning what seemed like a standard run into a trick play that left the Packers defenders scrambling. The execution of this play showcased the Lions’ commitment to unpredictability, using their skill players and Goff’s ability to sell the fake to perfection.

3. The “Quarterback Sweep” Fake Punt

As the 2024 season progressed, the Lions grew bolder with their trick plays, extending their creativity to special teams. In a crucial Week 12 game against the Chicago Bears, the Lions found themselves in a 4th-and-7 situation in the second quarter with their punting unit on the field. But instead of simply sending punter Jack Fox onto the field, the Lions opted for a risky play.

Fox, a reliable punter known for his excellent leg strength and pinpoint accuracy, took the snap as if preparing to punt. However, instead of booting the ball downfield, Fox immediately rolled out to his right, where he had a convoy of blockers ready to spring him for a first down. What made this play particularly successful was Fox’s deceptive ball handling and his quick decision-making. The Bears’ coverage team, believing it was a regular punt attempt, was caught flat-footed, and Fox was able to sprint down the sideline, picking up 14 yards and a fresh set of downs.

The execution of the quarterback sweep fake punt required precise timing, and the Lions’ special teams unit demonstrated excellent awareness and preparation for the surprise play. This call by Dan Campbell added yet another layer to his reputation as a head coach who is not afraid to take risks when the moment calls for it.

4. The “Throwback to the Quarterback” Play

During a mid-season game against the New Orleans Saints, the Detroit Lions executed one of the most memorable trick plays in recent history — the “Throwback to the Quarterback” play. This play was called during a 3rd-and-8 situation in the fourth quarter, as the Lions faced a pressure-filled drive to maintain a narrow lead.

The play began with Goff dropping back to pass, and at first glance, it appeared to be a standard pocket pass attempt. However, as Goff faced pressure from the Saints defensive line, he tossed the ball to Montgomery, who was positioned in the backfield as a checkdown option. With the ball in Montgomery’s hands, it looked like the Lions were settling for a short gain and trying to avoid a sack. But Montgomery had other ideas.

He calmly lobbed the ball back to Goff, who had been trailing the play the entire time, and Goff caught it in stride. The Saints defense, still caught up in the initial pressure, failed to read the fake, and Goff had enough time to locate a wide-open LaPorta in the middle of the field. LaPorta made the reception for a 25-yard gain, keeping the drive alive and effectively sealing the game for the Lions.

The “Throwback to the Quarterback” play was a perfect example of the Lions’ creativity and ability to pull off daring, high-risk maneuvers in critical moments. By using Montgomery’s natural running back instincts, Goff’s quick thinking, and LaPorta’s route-running, this trick play highlighted the team’s versatility and their commitment to surprise.

5. The “Wildcat Trick Play” Option

In a game against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 10, the Lions ran an impressive Wildcat-style trick play that left the Falcons’ defense stunned. As the Lions lined up in a Wildcat formation, it appeared as though they were gearing up for a direct snap to Montgomery, who had been effective in running the ball all season. However, at the last moment, Montgomery handed the ball off to wide receiver Kalif Raymond, who had motioned into the backfield.

Raymond, known for his speed, took the ball and immediately began sprinting to his left as if running a sweep. But instead of cutting upfield, Raymond stopped suddenly and launched a deep ball down the sideline to a wide-open Josh Reynolds, who had gotten past his defender on a perfectly executed double move. Reynolds caught the ball at the 2-yard line, and despite some heavy contact, he stretched for the touchdown.

This Wildcat trick play demonstrated the Lions’ ability to exploit the defensive tendencies of their opponents and turn the element of surprise into a significant advantage. The play was successful due to Raymond’s quick decision-making and his ability to sell the run before releasing the deep ball. It also showcased Goff’s trust in his teammates to execute the unconventional play.