The Detroit Lions, under the leadership of head coach Dan Campbell, have become one of the most exciting teams in the NFL. Known for their aggressive style of play and fearlessness, the Lions have excelled at using trick plays to throw off their opponents and keep defenses on edge. In the 2024 NFL season, the Lions showcased some of the most innovative and effective trick plays in recent memory, using these strategies to create momentum, generate big plays, and win crucial games. Below, we’ll examine some of the best trick plays run by the Lions this season, analyzing their creativity, execution, and impact on the team’s success.
1. The Flea Flicker (vs. Green Bay Packers)
One of the most iconic trick plays in football, the flea flicker is a high-risk, high-reward play that can deliver huge results when executed correctly. The Lions used this play in a divisional showdown against the Green Bay Packers, and it worked to perfection.
The setup for the flea flicker was simple: Jared Goff handed the ball off to running back David Montgomery, who was then expected to run the ball for a short gain. However, as soon as Montgomery took a few steps forward, he flipped the ball back to Goff, who had already dropped back into the pocket. The timing of the play was critical, as Goff had to quickly survey the field and look for an open receiver while the defense was still reacting to the fake run.
The result? A wide-open touchdown pass to Amon-Ra St. Brown, who had gotten behind the Packers’ secondary. The play caught Green Bay off guard, and the Lions capitalized on the surprise factor. This flea flicker was not only a textbook example of deception but also a testament to the chemistry and trust between Goff and Montgomery.
2. The Reverse Pass (vs. Minnesota Vikings)
Another standout trick play from the 2024 season came in a crucial game against the Minnesota Vikings. The Lions executed a beautifully designed reverse pass that demonstrated their ability to think outside the box.
The play began with a handoff to wide receiver Kalif Raymond on a jet sweep. Raymond took the ball around the left side of the line, and as he reached the edge, he tossed the ball back to Goff, who had been in position to throw a pass all along. Raymond, who was now positioned further downfield, had time to survey his options. He chose to launch a deep ball toward rookie receiver Jameson Williams, who had blown past the Vikings’ cornerbacks with a well-timed route.
The pass was perfect, and Williams made the catch in stride for a 45-yard touchdown. The Vikings were caught flat-footed, and the Lions capitalized on the element of surprise, making it one of the most memorable trick plays of the season.
3. The Double Pass (vs. Chicago Bears)
The double pass is a tricky play that requires precise timing, excellent hands, and good route running. The Lions unleashed a double pass against their NFC North rivals, the Chicago Bears, in an important late-season game.
The play began with Goff in the shotgun, flanked by running back Jahmyr Gibbs. Goff threw a quick swing pass to Gibbs, who then immediately tossed the ball back to Goff. With the Bears’ defense expecting a run or a quick pass, they were slow to react as Goff stepped up in the pocket and launched a deep ball to tight end Sam LaPorta. LaPorta, who had slipped into the soft spot of the coverage, hauled in the pass for a 38-yard gain.
What made this play particularly impressive was the execution under pressure. The timing was flawless, and each player involved was in sync with the overall plan. The double pass caught the Bears’ secondary off-guard, leading to a massive gain and setting up a crucial touchdown drive.
4. The Wildcat Formation (vs. Seattle Seahawks)
The Lions used the Wildcat formation as part of their offensive playbook throughout the season, and it proved to be an effective tool against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 5. While not a traditional trick play, the Wildcat is a formation that can confuse defenses and create mismatches, especially when used in short-yardage situations.
In this game, the Lions lined up in the Wildcat with David Montgomery taking the direct snap. The offensive line’s physicality allowed Montgomery to read the defense and choose his path as the ball was snapped. After a few seconds of hesitation, Montgomery pulled the ball downfield for a quick 12-yard gain, breaking multiple tackles along the way.
The play not only displayed Montgomery’s toughness and vision but also highlighted the creativity of the Lions’ coaching staff. By using a formation traditionally associated with running backs, they were able to create an unexpected dynamic in their offense and keep the Seahawks’ defense guessing.
5. The Fake Punt (vs. Arizona Cardinals)
One of the more daring trick plays executed by the Lions in 2024 came during a game against the Arizona Cardinals. The Lions were deep in their own territory on a fourth-and-3, and instead of punting the ball away, they chose to go for the surprise fake punt.
With punter Jack Fox in position, the Lions’ special teams unit sold the idea of a traditional punt. The Cardinals’ defense lined up in anticipation of a normal punt, but as the ball was snapped, Fox took a quick step forward and fired a perfect pass to up-back Jake McQuaide, who had slipped into the flat unnoticed.
McQuaide was able to turn upfield and gain 15 yards, keeping the drive alive. The decision to go for it on a fake punt in such a critical moment displayed the Lions’ confidence in their special teams and the boldness of their play-calling. It was a game-changing moment that allowed the Lions to retain possession and keep the pressure on the Cardinals’ defense.
6. The Quarterback Sneak Pass (vs. Las Vegas Raiders)
The Lions used another innovative trick play against the Las Vegas Raiders, one that caught many fans by surprise: the quarterback sneak pass. At first glance, it appeared to be a standard quarterback sneak with Goff pushing forward for a few yards. However, as soon as Goff took the snap and made the initial movement, he suddenly pulled back and lofted a pass to a wide-open LaPorta in the middle of the field.
The Raiders’ defense, assuming it was a run, completely collapsed on the line of scrimmage, leaving LaPorta unguarded. Goff’s quick thinking and the precise execution of the fake allowed LaPorta to catch the ball in stride and score a 30-yard touchdown. This play was a perfect example of how the Lions blend misdirection with precision to outwit their opponents.
7. The Reverse Lateral (vs. New Orleans Saints)
A less common but highly entertaining trick play the Lions ran in 2024 was the reverse lateral, which they used effectively against the New Orleans Saints. The play began with a handoff to Raymond on a reverse, and as he ran toward the right side of the field, he tossed a lateral back to Goff, who had rolled out to his left.
The Saints defense, which was expecting the reverse to be a simple running play, had overcommitted to one side, leaving receiver Josh Reynolds wide open on the left sideline. Goff delivered a pinpoint pass to Reynolds, who sprinted down the sideline for a 40-yard gain.
The reverse lateral showcased the Lions’ ability to execute complex plays under pressure and was a key play in their victory over the Saints. The coordination and trust between the players involved made it a signature moment of the season.
8. The Double Reverse (vs. Dallas Cowboys)
In a Week 11 showdown against the Dallas Cowboys, the Lions ran a double reverse that kept the Dallas defense off-balance. The play started with Goff handing the ball to Raymond on a reverse, who quickly passed the ball to Williams on a second reverse. Williams, who was in full sprint mode, turned upfield and raced for a 50-yard gain before being pushed out of bounds.
The play was a masterclass in deception, and the Cowboys’ defense was left scrambling as they tried to recover from the unexpected change of direction. The Lions’ ability to sell the reverse and execute the play flawlessly was a big reason they were able to put up big yardage and score crucial points in this tightly contested game.
