The Lions execute the fake fumble perfectly, deceive the Bears in the blowout and achieve their franchise-record 13th win

A highly dynamic Detroit Lions offense doesn’t have to resort to tricks to score points.

But it’s definitely fun when it is.

The Lions pulled off one of their best trick plays of the season for a touchdown pass in their 34-17 win over the Chicago Bears on Sunday. It featured strong performances from quarterback Jared Goff and running back Jahmyr Gibbs, as well as offensive line support to sell it.

Goff appeared to stumble after taking a snap from down the middle on first-and-10 at Chicago’s 21-yard line. When he faked falling to the ground, Gibbs did too, which the Lions sold as a botched handoff. Fox microphones caught players shouting “ball, ball” and “fumble, fumble” as Gibbs fell to the turf.

But Goff maintained possession, hiding it against his body while remaining upright. Chicago’s defenders, meanwhile, took advantage of the fake fumble as the Lions’ linemen to their left blocked as if it were a running play.

By the time the Bears defenders realized what had happened, tight end Sam LaPorta had broken free across the top of the secondary. Goff uncorked a pass from the 30-yard line and found LaPorta wide open in the end zone for a touchdown.

A further look behind the front shows how targeted the efforts were. Gibbs rolled as he fell to the turf and immediately jumped back up to make the save when Goff turned completely and looked directly in LaPorta’s direction.

Coordinator Ben Johnson and his offense had obviously practiced the game perfectly.

The score extended Detroit’s lead to 34-14 and helped the Lions win early in the third quarter. With the win, the Lions bounced back from their second loss of the season last week against the Bills. They improved to 13-2 and remained in the race with the Eagles and Vikings for first place and a first-round bye in the playoffs no worse than a tie for first place in the NFC. Their 13th win of the season is a new franchise record.

The trick play was the highlight of another 30-plus point performance from a Lions offense that leads the NFL in scoring. Goff had another outstanding day as he completed 23 of 32 passes for 336 yards with three touchdowns and no turnovers.

A Lions team adjusting to playing without injured running back David Montgomery racked up 474 yards of total offense. Gibbs excelled in the No. 1 role with 154 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown.