Lions trick plays, explained: Inside Ben Johnson's history of creative play calls, from fake fumble to hook-and-ladder

Daniel Chavkin

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Lions trick plays, explained: Inside Ben Johnson's history of creative play calls, from fake fumble to hook-and-ladder image

The Lions enter the playoffs coming off their best regular season in franchise history, largely thanks to an explosive and creative offense. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has collected a variety of trick plays throughout his three years in the role, giving him a reputation that has enticed many teams to interview him for their head coach positions. 

Detroit had a bye in the wild-card round, giving Johnson an extra week to draw up any new and creative plays he may have in mind. The Lions open their postseason at home against the Commanders on Saturday night.

Ahead of the divisional round, here's a look at some of the best Lions' trick plays this season.

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Lions trick plays, explained

The Lions' no-fear approach on offense is a big reason why they won 15 games this year. Head coach Dan Campbell and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson have combined to green-light several creative plays throughout the season, which is part of the reason Detroit finished with the No. 1 scoring offense (33.2 points per game) and No. 2 total offense (409.5 yards per game).

Hook-and-ladder

One of the Lions' first trick plays of the season came in Week 3 against the Cardinals. Jared Goff completed a short pass to Amon-Ra St. Brown, who lateraled back to Jahmyr Gibbs. The running back then ran 21 yards for a touchdown, extending Detroit's lead in the game to 13.

Detroit called this play again in the second-to-last game of the regular season, this time with St. Brown lateraling to Jameson Williams for a touchdown.

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Running backs and receivers throwing touchdowns

The following week, the Lions were hosting the Seahawks on Monday night and decided to reverse roles on offense. Goff handed the ball off to St. Brown, but instead of running, St. Brown turned around and threw the ball back to Goff, who was open in the end zone for a score.

Later in the year, David Montgomery got in on the action with a passing touchdown himself against the Titans, tossing the score to tight end Sam LaPorta.

Flea flicker

One of the oldest trick plays in the book is the flea flicker, and the Lions successfully ran one against the Cowboys. Goff flipped the ball back to David Montgomery, who flipped it to St. Brown, who flipped it back to Goff, who found LaPorta deep down field for the touchdown.

Offensive lineman touchdown

Offensive lineman Dan Skipper has become a bit of a folk hero in Detroit, and that continued against the Bills. Goff found Skipper on a play-action bootleg, and the lineman rumbled all the way for the touchdown.

The Lions also tried something even trickier on Thanksgiving, calling what seemed to be a pass by starting tackle Penei Sewell, but Sewell was tackled by the Bears instead.

Fake fumble

The most creative Lions' trick play of the year was called against Chicago in December. Jared Goff pretended to fumble the ball to confuse the defense, instead finding Sam LaPorta wide open in the end zone.

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Daniel Chavkin

Daniel Chavkin is a Digital Content Producer for The Sporting News. A 2018 graduate from the University of Maryland, he has previously written for Sports Illustrated, NBC Sports and NFLTradeRumors.com.