The Detroit Lions lived and died by the trick play in 2024. On Saturday night, their unorthodox play-calling on offense played a pivotal role in their demise against the Washington Commanders.
Trailing by 10 in the fourth quarter, offensive coordinator Ben Johnson boldly dialed up a trick play that asked quite a lot of young wide receiver Jameson Williams.
Williams received a pitch behind the line of scrimmage and immediately looked to make a play down field. Williams proceeded to unleash a pass on the run for 25 yards to running back Jahmyr Gibbs, but the ball was thrown short and intercepted by Mike Sainristil.
COMMANDERS PICK OFF JAMESON WILLIAMS.
đź“ş: #WASvsDET on FOX
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The Commanders proceeded to score a touchdown on their next drive, giving themselves a 17–point lead on the road at Ford Field.
NFL fans couldn’t help but question the decision from Ben Johnson to call such a risky play in a dire moment, and, of course, Williams for throwing the pass when he would’ve been better off tucking it under his arm and fighting for a short gain.