The Lions came into Sunday’s game against the Lions knowing they would need to do something special to pull off the upset as 15.5-point underdogs. And after D’Andre Swift broke off a 63-yard touchdown on a reception from Jared Goff on the opening drive, coach Dan Campbell got creative.
The Lions went with a surprise onside kick immediately after their first touchdown, catching the Rams off guard and converting to get the ball back. It was a gutsy call by Campbell, but one that worked perfectly after Troy Reeder was unable to control the ball.
Surprise onside kick?! #OnePride
📺: #DETvsLAR on FOX
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/1aSy5RAhSj— NFL (@NFL) October 24, 2021
As if that wasn’t enough, the Lions then attempted a fake punt, which they also pulled off to perfection. It moved the chains on fourth down and helped the Lions eventually make a field goal to take a 10-0 lead.
FAKE PUNT! The @Lions have a few tricks up their sleeve…. #OnePride
📺: #DETvsLAR on FOX
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/UZOrWyGa9v— NFL (@NFL) October 24, 2021
Talk about a bad start for the Rams against a team that needs everything to go its way on Sunday. So far, everything has.