The Detroit Lions faced a tough test in Week 8 against a Minnesota Vikings defense led by Brian Flores and his aggressive blitz-heavy approach. Minnesota entered the game undefeated at 6-0, though concerns about its offense meant it wasn’t among the top contenders in championship odds.
Detroit’s offense has continued to thrive since Ben Johnson left to join the Chicago Bears. The Lions have found creative ways to build their passing game around running back Jahmyr Gibbs, and one unusual design helped them convert a third-and-8 in the third quarter.
Amon-Ra St. Brown lined up about 15 yards behind the line of scrimmage, then took off toward the flat as quarterback Jared Goff delivered a screen pass. The play picked up the first down, and Detroit scored a touchdown on the next snap. The Lions went on to win 19-15, handing Minnesota its first loss of the season.
The look is more familiar in the CFL, where eligible receivers can be moving in any direction when the ball is snapped. NFL rules are tighter, but St. Brown remained still until the snap, making the formation legal.
Goff lined up in the shotgun and had room to build momentum before throwing to the flat. St. Brown had to report as eligible, and Detroit needed the required number of players on the line of scrimmage. A tight end lined up on the left to meet that requirement.
Gibbs broke loose for a 30-yard touchdown on the following play, putting Detroit ahead. The Lions improved to 5-2, though the win was clouded by concern for linebacker Jack Campbell, who was carted off after lying motionless on the field. Hopefully, he’ll be okay.
