Why Detroit Lions tap into all levels of football for creative play calls

The Detroit Lions’ latest creative playcall came from their broader habit of borrowing ideas across leagues, including the CFL. Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing pointed to a trick-style sequence versus the Minnesota Vikings as an example of the team’s “leave-no-stone-unturned” search for ways to confuse defenses. On third-and-8 from the Vikings’ 40 in the third quarter, Detroit lined Amon-Ra St. Brown wide right but 15 yards behind the line. Jared Goff hit St. Brown with a timed lateral across the field, leading to a first down that preceded Jahmyr Gibbs’ subsequent 30-yard TD run. Petzing said the advantage came from a unique formation and using momentum by getting the receiver moving. Assistant head coach Scottie Montgomery described a film-study process that extends beyond the NFL, including college and even high school tape, plus weeks of practice refinements focused on the catch point.