Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

Watch: Lions score on flea-flicker

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 10/8/23

Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson keeps showing why he's one of the best play-callers in the NFL.

Late in the second quarter, the Lions capitalized immediately after Carolina Panthers rookie quarterback Bryce Young threw an interception. On the next play, Detroit quarterback Jared Goff connected with rookie tight end Sam LaPorta on a flea-flicker for a 31-yard TD with 3:21 left in the first half, giving the Lions a 28-7 lead.

LET. BEN. COOK.#CARvsDET | FOX pic.twitter.com/V1lHuqYM0J
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) October 8, 2023

The Detroit offense is one key reason the team has emerged as an NFC North favorite. Entering Week 5, it's averaging 26.5 points per game, seventh in the NFL.

The success can be attributed to Johnson's play-calling. Since he assumed the OC role in 2022, the Lions have scored 559 points, sixth in the league, and Goff has thrived in the system. This season, he's posted the sixth-best QBR (68.9) in the NFL.

After a promising 3-1 start, expect the Lions to remain in the thick of the NFC playoff hunt, especially if their offense keeps making game-changing plays.

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