The Chicago Bears decided to get tricky on their opening drive against the Detroit Lions.
At Detroit's 16-yard line, Chicago wide receiver DJ Moore lined up at quarterback, and QB Justin Fields lined up at wideout. Then, Moore took the direct snap, faked an end-around to Fields and waltzed into the end zone. The TD gave the Bears a 7-0 lead with 10:17 remaining in the first quarter.
DJ Moore takes the direct snap in for the TD!
— NFL (@NFL) December 10, 2023
: #DETvsCHI on FOX
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Even though Bears offensive coordinator Luke Getsy has been criticized throughout the season, he deserves credit for the clever play design. Fields is a dangerous runner, rushing for 400 yards on 77 carries in eight games. Clearly, using him as a decoy caught the Lions off guard.
Chicago (4-8) is last in the NFC North and out of the playoff hunt. The New York Times simulator notes it only has a four percent chance to make the postseason. The team needs more clever play calling from the OC to keep its slim playoff hopes alive.
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