At the most critical time of the game, the Detroit Lions offense dialed up a curious play. Fourth-and-goal from the Raiders’ 1-yard line, the Lions were in a do-or-die situation. Convert and the game continues. Don’t and it’s over.
After the Oakland Raiders gifted them a timeout to think it over, the Lions curiously went into a goal line formation. That meant their top four receiving options—two of which had already eclipsed 100 yards and a touchdown on the day—were all off the field.
The Lions were showing run, and really, really trying to sell it.