The Detroit Lions have earned a reputation for fake punts under head coach Dan Campbell and special teams coordinator Dave Fipp. But during Thursday night’s opener against the Kansas City Chiefs, they outdid themselves.
After a second straight three-and-out, the Lions faced a fourth-and-3 from their own 17-yard line. A failed conversion would be a huge swing in the Chiefs’ favor early in the game, but scared money don’t make money. The Lions dialed a direct snap to personal protector and special teams captain Jalen Reeves-Maybin and the linebacker picked up just barely what he needed to.