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Bears’ ‘Stumblebum’ Trick Play Falls Short as Ben Johnson Defends the Call

The head coach characterized the gambit as a planned shot rooted in scouting, emphasizing its hit-or-miss nature.

Overview

  • Johnson confirmed he dialed up the Stumblebum on third-and-1 early in the second quarter as part of a two-down plan to chase an explosive play.
  • Las Vegas recognized the misdirection, forcing Caleb Williams to roll right and overthrow Rome Odunze for an incompletion.
  • Williams acknowledged the defense was prepared for the fake stumble, and Johnson said, “Some of them hit, some of them don’t.”
  • The design previously delivered a touchdown for Detroit last season on a Jared Goff pass to Sam LaPorta against Chicago.
  • Despite the fizzled gadget play, the Bears edged the Raiders 25-24 at Soldier Field to improve to 2-2.