DETROIT — The Detroit Lions have often been predictable this year on offense, but on Sunday they did something completely surprising.
They completed a touchdown pass to an offensive lineman.
TOUCHDOWN @__taylordecker!
*No, you did not read that wrong. #OnePride pic.twitter.com/rKaA2RPKs9
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) December 2, 2018
On a tackle-eligible play, no one defended left tackle Taylor Decker, who was wide open on the left side of the field to catch a pass from Matthew Stafford. Decker ran the rest of the way into the end zone for an 11-yard touchdown — raising one of his arms into the air as he did.
The play was a brilliant call by embattled offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter, whose job security has been in question the past couple of weeks. It’s the result of something offensive linemen were spotted doing this week in practice — working on catching passes.
The touchdown cut the Rams’ lead to 16-13. Decker, who played basketball in high school, has always had athleticism but never showed it off before Sunday.
After the play, Decker was shown on the big screen taking in some oxygen.
Decker now holds the Lions record for receiving yards in a game by an offensive lineman.