The Detroit Lions’ offense is not only gaining yards, but they’re also turning heads with creative and entertaining play-calling. One of the season’s most talked-about plays was a perfectly executed hook and ladder touchdown in Week 3 against the Arizona Cardinals, which the Lions fittingly named after the popular Will Ferrell movie, Talladega Nights.
During his weekly interview with 97.1 The Ticket, Lions quarterback Jared Goff revealed the inspiration behind the memorable trick play.
“It was called Shake ‘n Bake — Stole it right from Talladega Nights,” Goff said on 97.1 The Ticket. “We’ve been cooking that one for a while. Brainchild of Ben Johnson. He brought it to me in camp and was like, ‘Think we could do this?’ I’m like, ‘Hell yeah we could do that.'”
Jared Goff Starts Off “Shake ‘n Bake” Touchdown
The play itself was nothing short of brilliance. On a key drive, Jared Goff fired a quick pass to star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown cutting across the middle of the field. Just as the defense converged on St. Brown, he quickly lateralled the ball to running back Jahmyr Gibbs, who sprinted down the sideline for a touchdown, leaving the Arizona defense in shock. The flawless execution, combined with the perfect timing, brought Lions fans to their feet and sealed the play’s place as one of the highlights of the season.
Ben Johnson’s Brainchild
Detroit offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has already earned a reputation as one of the most creative minds in the NFL, and this play only further solidified that status. Johnson first introduced the idea to Jared Goff during training camp, where the duo discussed how and when it might work.
The name “Shake ‘n Bake” comes from the iconic catchphrase of Will Ferrell’s character, Ricky Bobby, and his sidekick Cal Naughton Jr., played by John C. Reilly, in Talladega Nights. The duo uses the phrase to describe their teamwork in NASCAR, much like how Goff, St. Brown, and Gibbs teamed up to make the play a success on the football field.
The Lions’ Offensive Creativity Shines Again
The Lions’ “Shake ‘n Bake” touchdown is just the latest example of how their offense has embraced creativity under Ben Johnson’s guidance. Plays like these not only keep the opposing defenses guessing but also energize the team and fans alike.
With trick plays like this in their arsenal, the Lions have shown they are willing to take risks to get ahead. The successful execution of “Shake ‘n Bake” is a testament to the chemistry between Goff and his teammates, as well as the bold play-calling that has made the Lions’ offense one of the most entertaining to watch in the NFL.
Detroit fans are sure to be quoting Talladega Nights for weeks to come as they relish in their team’s inventive play-calling and Goff’s confidence in his offense. After all, if you’re not first, you’re last—and right now, the Lions are proving they have what it takes to be first.
