The Detroit Lions tried to catch the Chicago Bears off guard with a bold trick play — but instead, it turned into one of the most jarring moments of the game. On a designed gadget play, Lions running back David Montgomery found himself playing quarterback… and Bears defensive tackle Andrew Billings made him pay for it.
🎭 What Went Wrong
The play was clearly designed to create confusion, with Montgomery taking the snap and setting up to throw downfield. But Chicago’s defensive front never bit.
Billings read the play instantly, burst through the line, and sacked Montgomery for a loss, ending the play almost as soon as it began. What was supposed to be a momentum-swinging moment instead stalled Detroit’s drive and energized the Bears’ defense.
💥 A Rare Sight: RB Taking a Sack
Seeing a running back get “sacked” is rare — and that’s exactly why the moment stood out. Montgomery had no time to react as Billings closed the gap, wrapping him up cleanly and sending a loud message: trick plays come with consequences.
The hit was legal, physical, and perfectly timed — a textbook defensive response to over-creative play-calling.
🧠 Risk vs. Reward
Detroit has built its identity on aggression and creativity, but this play highlighted the downside of that approach:
Poor blocking execution
No viable outlet for Montgomery
Defensive alignment that sniffed out the play immediately
Instead of stealing yards, the Lions lost field position and momentum — a costly mistake in a tight divisional matchup.
🔍 What It Means Moving Forward
For Montgomery, it was an unfortunate moment in an otherwise physical performance. For the Lions’ coaching staff, it raises questions about when — and whether — trick plays are worth the risk, especially against disciplined divisional defenses.
Plays like this can energize a team when they work — but when they don’t, they often become defining lowlights.
🏁 Bottom Line
Andrew Billings didn’t just stop a trick play — he embarrassed it. The Bears’ big man read the Lions perfectly and turned creativity into chaos, reminding Detroit that sometimes, simple football beats fancy football.
RB Gets Sacked?! Andrew Billings Levels David Montgomery on Failed Lions Trick Play
