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          Detroit Lions fake punt on their own 20-yard line vs. Bucs

          • Eric Woodyard, ESPNSep 15, 2024, 06:35 PM
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              Eric Woodyard covers the Detroit Lions for ESPN. He joined ESPN in September 2019 as an NBA reporter dedicated to the Midwest region before switching to his current role in April 2021. The Flint, Mich. native is a graduate of Western Michigan University and has authored/co-authored three books: "Wasted, Ethan's Talent Search" and "All In: The Kelvin Torbert Story". He is a proud parent of one son, Ethan. You can follow him on Twitter: @E_Woodyard

          DETROIT -- The Detroit Lions pulled from their bag of tricks in the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

          Lining up for a punt on fourth-and-12 from their own 20-yard line, punter Jack Fox completed a pass over the middle to rookie running back Sione Vaki for a 17-yard gain to keep the drive alive with 8:11 left before the half.

          For the Lions, the fake punt marked their 11th such attempt since Dan Campbell took over as coach in 2021, five more than any other team over that span. They have converted nine of those 11 attempts for first downs, according to ESPN Research.