At the NFL Scouting Combine, Ben Johnson seemed to criticize the Detroit Lions, causing some players to feel upset about it. The Lions face challenges this season due to significant changes in their coaching staff.
Most notably, the team lost offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to the Chicago Bears and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn to the New York Jets, meaning the composition of their top coaches will be much different than last year. At the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis on Tuesday, February 25, Johnson discussed his new quarterback, Caleb Williams, and his skills. However, his comments seemed to downplay Detroit.
“Out of structure, the off-schedule, the creation…that’s what stands out the most because that’s really the way that this league is going right now,” Johnson said about Williams. “It seems like as much as you want to make it pure progression, one to two to three, there’s just too much variety.”
Then, Johnson added something that raised eyebrows. “The pass rush is coming down and to have an athlete like Caleb extend the play and potentially find an explosive down the field. That’s what gets me going a little bit. I get excited thinking about that, because I haven’t been around that since I’ve been in the league.”
He hasn’t had that experience in the league? Sure, Williams and Lions quarterback Jared Goff are different types of quarterbacks. Williams is mobile, while Goff is more of a pocket passer. But, Goff had a fantastic season last year, breaking several NFL and franchise records.
Johnson vs. Detroit Lions
Johnson also criticized the Lions’ defense, stating it was tough to watch them face quarterbacks who could move outside the pocket. For instance, even though the Lions beat the Bears twice last season, Williams had amazing games, passing for 590 yards, five touchdowns, and no interceptions. He also ran 10 times for 73 yards.
“I’ve been on the other side, and I’ve experienced it,” Johnson said. “It’s demoralizing when you’re on the other side and you’re watching that happen to your defense.”
This is Johnson’s viewpoint on how a defense finds it tougher to face a quarterback like Williams, compared to a pocket passer like Goff.
These remarks didn’t sit well with some Lions players, and understandably so. Defenders Kerby Joseph and Amik Robertson shared their thoughts on Johnson’s comments. Joseph posted a picture of Peter Griffin lurking on X, while Robertson responded, quoting Joseph’s post with the caption, “Yah feel me…”
While Johnson is clearly excited about his new quarterback, his comments are likely fueling the Lions’ desire to shut down Chicago and contain Williams next season. Let’s go.