Lions React to Ben Johnson’s Comments About Detroit
At the NFL Scouting Combine, Ben Johnson appeared to take a subtle dig at the Detroit Lions, and some players aren’t pleased about it.
The Lions face significant challenges this season as their coaching staff undergoes major changes. Most notably, offensive coordinator Ben Johnson departed for the Chicago Bears, while defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn took a job with the New York Jets. As a result, Detroit’s top coaching positions will look very different compared to last year.
During this week’s NFL Scouting Combine, Johnson made remarks that seemed to slight the Lions, leading to frustration among some of the team’s players. Can you blame them?
Ben Johnson Talks About His New Quarterback
Speaking with reporters in Indianapolis on Tuesday, February 25, Johnson praised his new quarterback, Caleb Williams, emphasizing the player’s unique skill set. However, in doing so, he appeared to take a jab at his former team.
“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 came the comment that rubbed people the wrong way. Johnson continued, “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 been around that since he’s been in the league? Williams and Lions quarterback Jared Goff certainly have different styles—Williams is mobile, while Goff is a more traditional pocket passer. But it’s hard to overlook the fact that Goff had an outstanding season last year, setting multiple NFL and franchise records.
Johnson vs. the Detroit Lions
Johnson also criticized Detroit’s defense, pointing out their struggles against quarterbacks who extend plays outside the pocket. Despite the Lions defeating the Bears in both matchups last season, Williams put up impressive numbers—throwing for 590 yards, five touchdowns, and zero interceptions, while also rushing 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.”
Essentially, Johnson suggested that defending a quarterback like Williams is more challenging than facing a pocket passer like Goff.
Unsurprisingly, some Lions players didn’t take kindly to his remarks. Defenders Kerby Joseph and Amik Robertson made their feelings known on social media. Joseph shared a picture of Peter Griffin lurking, a not-so-subtle response to Johnson’s comments. Meanwhile, Robertson quoted the post, adding, “Yah feel me…”
So, while Johnson may be thrilled about his new quarterback, his words are likely fueling Detroit’s determination to shut down Chicago next season and keep Williams in check.