The Detroit Lions face some challenges this season, as their coaching staff has undergone significant 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, leaving the team’s top coaching ranks looking quite different from last year.
At the NFL Scouting Combine this week, Johnson seemed to take a jab at the Lions, and some players weren’t pleased. Can you really blame them?
Ben Johnson Praises His New Quarterback
Speaking at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis on Tuesday, February 25, Johnson highlighted the talents of his new quarterback, Caleb Williams. However, his remarks also appeared to take a subtle dig at Detroit.
“What stands out the most is his ability to improvise, make plays off-schedule, and create—that’s the direction the league is moving,” Johnson said of Williams. “As much as you’d like a structured progression from one read to the next, there’s simply too much unpredictability.”
Johnson’s Comments Raise Eyebrows
This is where things get a little questionable. Johnson went on to say, “When the pass rush is closing in, having an athlete like Caleb who can extend the play and potentially create an explosive downfield—that’s what excites me. I get fired up thinking about that because I haven’t experienced it since entering the league.”
He hasn’t experienced that since he’s been in the league, huh? While it’s true that Williams and Lions quarterback Jared Goff have different playing styles—Williams being more mobile and Goff more of a traditional pocket passer—there’s no denying that Goff had an outstanding season, setting multiple NFL and franchise records.
Johnson Takes a Jab at the Lions
Johnson didn’t just comment on his new quarterback—he also took a swipe at the Lions’ defense. He noted how difficult it was to watch them struggle against quarterbacks who can extend plays outside the pocket.
For instance, while Detroit won both matchups against the Bears last season, Williams put up impressive numbers, throwing for 590 yards, five touchdowns, and no interceptions. He also added 73 rushing yards on 10 carries.
“I’ve been on the other side and experienced it firsthand,” Johnson said. “It’s crushing when you’re watching your defense struggle to contain a quarterback like that.”
So, Johnson’s point is that a defense has a tougher time dealing with a quarterback like Williams compared to a traditional pocket passer like Goff.
His remarks didn’t sit well with some Lions players—and understandably so. Defenders Kerby Joseph and Amik Robertson had their own reactions.
Joseph posted a meme of Peter Griffin lurking on X, seemingly in response to Johnson’s comments. Meanwhile, Robertson quoted the post, adding the caption, “Yah feel me…”
So, while Johnson is clearly enamored with his new quarterback, his remarks are likely fueling the Lions’ determination to shut down Chicago next season and keep Williams in check. Let’s go!