DETROIT – At the NFL Scouting Combine, former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson shared his thoughts on his new role with the Chicago Bears and how impressive his new quarterback situation was.
Johnson, who previously worked with Jared Goff, expressed enthusiasm about the potential he sees in second-year quarterback Caleb Williams. However, his soundbite on Tuesday (Feb. 25) sounded like he took a subtle jab at Goff.
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“Out of structure, the off scheduled, the creation, that’s what stands out the most because that’s really the way that this league’s going right now it seems like.
“As much as you want to make it pure progression, one to two to three, there’s just too much variety as the pass rush is coming down, and to have an athlete like Caleb extend the play and potentially find an explosive one down the field, that’s what get’s me going a little bit.
I get excited thinking about that because I haven’t really been around that since I’ve been around in the league. I’ve been on the other side and experienced it and it’s demoralizing when you’re on the other side and you’re watching that happen to your defense."
Johnson joined the Lions in 2019 under current Ohio State Buckeyes defensive coordinator coach Matt Patricia and became the franchise’s offensive coordinator in 2022 under head coach Dan Campbell.
Since 2022, Johnson has had the Lions’ offense roaring in the National Football League. They have been ranked among the top five offenses for the past three seasons, including No. 1 in 2024.
But his remarks about how excited he gets when Williams extends plays and potentially finds explosive plays down the field and how he hasn’t been around that type of quarterback since joining the NFL sounded like Goff was catching some strays.
Goff is a statuesque quarterback who doesn’t extend plays with his legs, but you don’t have to knock him down to praise your new quarterback.
I get it; the days of quarterbacks standing completely in the pocket are over, and teams are searching for playmakers.
Quarterbacks who can run like Williams are difficult for defenses to prepare for, but sometimes, it’s always good to have that Goff, Tom Brady, and or Peyton Manning-style quarterback who can get the ball out on a three-step or five-step drop with precision can get the job done as well.
Just look at the numbers that Goff amassed last season as he accumulated 4,629 yards passing with 37 touchdowns and 12 interceptions while completing 390-539 with a completion percentage of 72.4% during the 2024 season.
Goff led the Lions to their best season in franchise history, going 15-2, winning the NFC North consecutively and getting a first-round bye.
The poetic season, along with those numbers, led Goff to his fourth Pro Bowl (2017, 2018, 2022, and 2024), where he won the NFC’s Precision Passing challenge.
Once he keeps progressing in his illustrious career, he will soon lead the Lions to the Super Bowl sooner rather than later.
