Was the NFL Executive Wrong About the Lions’ Ben Johnson Loss? Here’s Why

The Detroit Lions were on the rise in the 2024 NFL season, with a dynamic offense that seemed to be firing on all cylinders, led by offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. However, news of Johnson’s departure to take on a new role elsewhere has left many fans and analysts wondering what it means for the Lions’ future. Recently, an NFL executive voiced concerns about the impact of losing Johnson, suggesting that it could be a major setback for the team. But was this executive’s assessment accurate? In this article, we’ll explore why this loss may not be as catastrophic as it seems and how the Lions are positioned to bounce back.

Ben Johnson: The Architect of Detroit’s Offensive Revival

Ben Johnson’s tenure as the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions was nothing short of transformative. Under his leadership, the Lions experienced one of the most exciting offensive turnarounds in recent memory. Johnson’s innovative approach to playcalling, combined with his ability to maximize the strengths of key players like Jared Goff and Amon-Ra St. Brown, helped the team achieve new heights on the offensive side of the ball.

In 2024, the Lions finished with one of the league’s most explosive offenses, ranking near the top in both passing and rushing yards. Johnson’s ability to craft versatile, unpredictable game plans played a significant role in the team’s success. His departure undoubtedly leaves a hole, but it’s important to consider the full context of his time in Detroit and whether his loss is truly as detrimental as some experts suggest.

The NFL Executive’s Perspective: What Did They Get Wrong?

The NFL executive who expressed concern about the Lions losing Johnson argued that his departure could set the team back significantly. According to this executive, Johnson’s offensive creativity and ability to develop Goff into a top-tier quarterback were vital to the Lions’ recent success. While these points are not without merit, the perspective overlooks several important factors that suggest the Lions can recover from this loss and continue to build on their momentum.

First and foremost, the Lions’ offensive success was not solely due to Johnson’s playcalling. While Johnson’s contributions were significant, the team’s offensive improvement also came from Goff’s growth as a leader, the development of young talent, and an offensive line that provided solid protection. The pieces are in place for the Lions to maintain a high-powered offense, even without Johnson at the helm.

The Lions’ Strong Foundation: More Than Just Johnson

While losing a coordinator like Ben Johnson is undoubtedly a setback, it’s essential to recognize that the Lions are not starting from scratch. The team has built a strong foundation under head coach Dan Campbell, who has fostered a winning culture and instilled a team-first mentality. Campbell’s leadership, combined with the solid infrastructure already in place on offense, means the Lions are well-positioned to continue their upward trajectory.

Detroit’s offensive line remains one of the league’s best, providing Goff with the time and protection he needs to thrive. Additionally, the Lions have a talented group of skill position players, including St. Brown, a rising star at wide receiver, and an emerging running game led by the versatile Jahmyr Gibbs. These key players will continue to be the backbone of the offense, regardless of who is calling the plays.

Moreover, the team’s front office has shown a keen eye for talent and has made smart decisions in recent drafts. Whether it’s bolstering the defense or adding more weapons to the offense, the Lions have the resources to keep building on their success. Losing Johnson may be a blow, but it’s not a death knell for the team’s offensive capabilities.

The Hiring of a New Offensive Coordinator: Opportunities for Growth

With Johnson’s departure, the Lions now face the task of finding a new offensive coordinator. While this might seem like a daunting challenge, it also presents an opportunity for growth and evolution. The Lions have the chance to bring in a fresh perspective and possibly implement new ideas that could further improve the offense.

The key will be finding a coordinator who can work within the established system but also bring something new to the table. Fortunately, the Lions have a strong coaching staff that has developed a solid rapport with their players. Whether the new offensive coordinator is promoted from within or brought in from outside the organization, there’s confidence that the team will continue to thrive.

One possible candidate could be the Lions’ quarterbacks coach, Mark Brunell, who has already worked closely with Goff and has a deep understanding of the offense. Another possibility is to look for a coordinator who can enhance the passing game or incorporate more creativity into the running attack, providing more balance and unpredictability to the offense.

The Bigger Picture: How the Lions Can Continue to Compete

Losing Ben Johnson might be a setback, but it doesn’t define the future of the Lions. The team has a roster full of talent, a well-respected coaching staff, and a front office that is committed to building a sustainable winner. Detroit’s success is not solely tied to one individual, and as long as the core pieces remain in place, the Lions can continue to compete in the NFC North and beyond.

Furthermore, this situation could be an opportunity for the Lions to become even more versatile and dynamic on offense. By embracing new coaching ideas, adjusting their scheme, and developing young talent, the team has the potential to take their offense in exciting new directions. Johnson’s loss could ultimately lead to a more well-rounded and unpredictable attack that keeps defenses on their toes.

Conclusion: The Lions’ Path Forward After Ben Johnson’s Departure

While the loss of Ben Johnson is certainly a blow to the Detroit Lions, it doesn’t mark the end of their offensive success. The team has the talent, leadership, and infrastructure in place to continue thriving. The concerns expressed by the NFL executive may be valid to an extent, but they fail to fully consider the strength of the Lions’ overall system and the opportunities that lie ahead.

The Lions are built to weather this transition and continue building towards future success. Whether the new offensive coordinator can fully replicate Johnson’s magic or bring a new twist to the offense, the Lions are in a strong position to remain competitive and continue their rise in the NFC. The team’s resilience and growth will be the defining factors as they move forward, and they are more than capable of overcoming this challenge.