As a three-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro, there isn't much left for Amon-Ra St. Brown to do to in the NFL to establish himself as a star.
Even though that is the case, a driven talent like St. Brown isn't going to be satisfied being above average. Anything other than consistently elite will be seen as a letdown. To that end, it's good that St. Brown has had his attention shaken a bit this offseason.
The Lions lost offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to the Chicago Bears, hiring John Morton in his place. Morton's arrival has come with several questions about the long-term viability of the Detroit offense, considering his lack of successful experience in the role.
In the case of St. Brown, however, the new coordinator has been a blessing. Speaking with the media during OTA's last month, the wide receiver said that the impact of Morton's arrival has jolted him, forcing him to lock in on a new level given different terminologies.
"Definitely woken me up, having to learn new plays (and) new formations. I was so used to the same plays I didn't have to look. I knew what I had to do without looking. Now, I've actually got to study up. Study some plays. I can't be messing up out there. That's the last thing I want to do. I think it's good for the offense. It's good for the guys (and) coaches too. They got to be on their toes because it's different formations. We've all got to lock in, but I think it's going to help us."
St. Brown knew Detroit's old offense well, but Morton's offense has differences, forcing him to focus on another level. A more tuned-in St. Brown is dangerous because the potential was always there for him to become stagnant. Now, his attention has been commanded again.
Amon-Ra St. Brown rejuvenated by John Morton's addition to Lions
Even though St. Brown has established himself to start his career, he believes that Morton's arrival has been good for the Lions, who have been adapting to their new offensive coordinator and his way of doing things positively.
"He's been awesome. He's been very receptive. We've been receptive of him and just being able to have a new face, have a new voice, (a) new way of teaching, it's good for us. I think we've been so accustomed to certain things for so long that you kind of get used to it and then when something new happens, you're like, 'Oh.' It kind of wakes you up and gets you ready. So I think he's done that for our offense."
It's hard to imagine St. Brown making a bigger impact on the Lions, but the potential is there for him to become even better in Detroit. In the last four years, he has posted 4,851 yards and 33 touchdowns. He hasn't posted close to a 2,000-yard season, but that could be on the horizon.
With a new offense, St. Brown could become even more of a focal point and might deliver an even bigger season than in the past. All of it could be thanks to Morton's ability to command a room with offensive subtleties.
