Former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson attended the NFL Combine this week for the first time as a head coach. During his time at the podium, he made a remark that may have been directed at Jared Goff.
Johnson left the Lions this past January to become the head coach of the Chicago Bears. He'll try to revitalize a franchise that's starving for success. In order to make the fans happy in the Windy City, he'll have to get the best possible production out of former No. 1 pick Caleb Williams.
While at the NFL Combine this Tuesday, Johnson raved about his talented quarterback and his ability to make playoffs off script. In doing so though, he may have taken a shot at his former quarterback.
"As much as you want to make it pure progression, there's just too much variety. To have an athlete like Caleb extend the play and potentially find an explosive down the field, that's what gets me going," Johnson said. "I get excited thinking about that because I haven't really been around that since I've been in the league. But I've been on the other side and I've experienced it. It's demoralizing when you're on the other side and watching it happen to your defense."
This doesn't seem like a harsh remark from Johnson, but fans believe it's his way of saying he was limited as a play-caller with Goff as his quarterback. Even if that's true, the Lions were unstoppable at times on offense this past season.
Goff may have struggled in the playoffs for the Lions, but he did finish the regular season with 4,629 passing yards, 37 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
Williams, meanwhile, had 3,541 passing yards with 20 touchdowns and six interceptions. He took a beating at times due to Chicago's poor game-planning and subpar offensive line.
In theory, Williams should improve with Johnson as his play-caller. However, he'll need to play with much more rhythm than he's accustomed to.
As for the Lions, they'll get to compete against Johnson and the Bears twice next season.
