The Detroit Lions are adjusting to a new offensive coordinator after Ben Johnson took over as the head coach of the Chicago Bears. The Lions hired John Morton, who previously served as the Denver Broncos’ passing game coordinator for two years. Morton brings extensive coaching experience, having worked alongside some of the NFL’s top offensive minds, including Sean Payton, Jon Gruden, and Jim Harbaugh. While Morton has only been a play caller for a full season (as the New York Jets’ offensive coordinator in 2017), his tenure there wasn’t a reflection of his capabilities due to the lack of talent on that roster. His familiarity with the Lions’ offense, especially in his 2022 role as a senior assistant, makes him a promising addition to keep the offensive momentum going. Coach Dan Campbell has expressed that Morton made significant contributions to the team last year, and he believes Morton’s input will be key moving forward.
With the changes in the coaching staff, there are several players who could greatly benefit from Morton’s influence. Three players stand out as potential beneficiaries of Morton’s offensive system:
3. WR Jameson Williams
Williams had a breakout year, surpassing 1,000 receiving yards and developing into a more well-rounded receiver. Under Morton, the deep passing game could see a resurgence, especially with the Lions’ success on play-action vertical routes. In 2022, the Lions led the NFL with 1.31 EPA per dropback on play-action vertical routes, a statistic that dipped in the following seasons. With Williams’ development and his ability to stretch the field, Morton could help unlock further potential in the deep passing game that has been lacking in recent years.
2. QB Jared Goff
Goff’s resurgence over the last few seasons has been widely attributed to the coaching of Campbell, Johnson, and Morton. As Goff continues to grow, Morton’s familiarity with him from their time together in 2022 provides a strong foundation for continued success. The two have a solid relationship, and Goff’s improvement in handling coaching and feedback should make the transition to Morton seamless. While Johnson’s departure will be felt, Goff is more than capable of continuing to thrive under Morton’s guidance.
1. RB Jahmyr Gibbs
After an impressive rookie season, Gibbs has continued to elevate his game, racking up nearly 2,000 yards from scrimmage and scoring 20 total touchdowns. His ability as a pass-catcher was evident, but his potential in the screen game has yet to be fully realized. In 2022, the Lions had one of the NFL’s best screen games, which helped take pressure off Goff. With Morton’s expertise, Gibbs could become even more dynamic as a receiver, especially in the screen game, an area where the Lions’ efficiency has waned in recent seasons. If Morton can tap into this aspect of Gibbs’ game, the running back could elevate his production even further.
In conclusion, while the Lions’ offense will see some adjustments under Morton, these three players—Williams, Goff, and Gibbs—have the potential to thrive and build upon their recent success. Morton’s experience and coaching style could be the key to unlocking another level of performance from this talented group.
