Some interpreted Johnson’s recent praise of Caleb Williams as a subtle slight toward Jared Goff.
The Detroit Lions are already expected to have plenty of motivation when they face the Chicago Bears next season, especially with their former offensive coordinator, Ben Johnson, now leading Chicago. However, quarterback Jared Goff might have an added incentive when he faces his former coach.
During the NFL Combine, Johnson spoke highly of Caleb Williams, highlighting his athleticism and ability to create plays outside of structure. While Johnson never mentioned Goff or directly compared the two quarterbacks, some took his remarks as an indirect criticism of Goff, who was his starting QB for the last three years.
“Having an athlete like Caleb who can extend plays and create explosive opportunities downfield excites me,” Johnson said. “I haven’t really been around that type of player in the league before. I’ve been on the other side of it, and it can be demoralizing.”
On The St. Brown Podcast, Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and his brother, Equanimeous, debated whether Johnson’s remarks were a dig at Goff. While Equanimeous had a different view, Amon-Ra believes the comments will only add to Goff’s motivation when he faces the Bears.
“This is just going to give Jared even more fire when we play Chicago,” Amon-Ra said. “Am I all for it? Absolutely.”
Even if Goff doesn’t take the comments personally, he may still feel driven to prove himself without Johnson. Throughout his career, much of his success has been attributed to either Johnson or his former Rams head coach, Sean McVay.
With Johnson now in Chicago and Goff fully established in Detroit, he has a great opportunity to demonstrate that he can thrive without either coach’s influence.
