Ben Johnson, who directed the Detroit Lions’ offense from 2022 to 2024, is now watching his old team thrive without him. During his time in Detroit, Johnson shaped the offensive schemes, but with his departure, the Lions have ushered in a new era—one that’s already paying dividends.
The Lions have opened this season on a hot streak. After stumbling in their opener against the Green Bay Packers, Detroit roared back with three straight victories, the latest being a decisive win over the Cleveland Browns. With both sides of the ball clicking, the Lions have established themselves as one of the NFC’s most dangerous squads.
One notable moment came in Week 2 when Detroit crushed the Chicago Bears 52-21, a game that carried extra significance since it was Johnson’s return to Ford Field, this time as the Bears’ head coach. The emphatic win only boosted the Lions’ growing confidence.
So far, Detroit’s offense has been nothing short of explosive. The team has piled up 137 points through four games—an average of over 34 per outing. That pace has drawn praise across the league and highlighted just how seamless the transition has been since Johnson’s exit. NFL analyst Ralph Vacchiano summed it up bluntly: “The Lions hung 34 points on a tough Browns defense and have now totaled 124 in their last three games. It’s clear they’re not missing Ben Johnson.”
Much of the credit goes to wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, who has emerged as the heartbeat of the offense. Head coach Dan Campbell has repeatedly emphasized St. Brown’s importance, pointing to his consistency and playmaking ability as key drivers of Detroit’s success.
The next challenge for the Lions comes in Week 5 against the Cincinnati Bengals, whose defense is among the stingiest in the league. Detroit will need to prove its offensive firepower holds up against elite competition if it wants to stay in control of the NFC North race.
Meanwhile, Johnson’s new journey in Chicago has had its ups and downs. After being outclassed by the Vikings and his former Lions team, he managed to steer the Bears back with statement wins over the Cowboys and Raiders. For Johnson, maintaining that momentum is crucial as he works to steady the Bears and prepare for their upcoming clash with Washington.
