The Detroit Lions are sure to be fired up for their two upcoming games against the Chicago Bears next season, especially with former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson now taking the helm as the Bears’ head coach. However, Jared Goff might have some extra motivation after comments made by Johnson at the NFL Combine that could have unintentionally sparked a rivalry. In a recent podcast, Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown shared his thoughts on how Goff would likely respond to Johnson’s remarks.
During the Combine, Johnson spoke highly of Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, commending his athleticism and ability to extend plays outside the pocket. He emphasized how having a dynamic player like Williams, who can make plays off-schedule, is exciting for the team. “The off-schedule, the creation, that’s what stands out the most,” Johnson said, referencing the current trends in the NFL. “As much as you’d like to follow a pure progression, sometimes the pass rush forces things off-script, and having a quarterback who can extend plays and find explosive opportunities downfield really gets me going. I’ve experienced it on the other side, and it’s demoralizing when you’re the defense watching that unfold.”
Though Johnson never mentioned Goff specifically, some fans and analysts took his words as a slight toward the Lions’ quarterback, given their time together in Detroit.
Amon-Ra St. Brown, however, wasn’t convinced that Johnson’s remarks were aimed directly at Goff, but he did believe it could add fuel to Goff’s fire when Detroit faces off against the Bears. “It’s just going to give Jared that much more motivation when we play the Bears,” St. Brown said. “Am I here for it? Absolutely.”
While it may not have been a direct jab at Goff, many expect Goff to be determined to prove himself, especially since he’ll have the opportunity to show that he can thrive without Johnson as his offensive coordinator.
