Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff came to the defense of his former offensive coordinator, Ben Johnson, after Sunday’s dominant 52-point performance against Johnson’s Chicago Bears.
Goff was nearly flawless in the blowout at Ford Field on September 14, completing 23 of 28 passes for 344 yards and five touchdowns. Following the game, he addressed the media and responded to the derogatory chants directed at Johnson, now the Bears’ head coach, from Detroit fans late in the matchup.
“I didn’t appreciate that,” Goff said of the chants. “Ben did a lot for us, and I don’t think he deserved that kind of treatment.”
Johnson’s Impact on Detroit and Goff’s Career
Before taking the head coaching job in Chicago earlier this year, Johnson had guided Detroit’s offense for three seasons. When he was promoted in 2022, the Lions were coming off a 3-13-1 campaign. That same season, they improved to 9-8, knocking the Green Bay Packers out of playoff contention in Aaron Rodgers’ final game at Lambeau Field.
The Lions continued to climb under Johnson’s leadership. In 2023, they posted a 12-5 record, won the NFC North, and reached the NFC Championship. A year later, they went 15-2, claiming the top seed in the conference before a stunning playoff exit against the Washington Commanders.
Statistically, the turnaround was just as impressive. Detroit had ranked 22nd in total offense the year before Johnson’s promotion. Over the next three seasons, the team ranked fourth, third, and second in the NFL. Goff’s personal numbers improved dramatically as well. After throwing for 3,245 yards and 19 touchdowns in 2021, he averaged 4,547 yards, 32 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions across the following three years, earning two Pro Bowl nods and finishing fifth in MVP voting in 2024.
Dan Campbell and Ben Johnson’s Partnership
Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, who delivered nine catches for 115 yards and three touchdowns against the Bears, had predicted a hostile reception for Johnson before the game. On his podcast with his brother, he promised boos would rain down the moment Johnson stepped onto the field.
Head coach Dan Campbell, however, took a more respectful approach. Johnson had originally joined Detroit’s staff in 2020 as the tight ends coach and remained after Campbell was hired. By 2022, Campbell promoted him to offensive coordinator, and together the two built the Lions into one of the NFC’s most consistent contenders.
“Ben’s my friend, and that’ll never change,” Campbell said.
Jared Goff Defends Ben Johnson After Lions Fans’ Harsh Chants
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff came to the defense of his former offensive coordinator, Ben Johnson, after Sunday’s dominant 52-point performance against Johnson’s Chicago Bears.
Goff was nearly flawless in the blowout at Ford Field on September 14, completing 23 of 28 passes for 344 yards and five touchdowns. Following the game, he addressed the media and responded to the derogatory chants directed at Johnson, now the Bears’ head coach, from Detroit fans late in the matchup.
“I didn’t appreciate that,” Goff said of the chants. “Ben did a lot for us, and I don’t think he deserved that kind of treatment.”
Johnson’s Impact on Detroit and Goff’s Career
Before taking the head coaching job in Chicago earlier this year, Johnson had guided Detroit’s offense for three seasons. When he was promoted in 2022, the Lions were coming off a 3-13-1 campaign. That same season, they improved to 9-8, knocking the Green Bay Packers out of playoff contention in Aaron Rodgers’ final game at Lambeau Field.
The Lions continued to climb under Johnson’s leadership. In 2023, they posted a 12-5 record, won the NFC North, and reached the NFC Championship. A year later, they went 15-2, claiming the top seed in the conference before a stunning playoff exit against the Washington Commanders.
Statistically, the turnaround was just as impressive. Detroit had ranked 22nd in total offense the year before Johnson’s promotion. Over the next three seasons, the team ranked fourth, third, and second in the NFL. Goff’s personal numbers improved dramatically as well. After throwing for 3,245 yards and 19 touchdowns in 2021, he averaged 4,547 yards, 32 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions across the following three years, earning two Pro Bowl nods and finishing fifth in MVP voting in 2024.
Dan Campbell and Ben Johnson’s Partnership
Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, who delivered nine catches for 115 yards and three touchdowns against the Bears, had predicted a hostile reception for Johnson before the game. On his podcast with his brother, he promised boos would rain down the moment Johnson stepped onto the field.
Head coach Dan Campbell, however, took a more respectful approach. Johnson had originally joined Detroit’s staff in 2020 as the tight ends coach and remained after Campbell was hired. By 2022, Campbell promoted him to offensive coordinator, and together the two built the Lions into one of the NFC’s most consistent contenders.
“Ben’s my friend, and that’ll never change,” Campbell said.
