Building a Sustained Winner with Ben Johnson | 1920 Football Drive
As the NFL landscape continues to evolve, few teams are as intent on rebuilding for sustained success as the Detroit Lions. Under the leadership of head coach Dan Campbell and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, the Lions have made strides in recent years, and the team’s future looks promising. A key figure in this rebuilding effort is Ben Johnson, the offensive mastermind behind the resurgence of the Lions’ offense. The 1920 Football Drive podcast dives into the development of Johnson’s offensive philosophy and how his leadership is helping to shape the foundation for a sustained winner in Detroit.
The Rise of Ben Johnson: From Position Coach to Offensive Coordinator
Ben Johnson’s journey to becoming the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator is a testament to his work ethic, football IQ, and ability to develop young talent. Prior to being promoted to offensive coordinator in 2022, Johnson had served in various coaching roles within the NFL. His reputation grew as a sharp tactician and someone who could effectively work with quarterbacks and receivers to unlock their potential.
Johnson’s ascent to offensive coordinator was not instantaneous. He started as an offensive assistant and worked his way up the ranks, honing his skills and learning from other successful coaches along the way. As the offensive coordinator for the Lions, Johnson inherited a team in need of direction. Jared Goff, once thought to be a washed-up quarterback, was given a second chance under Johnson’s guidance.
Offensive Identity: Building a Balanced Attack
One of Johnson’s core philosophies as a coach has been building a balanced offensive attack. The Lions’ offense has gradually evolved under his watch, and Johnson has been careful to craft an offense that can adapt to different situations and opponents. The foundation of his offensive scheme is built on a strong running game, creative play-action designs, and a solid passing attack.
Jared Goff has benefitted greatly from Johnson’s system, which has allowed the veteran quarterback to settle into a rhythm and look like the player who led the Rams to a Super Bowl appearance. By focusing on building around Goff’s strengths and keeping defenses off balance, Johnson has brought a sense of stability to the quarterback position in Detroit.
But what makes Johnson’s offense truly dynamic is its commitment to the running game. The Lions boast one of the NFL’s best running back tandems with Jamaal Williams and D’Andre Swift, and Johnson has made sure to emphasize the importance of the run game in both the early and late stages of a contest. The ability to run the ball consistently opens up opportunities in the passing game, allowing the Lions to mix up their play-calling and keep opposing defenses guessing.
In addition to the power running game, Johnson has also incorporated speed and explosiveness into his offense. Amon-Ra St. Brown has blossomed into one of the league’s top young wide receivers, and Jameson Williams, the speedy rookie, brings an additional layer of threat to the passing attack. Johnson’s ability to utilize his weapons in creative ways makes the Lions’ offense more dangerous by the week.
Developing Young Talent: A Focus on Player Growth
One of the key elements of building a sustained winner is developing young players into contributors who can elevate the team’s success. Ben Johnson has embraced this challenge with gusto, particularly with regard to young quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers.
Perhaps no player exemplifies Johnson’s ability to develop talent better than Amon-Ra St. Brown. The former fourth-round pick has become one of the NFL’s brightest young stars. Johnson’s guidance and scheme have allowed St. Brown to thrive, utilizing his route-running ability and hands to create mismatches against opposing secondaries. St. Brown’s growth in Johnson’s offense is a reflection of the coach’s understanding of how to nurture young talent in a high-pressure environment.
Another important development has been Jared Goff’s resurgence. After struggling in his final years with the Los Angeles Rams, Goff was traded to Detroit in 2021, and many considered him a stopgap quarterback at best. Under Johnson’s tutelage, Goff has rediscovered his confidence. The Lions’ offensive coordinator has instilled discipline in Goff’s decision-making and taught him how to operate within a structured, yet flexible offensive system.
Johnson’s ability to simplify the game for his players and put them in positions to succeed has been a key factor in Goff’s improvement. Instead of relying on Goff to do everything, Johnson has built an offense that allows the quarterback to be efficient and effective without asking him to carry the weight of the entire team.
As the Lions continue to develop their roster, Johnson’s coaching philosophy will be pivotal in shaping their future. His approach to building young talent not only on offense but across the board will be essential in establishing a winning culture that lasts for years.
The Future of the Lions: A Culture of Competition and Growth
While Johnson’s work with individual players has garnered praise, one of his most significant contributions to the Lions’ future is his ability to foster a culture of competition and growth. The offensive coordinator’s belief in constant development permeates the entire roster, from top-tier players to young, unproven talent.
Johnson has emphasized accountability and team-first mentality in his approach. By fostering an environment where players are motivated to push each other to perform at their best, the Lions have developed a strong sense of unity and purpose. Players understand that every rep, every practice, and every game matters, and Johnson’s consistent messaging has helped solidify the Lions as a team that is always striving to improve.
This culture is not limited to the players. It extends to the coaching staff as well, where Johnson encourages an open exchange of ideas and collaboration. The Lions’ success will ultimately be built on a foundation of communication and teamwork, both on and off the field. Johnson’s ability to lead and create an atmosphere where everyone has a voice is invaluable to the team’s long-term success.
The Impact of Ben Johnson on Detroit’s Future
Ben Johnson’s role in building a sustained winner for the Detroit Lions cannot be overstated. While much of the spotlight has been on the team’s improving defense and young talent, Johnson’s offensive schemes and ability to develop players have been integral in the team’s success. His offense is not just about flashy plays and individual accolades; it’s about developing a unit that works together toward a common goal: consistent winning.
As the Lions look to the future, Johnson’s influence will be a key factor in determining how high their ceiling is. The offensive coordinator has already shown an ability to build an offense that works for the players at his disposal, and as the roster continues to improve, Johnson’s schemes will only get more dangerous. With young talent across the board, the Lions are poised to be a formidable force in the NFC.
Looking ahead, the Lions’ future is bright, and Ben Johnson will undoubtedly continue to play a central role in building a sustained winner. Whether it’s through developing young talent, creating a balanced offense, or fostering a culture of competition, Johnson’s leadership will be critical in turning the Lions into a perennial playoff contender. For fans in Detroit, the 1920 Football Drive podcast and the progress of Ben Johnson’s offense offer plenty to be excited about in the years to come.