Detroit Lions Amon-Ra St. Brown: “Ben Johnson Is Just Making Moves”
As the Detroit Lions continue to build on their momentum from the 2022 season, one player who has become a central figure in their offensive renaissance is wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. The second-year receiver, who enjoyed a breakout season in 2022, has quickly emerged as one of the NFL’s top young wideouts. But it’s not just St. Brown’s performance on the field that’s drawing attention—his relationship with offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has also become a major talking point. St. Brown recently commented that “Ben Johnson is just making moves,” and his words reflect not only the high level of excitement surrounding the Lions’ offense but also the deep trust that St. Brown has in Johnson’s offensive vision.
St. Brown’s 2022 campaign was one for the ages. He finished with 106 catches for 1,161 yards and six touchdowns, proving to be not only a reliable weapon but also a game-changer for the Lions’ offense. Yet, his rise wasn’t just about raw talent. His chemistry with Johnson, Detroit’s offensive play-caller, played a crucial role in unlocking his full potential. The success of the Lions’ offense, and particularly St. Brown’s role in it, can be traced back to Johnson’s ability to utilize St. Brown in a variety of ways, creating mismatches and keeping opposing defenses on their heels.
The Rise of Amon-Ra St. Brown
Before diving into how Ben Johnson’s scheme helped elevate Amon-Ra St. Brown, it’s important to understand just how much St. Brown has blossomed since entering the NFL. A fourth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, St. Brown’s talent was apparent from the beginning. However, it was his relentless work ethic, smart route-running, and natural feel for the game that made him an instant favorite among Lions fans and coaches alike.
In his rookie season, St. Brown amassed 90 catches for 912 yards and five touchdowns. His connection with quarterback Jared Goff was one of the few bright spots for a Lions team that struggled throughout the year. The chemistry between Goff and St. Brown was undeniable, and by the end of the 2021 season, the wideout had firmly established himself as one of the team’s most important offensive pieces.
Heading into the 2022 season, expectations were high for St. Brown. However, it was Ben Johnson’s innovative offensive schemes that truly unlocked the young receiver’s potential. Johnson, who took over as the Lions’ offensive coordinator in 2022 after a successful stint as the team’s tight ends coach, understood that St. Brown’s skill set was versatile enough to be used in a variety of ways. Johnson’s scheme allowed St. Brown to shine as a playmaker, while also ensuring that the team’s passing game was efficient and difficult to defend.
Ben Johnson’s Offensive Scheme: “Making Moves”
So, what exactly does Amon-Ra St. Brown mean when he says, “Ben Johnson is just making moves”? Simply put, Johnson’s offensive scheme has been instrumental in getting the best out of his players, and St. Brown is the perfect example of that. Johnson is known for his ability to adapt his system to suit the strengths of his players, rather than trying to force square pegs into round holes.
One of the most significant ways Johnson helped St. Brown last season was by utilizing him in multiple spots on the field. Rather than limiting him to traditional outside receiver duties, Johnson moved St. Brown around the formation, placing him in the slot, out wide, and even in motion to confuse defenders. This unpredictability made it difficult for opposing teams to consistently match up with St. Brown, as his versatility created mismatches with linebackers, cornerbacks, and safeties.
In particular, Johnson’s use of motion pre-snap was one of the keys to unlocking St. Brown’s full potential. By motioning St. Brown across the field, Johnson forced defenses to reveal their coverages early, allowing Goff to make quicker and more accurate decisions. This constant movement also helped St. Brown find soft spots in the defense, whether in the intermediate range or on crossing routes, giving him plenty of opportunities to make plays after the catch.
Another standout aspect of Johnson’s offense is the balance he creates between the run and pass game. Detroit’s offense was one of the most efficient in the league in 2022, in part due to their ability to keep defenses on their toes. The combination of a strong running game led by Jamaal Williams and D’Andre Swift, along with the effective passing game featuring St. Brown, forced opposing defenses to account for multiple threats on every snap. Johnson’s use of play-action passes allowed St. Brown to run free on deep crossing routes, often catching defenders out of position.
Ben Johnson’s play-calling also ensures that St. Brown is involved in critical moments. The wide receiver was often targeted on third down or in red-zone situations, where his reliable hands and route-running ability became even more valuable. St. Brown’s connection with Goff in these situations was a testament to Johnson’s ability to put both of them in positions to succeed. His role in critical moments wasn’t just about his individual skill, but also the way Johnson designed the plays to put St. Brown in ideal situations.
Trust and Communication Between Johnson and St. Brown
The synergy between Amon-Ra St. Brown and Ben Johnson goes beyond just the X’s and O’s of the game. There is a deep level of trust and communication that allows both parties to thrive within the system. For St. Brown, being able to rely on Johnson’s creativity and football IQ gives him the confidence to be himself on the field.
“I trust Ben completely,” St. Brown has said in interviews. “He knows how to get me the ball in the best spots, and he always knows what I’m capable of. It’s a partnership where we can communicate about what works, and we adjust based on what the defense is doing.”
This trust is crucial, as St. Brown is not only a key player in the Lions’ offense but also someone who is relied upon to execute difficult routes in critical moments. Johnson’s ability to make in-game adjustments and provide his players with the tools to succeed has created an environment where St. Brown is thriving. The coach-player communication has made the offensive game plan more fluid and adaptable to changing situations.
Johnson’s emphasis on building relationships with his players has paid dividends, particularly with St. Brown. St. Brown appreciates how Johnson tailors the offense to each player’s unique strengths, and this personalized approach has made the wide receiver feel empowered on the field. It’s clear that Johnson has taken the time to understand what St. Brown excels at, and as a result, the wide receiver has blossomed into one of the league’s most dangerous weapons.
The Impact of Ben Johnson on the Lions’ Offense
Ben Johnson’s influence extends far beyond Amon-Ra St. Brown. Under his leadership, the Lions’ offense has transformed from one of the league’s most inconsistent units to one of the most efficient and explosive. Detroit finished the 2022 season ranked 5th in total offense, averaging 374.6 yards per game. Much of this success can be attributed to Johnson’s innovative play designs, which maximize the talents of his players.
While St. Brown was the standout, the success of Johnson’s offense benefited multiple players on the roster. Jared Goff enjoyed one of the best seasons of his career, finishing with 4,438 passing yards, 29 touchdowns, and just 7 interceptions. The Lions’ tight ends, particularly TJ Hockenson before his trade to Minnesota, also had career years thanks to Johnson’s creativity. Johnson’s ability to maximize the talents of every player, regardless of their position, is what makes his system so effective.
Johnson’s commitment to a balanced offense has also been crucial. The Lions were able to maintain a solid running game, with Jamaal Williams leading the charge as the team’s top touchdown scorer, while still being able to take shots downfield with Goff. Johnson’s ability to balance these two elements made the Lions’ offense unpredictable and difficult to defend. This has translated into success, with Detroit finishing in the top half of the league in both rushing and passing yards in 2022.
Looking Ahead: The Future of St. Brown and the Lions’ Offense
As the Lions move into the 2023 season, the relationship between Amon-Ra St. Brown and Ben Johnson will continue to be one of the key storylines to watch. The Lions are on an upward trajectory, and much of their success will depend on how well St. Brown can continue to perform in Johnson’s system. With new additions to the roster, including a more dynamic running game and potential new weapons in the passing game, there will be even more opportunities for St. Brown to shine.
Furthermore, Johnson’s status as a rising star in the NFL coaching ranks means that he is a potential target for other teams looking for a head coach in the future. The Lions will need to continue to show progress in 2023 and beyond to ensure that both Johnson and St. Brown are part of a long-term plan for success in Detroit.
For now, the chemistry between St. Brown and Johnson will remain a focal point of the Lions’ offensive strategy. The two will continue to work together to execute Johnson’s dynamic and ever-evolving playbook, keeping defenses guessing and ensuring that the Lions’ offense remains one of the most exciting units in the league.
In the end, Amon-Ra St. Brown’s belief in Ben Johnson is more than just a compliment—it’s a reflection of how Johnson’s offensive ingenuity has turned the Lions into an offensive juggernaut. As the 2023 season approaches, the relationship between player and coach will be one of the most important factors in the team’s ability to take the next step toward becoming a true contender in the NFC.