Jared Goff: A Quarterback’s Gratitude to Ben Johnson and Their Shared Success
Jared Goff, the starting quarterback for the Detroit Lions, has been in the NFL for several seasons, weathering the ups and downs that come with being the leader of an NFL team. However, one aspect of his journey that he has repeatedly acknowledged with immense gratitude is his relationship with Ben Johnson, the Lions’ offensive coordinator. Goff has made it clear that he considers Johnson to be one of the biggest reasons behind his success in Detroit, often stating that he will always be a fan of the brilliant mind who has helped reshape his career and turn the Lions’ offense into one of the most explosive in the NFL.
In this article, we will explore how Jared Goff’s relationship with Ben Johnson has been a cornerstone of his success, and why Goff is so vocal in his appreciation for the offensive coordinator.
Jared Goff’s Early Career: A Rocky Start
When Goff entered the NFL in 2016, drafted by the Los Angeles Rams as the first overall pick, expectations were sky-high. The Rams were hoping he could be the franchise quarterback that would lead them to success, especially after trading up to the top spot to select him. However, Goff’s early years were filled with challenges. Despite showing flashes of talent, he struggled to consistently perform at a high level.
Under head coach Jeff Fisher, Goff’s rookie year was underwhelming, with the Rams finishing the season with a 4-12 record. The rookie quarterback showed signs of a promising future, but it was evident that he lacked the proper guidance to unlock his full potential. It wasn’t until Sean McVay took over as head coach in 2017 that Goff’s career began to take off. McVay, with his innovative offensive schemes and quarterback-friendly approach, helped Goff elevate his game, turning him into a Pro Bowl quarterback and leading the Rams to a Super Bowl appearance in the 2018 season.
Despite this success in Los Angeles, Goff’s time with the Rams came to an end in 2021. The Rams made the decision to trade Goff to the Detroit Lions as part of a deal to acquire quarterback Matthew Stafford. For Goff, the trade was a bitter pill to swallow. Having been a part of the Rams’ resurgence, the sudden move to Detroit presented a fresh set of challenges. However, Goff soon found a sense of stability in Detroit, thanks to the support he received from the Lions’ coaching staff, particularly offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
The Emergence of Ben Johnson: The Catalyst for Change
Ben Johnson’s rise to prominence in the NFL came rapidly. Hired as the Lions’ tight ends coach in 2019, Johnson quickly demonstrated an innate ability to mold offensive schemes that would get the best out of his players. His sharp football intellect and understanding of how to balance the passing and running game helped the Lions’ offense start to show signs of promise, but it was his promotion to offensive coordinator in 2021 that truly unlocked his potential.
Johnson’s coaching philosophy is based on creating a high-tempo offense with an emphasis on making the game simpler for his players while allowing their natural talents to shine. This philosophy has been a perfect match for Goff, who had struggled in the past with overly complicated offensive systems. In Detroit, Johnson was able to provide Goff with the clarity he needed to thrive.
Jared Goff’s Success Under Ben Johnson
Goff’s resurgence in Detroit has been one of the NFL’s most intriguing storylines. In 2022, Goff had arguably one of his best seasons as a professional, throwing for over 4,400 yards, 29 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions. It was a remarkable turnaround from his time with the Rams in his final years, where Goff struggled to stay consistent.
Ben Johnson’s influence was immediately felt in Goff’s game. The offensive coordinator simplified the offense, providing Goff with quick and easy reads, while also putting him in a position to succeed with creative play designs. One of the standout aspects of Goff’s game under Johnson is the deep passing attack. Goff has always had the arm strength to throw the ball downfield, but under Johnson’s guidance, he has become much more accurate and confident with these throws.
Johnson’s ability to adapt and make in-game adjustments is also a key factor in Goff’s success. One of the biggest criticisms of Goff earlier in his career was his tendency to struggle in games where the offense wasn’t executing well. But under Johnson, Goff has shown a greater ability to stay poised in difficult situations, making smart decisions and leading his team to victory in high-pressure moments.
Perhaps the most striking example of the Goff-Johnson partnership was the Lions’ 2022 season finale against the Green Bay Packers. With a playoff spot on the line for the Packers, Goff and Johnson engineered a masterful performance that included over 300 passing yards and three touchdowns, leading the Lions to a 20-16 victory. The game was a microcosm of what Goff had become under Johnson: calm, collected, and dangerous in the passing game.
Jared Goff’s Unwavering Support for Ben Johnson
Despite his individual success, Jared Goff has made it clear that he doesn’t see this as just his accomplishment—it’s a shared victory with Ben Johnson. Goff has often spoken about how much he values Johnson’s coaching and guidance, and he has openly stated that he will always be a fan of the offensive coordinator.
“I’ll always be a fan of Ben Johnson. He’s made such a huge impact on my career, and I truly believe that he’s a big reason why I’ve been able to have success here in Detroit,” Goff said in an interview. “The way he approaches the game and the way he communicates with me has been nothing short of amazing. He’s put me in positions to succeed, and I’m forever grateful for that.”
This level of admiration is not only rooted in Johnson’s football acumen but also in the trust and relationship that the two have built over time. Goff is quick to acknowledge how Johnson’s calm demeanor and ability to simplify the game have helped him perform at a high level. Johnson has been instrumental in helping Goff regain his confidence and belief in his own abilities, something that had been lost during his difficult years with the Rams.
“It’s all about trust,” Goff explained. “Trusting that Ben is going to put me in the best possible position to succeed. We have a great relationship, and that’s made all the difference. When you trust your coach, you can go out there and just play freely without worrying about anything else.”
The dynamic between Goff and Johnson has truly been one of mutual respect and collaboration. Goff’s success is inextricably linked to the work Johnson has done with him, but Johnson’s success as a coach has also been amplified by Goff’s ability to execute his system. It’s a symbiotic relationship that has yielded remarkable results for the Detroit Lions offense.
Ben Johnson’s Impact on the Lions’ Offense
Under Ben Johnson, the Detroit Lions have seen a dramatic transformation on the offensive side of the ball. In 2022, the Lions’ offense finished in the top 5 in the NFL in both total yards and points scored. Johnson has been able to take a team that struggled for years to move the ball effectively and turn it into a powerhouse offense that can compete with the best in the league.
A big part of this transformation has been Johnson’s ability to develop a strong, balanced offense. The Lions’ rushing attack, led by running back Jamaal Williams and later, David Montgomery, has complemented Goff’s passing game perfectly, creating a dynamic that is difficult to stop. Johnson’s ability to use play-action effectively has allowed Goff to operate at his best, taking advantage of the defense’s attention on the run game to open up opportunities down the field.
Johnson has also shown an exceptional understanding of how to maximize the strengths of his players. Goff is at his best when he is able to operate in rhythm and get the ball out quickly, and Johnson’s play designs allow him to do just that. Additionally, Johnson has made great use of Goff’s ability to throw deep, setting up plays that allow the quarterback to take advantage of mismatches on the outside.
With Johnson at the helm, the Lions’ offense has become one of the most exciting in the NFL, and Goff has been a key driver of that success. Goff has said that Johnson’s ability to put him in a position to succeed has been the main reason he has been able to perform at a high level.
The Future of Jared Goff and Ben Johnson
As the Lions look to the future, the relationship between Goff and Johnson will continue to be a central focus. Both are under contract for the foreseeable future, and it’s clear that the success of the Lions’ offense will depend heavily on their continued collaboration. With Johnson likely to receive interest from other teams for head coaching positions in the near future, Goff’s ability to maintain his high level of play will depend on whether or not the Lions can keep their offensive mastermind in Detroit.
For now, however, Jared Goff remains fully committed to his partnership with Ben Johnson. The two have built something special in Detroit, and as Goff has said, he will always be a fan of the coach who helped him rediscover his best self.
In the world of professional football, success rarely comes without the right support system, and for Jared Goff, that support system has come in the form of Ben Johnson. Their bond, both professional and personal, has been one of the driving forces behind the Detroit Lions’ offensive renaissance, and it’s a partnership that promises to continue to bear fruit for years to come. As long as Ben Johnson is at the helm, Jared Goff will remain the beneficiary of his coaching brilliance, and together, they will continue to make noise in the NFC.