The news that Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson will interview with the New England Patriots for their head coach position during the Lions’ playoff bye week has created a significant buzz in the NFL world. This development has generated a mix of excitement and uncertainty, as Johnson has been one of the brightest offensive minds in the league this season, and the Patriots are in need of a fresh start after the struggles they have endured in recent years.
The Rise of Ben Johnson
Ben Johnson’s rise to prominence in the NFL is one of the more remarkable stories of the past few years. After spending several seasons as a coaching assistant and in various lower-level roles, Johnson was promoted to Offensive Coordinator for the Lions in 2022 under head coach Dan Campbell. His appointment came on the heels of a disappointing 2021 season for the Lions, during which the team struggled offensively. Johnson’s innovative mind and strategic approach to offense quickly turned the Lions into one of the most exciting and dynamic teams in the NFL.
Johnson’s system has been a revelation. Under his guidance, the Lions’ offense became one of the most potent in the league, ranking among the top units in terms of points scored, total yards, and efficiency. The Lions have been able to mix a traditional, power-running game with a dynamic passing attack that incorporates a heavy emphasis on motion, pre-snap movement, and play-action. Quarterback Jared Goff has thrived in Johnson’s system, having arguably the best season of his career since leaving the Los Angeles Rams.
What makes Johnson’s offense so impressive is its balance. The Lions rank high in both passing and rushing yards, and Johnson’s ability to game-plan and adjust on the fly has made him a favorite of both players and analysts. He’s known for his ability to develop players and utilize their strengths, getting the most out of a roster that was initially considered to be rebuilding just a few seasons ago. With his offensive creativity, Johnson has demonstrated that he’s capable of transforming a franchise and turning it into a legitimate contender.
The Patriots’ Need for Change
The New England Patriots have been one of the most successful franchises in NFL history, but their recent years have been marked by inconsistency and a lack of offensive firepower. The departure of legendary quarterback Tom Brady in 2020 left the Patriots searching for an identity on offense. Despite investing heavily in free agents and trying to develop quarterback Mac Jones, the team has failed to regain the high level of success they once enjoyed under Brady and head coach Bill Belichick.
The Patriots have struggled to find a consistent offensive scheme, and their issues on that side of the ball were amplified during the 2023 season. Offensive struggles, particularly in the passing game, have been a major concern for the team, with inconsistent quarterback play and a lack of playmakers contributing to their mediocrity. The hiring of Matt Patricia and Joe Judge as offensive play-callers in 2022 was widely criticized, and the team’s inability to improve offensively left many wondering if Belichick’s coaching genius could extend beyond defense and special teams.
The Patriots need a new direction on offense, and that is where someone like Ben Johnson comes into play. As the Patriots look to move forward, it is clear that they need to hire a head coach who can bring in fresh ideas, especially on offense. The Patriots need someone who understands the modern NFL game and can develop a dynamic offensive system capable of competing with the top teams in the league. Johnson, with his success in Detroit, seems like a natural candidate.
Why Ben Johnson Fits the Patriots’ Job
The timing of Ben Johnson’s interview request with the Patriots could not be more fitting. After a solid 2023 season with the Lions, Johnson has earned a reputation as one of the top young offensive minds in the league. His work has garnered attention across the NFL, and the Patriots’ need for a new direction is obvious. The opportunity to interview for a head coaching job with a prestigious franchise like the Patriots is a massive opportunity for Johnson.
What makes Johnson a particularly intriguing fit for New England is his ability to craft an offense that balances both the passing and running games. The Patriots’ offense has been one-dimensional for too long, often relying on short passes and quick throws with little downfield explosiveness. Johnson, on the other hand, has shown an ability to create high-scoring, multifaceted offenses that are difficult to defend. His offensive schemes, which prioritize spacing and timing, could be the solution to the Patriots’ problems.
Moreover, Johnson’s experience working with Jared Goff in Detroit is relevant for the Patriots, who are currently trying to develop Mac Jones into a more consistent quarterback. Johnson’s work with Goff—who had previously struggled in Los Angeles—demonstrates his ability to work with quarterbacks and develop them in his system. Goff’s development under Johnson could serve as a blueprint for Mac Jones, who has struggled to find consistency in New England.
Johnson also brings a level of innovation and adaptability that could reinvigorate the Patriots’ offense. His play designs, usage of motion, and creative pre-snap shifts have kept defenses off-balance throughout the 2023 season. These types of innovations are what the Patriots need if they are to return to their former dominance in the NFL. The ability to adjust, to make the offense unpredictable, and to create a system that is in line with the current state of the game is what sets Johnson apart.
The Risk for the Lions
While the possibility of losing Ben Johnson to another team is a concern for the Lions, it could ultimately be a sign of the franchise’s success. Johnson’s rise is a reflection of the overall turnaround in Detroit. If he does leave for a head coaching job, the Lions will need to find a new offensive leader. However, it also speaks to the stability the team has established under Dan Campbell, where the development of players and coaches is a priority. Losing a coach like Johnson would be a setback, but it also means that the Lions are building something special, one that is attracting attention from across the league.
Conclusion
Ben Johnson’s interview with the New England Patriots is a significant moment for both him and the franchise. If hired, Johnson could be the catalyst for a long-needed offensive transformation in New England, bringing innovation, balance, and quarterback development to a team that has struggled to find its offensive identity in recent years. For the Lions, the situation represents both a challenge and a testament to the progress the team has made under Johnson’s guidance. The NFL’s coaching carousel continues to evolve, and Ben Johnson’s name is one to watch closely as the future of both the Lions and the Patriots unfolds.
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