Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson came into the 2024 season as a top head coaching candidate and his case has gotten stronger.
The Lions set a franchise record for points scored with just two games to play this season and Johnson dialed up one of his most innovative play calls during Sunday’s win over the Bears. Quarterback Jared Goff It seemed to stumble After taking a snap in the third quarter, running back Jahmir Gibbs crumpled to the turf as if trying to fix a concussion. The Lions sideline chanted “ball” to sell the fake as Goff recovered and lined up to deliver a touchdown pass to wide-open tight end Sam LaPorta.
LaPorta said after the game that the play was called a “stumble bomb” and Johnson watched Packers quarterback Jordan Love take a snap, pick up the ball and throw a touchdown during the 2023 season against the Bears. Came with it.
“This But it started On Monday Ben asked me if he thought I could really take it back on purpose, and I was like, ‘I don’t know about that,’ and we got over it pretty quickly. ” Goff said. ESPN.com’s Eric Woodard.
Gibbs said the play exemplified the kind of creativity Johnson brings to the team.
“The things he comes up with every game is crazy,” Gibbs said. “You don’t really see stuff like that, unless you’re in college. In college, they have all those explosive plays and stuff basically.”
Johnson’s time with the Lions is winding down, but the rest of the run has a chance to be a memorable one if he keeps coming up with plays like this.