Impact of Ben Johnson’s Absence on the Detroit Lions and the NFC North Landscape

As the NFL season progresses, the challenges facing each team in the league become more apparent. One of the most notable developments for the Detroit Lions this season is the absence of Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator who has played a critical role in the team’s resurgence in recent years. While Johnson’s departure may seem like just another change in a constantly evolving league, it has the potential to significantly affect the Lions’ prospects in the NFC North, making an already competitive division even more difficult for the team to navigate.

The NFC North is traditionally one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL. With historic franchises like the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, and Chicago Bears, the division has always been home to fierce rivalries, high stakes, and passionate fan bases. The Detroit Lions, despite being one of the league’s most storied franchises, have often found themselves at the bottom of the division in recent years. However, under the leadership of head coach Dan Campbell and the innovative approach of Ben Johnson as offensive coordinator, the Lions have shown signs of growth, culminating in a promising 2023 season.

Ben Johnson’s absence leaves a significant gap in the team’s offensive identity, one that could reverberate throughout the rest of the NFC North. This article will explore the impact of Johnson’s departure, what it means for the Lions’ chances in the division, and how it could potentially affect the landscape of the NFC North as a whole.

1. The Role of Ben Johnson in the Lions’ Success

Before diving into the potential consequences of Johnson’s absence, it’s important to understand the critical role he played in the Lions’ offensive success. When Dan Campbell took over as head coach of the Lions, one of his first priorities was to build a potent and dynamic offense that could complement his team’s defensive strategy. While Campbell was known for his motivational style and physical approach, the success of his tenure was always going to be linked to the development of the Lions’ offense.

Ben Johnson, who had been promoted to offensive coordinator after a stint as the Lions’ tight ends coach, emerged as a key figure in the team’s offensive turnaround. His innovative play-calling, commitment to balance, and ability to maximize the talents of his skill position players helped the Lions develop one of the league’s most potent offenses in recent years. Under Johnson’s leadership, quarterback Jared Goff experienced a career renaissance, and the Lions’ offense became more diverse and unpredictable.

Johnson’s offensive system was built around maximizing the strengths of the personnel at his disposal. He emphasized a balanced attack that combined the running game’s power with an explosive passing attack. The use of play-action, motion, and misdirection became hallmarks of Johnson’s play-calling philosophy, making the Lions’ offense difficult to predict and difficult to stop. Additionally, Johnson helped unlock the potential of key players like Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jahmyr Gibbs, and David Montgomery, creating a unit that was versatile and capable of adapting to various defensive looks.

With Johnson at the helm, the Lions were able to consistently put up impressive offensive numbers and challenge some of the league’s best defenses. The result was a team that no longer looked like a perennial bottom dweller, but instead a legitimate contender within the NFC North.

2. The Challenges of Replacing Ben Johnson

Losing a key figure like Ben Johnson is never easy for any team. In the case of the Detroit Lions, replacing Johnson’s expertise will be a tall order. Although head coach Dan Campbell is known for his offensive background and his ability to work with his coaching staff, losing a coordinator who had such a profound impact on the offense could disrupt the team’s offensive rhythm and continuity.

While the Lions have hired a new offensive coordinator in the wake of Johnson’s departure, the transition is rarely seamless. A new offensive coordinator will need time to implement their system, adjust to the team’s personnel, and develop chemistry with key players. If this transition doesn’t go smoothly, it could lead to inconsistencies and missed opportunities for the offense, which could ultimately affect the Lions’ ability to compete in the NFC North.

Furthermore, it’s important to note that Johnson’s departure doesn’t just impact the offensive scheme. His absence will also affect the overall culture of the coaching staff. Johnson was known for his collaborative approach, working closely with Campbell and other coaches to ensure that the team was well-prepared for each week’s opponent. Without his presence, there could be a loss of cohesion and communication on the coaching staff, which may trickle down to the players on the field.

3. The NFC North’s Increasing Competitiveness

With Ben Johnson out of the picture, the Lions are facing an increasingly difficult road ahead in the NFC North. The division, which has historically been known for its parity, is in the midst of a transformation, with all four teams showing signs of improvement in recent seasons.

Green Bay Packers:

The Packers, led by quarterback Jordan Love, have undergone a transition as Aaron Rodgers moved to the New York Jets. While this marked the end of an era for the Packers, it also opened up new possibilities. Love, despite his relative inexperience as a starter, has shown potential to lead the team into a new chapter. The Packers’ defense, led by stars like Jaire Alexander and Kenny Clark, remains one of the top units in the league. If Love can continue to develop and the Packers’ offense finds its rhythm, they could quickly become a formidable opponent for the Lions.

Minnesota Vikings:

The Vikings have been a consistent playoff contender in recent seasons, largely due to their strong offense, led by quarterback Kirk Cousins. However, the team has made strides in strengthening its defense, which has long been a weak point. With a strong receiving corps, including the dynamic Justin Jefferson, and a solid running game with Dalvin Cook (or his replacement), the Vikings are a well-rounded team that can challenge any opponent. Their ability to improve on defense could make them even more dangerous in 2025, putting even more pressure on the Lions to maintain their offensive prowess in a competitive division.

Chicago Bears:

The Chicago Bears are an enigma. After years of struggling at quarterback, the Bears appear to have found their leader in Justin Fields. Fields’ unique skill set, which combines his ability to throw the ball with his dynamic rushing ability, gives the Bears an exciting offensive weapon. The Bears have invested heavily in improving their roster, especially on defense, with moves in free agency and the draft. If Fields can continue his development and the Bears’ defense becomes more formidable, they could become a true challenger in the NFC North, especially with Johnson out of the picture for the Lions.

4. Potential Impact on the Lions’ Playoff Hopes

Without Ben Johnson, the Detroit Lions will have to adjust to a new offensive system, which could lead to inconsistencies. If the offense struggles to maintain the same level of productivity that it had under Johnson, the Lions may find themselves unable to compete at the level required to win the division or secure a playoff berth.

Additionally, the NFC North is expected to be highly competitive in 2025, with the Packers, Vikings, and Bears all potentially improving. In such a tight division, even small setbacks can have a significant impact on a team’s chances. If the Lions’ offense takes a step backward due to the loss of Johnson, it could result in losses to division rivals, putting their playoff hopes in jeopardy.

However, the Lions still have many factors in their favor. Despite the loss of Johnson, the team still boasts a talented roster, a strong defense, and a head coach who has proven to be capable of adapting to various challenges. While it’s impossible to predict how the season will unfold, the Lions will need to find a way to maintain their offensive productivity and adapt quickly to their new system if they are to stay competitive in the NFC North.