QB Jared Goff, DET (2 Viewers)

[BobbyLayne]

Last night, Jared Goff became the first quarterback in NFL history to complete at least 5 passes to six different receivers in a single game.

Detroit Lions official account

Sorry Goff... As a stat nerd I'm gonna need the Lions to delete that tweet, or at least put an asterisk that they meant in the regular season.

AFC Wildcard Game

Ben Roethlisberger 47/68 for 501 Yards

Juju Smith-Schuster: 13 for 157
Diontae Johnson: 11 for 117
James Washington: 5 for 72
Eric Ebron: 7 for 62
Chase Claypool: 5 for 59
James Conner: 5 for 30
Benny Snell Jr: 1 for 4

Good catch, thanks.

I've also found two instances in the regular season as well (edited my post above).

 

[VikingFrog]

Last night, Jared Goff became the first quarterback in NFL history to complete at least 5 passes to six different receivers in a single game.

Detroit Lions official account

Sorry Goff... As a stat nerd I'm gonna need the Lions to delete that tweet, or at least put an asterisk that they meant in the regular season.

AFC Wildcard Game

Ben Roethlisberger 47/68 for 501 Yards

Juju Smith-Schuster: 13 for 157
Diontae Johnson: 11 for 117
James Washington: 5 for 72
Eric Ebron: 7 for 62
Chase Claypool: 5 for 59
James Conner: 5 for 30
Benny Snell Jr: 1 for 4

Good catch, thanks.

I've also found two instances in the regular season as well (edited my post above).

Kind of funny that the official Detroit twitter didn’t do much to review that stat/record.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Last night, Jared Goff became the first quarterback in NFL history to complete at least 5 passes to six different receivers in a single game.

Detroit Lions official account

Sorry Goff... As a stat nerd I'm gonna need the Lions to delete that tweet, or at least put an asterisk that they meant in the regular season.

AFC Wildcard Game

Ben Roethlisberger 47/68 for 501 Yards

Juju Smith-Schuster: 13 for 157
Diontae Johnson: 11 for 117
James Washington: 5 for 72
Eric Ebron: 7 for 62
Chase Claypool: 5 for 59
James Conner: 5 for 30
Benny Snell Jr: 1 for 4

Good catch, thanks.

I've also found two instances in the regular season as well (edited my post above).

Kind of funny that the official Detroit twitter didn’t do much to review that stat/record.

yeah, probably just heard/saw it somewhere and reposted it - the ole telephone game

heard it on some postgame shows that they were the 3rd team to do it and I was like oops better find out when that was lol

 

[BobbyLayne]

How Jared Goff hitting rock bottom became his and the Detroit Lions’ salvation​

 

[Uncle Leo]

500 yards and 5 TDs. Impressive performance even in a loss.

 

[BobbyLayne]

494 is his high game since coming to the Lions - 6th time over 400. Had 517 for the Rams once.

Third time with 5 TDs, second time with Detroit.

29-30-30 passing TDs last 3 seasons. TD % this year is 6.8%, previous high was 5.9% in 2017.

 

[Chaka]

494 is his high game since coming to the Lions - 6th time over 400. Had 517 for the Rams once.

Third time with 5 TDs, second time with Detroit.

29-30-30 passing TDs last 3 seasons. TD % this year is 6.8%, previous high was 5.9% in 2017.

Too bad he can't play defense.

 

[zamboni]

Usually money at home, but often struggles on the road. Can we trust him in Chicago next week?

 

[Uncle Leo]

Usually money at home, but often struggles on the road. Can we trust him in Chicago next week?

Yes, if Bears score on their possessions.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Per CBS, Jared Goff is the first player in NFL history to throw for 400+ yards, 5+ pass TD and 0 INT in a loss

 

[Faust]

Jared Goff's best plays from 5-TD, 507-yard game | Week 15

 

[BobbyLayne]

Usually money at home, but often struggles on the road. Can we trust him in Chicago next week?

You have a potential 40 burger sitting on the bench you’re starting over him?

 

[zamboni]

Usually money at home, but often struggles on the road. Can we trust him in Chicago next week?

You have a potential 40 burger sitting on the bench you’re starting over him?

Nope, but I’m worried about a potential 10 burger outside of Ford Field on the road at potentially frigid Soldier Field. I’ll roll with him, but not feeling great about it.

 

[zamboni]

Feel a little better about Goff next week with Montgomery out. While I imagine Reynolds/Vaki will get some of the between the tackle work, have to also imagine they’ll be going a bit more pass heavy.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Usually money at home, but often struggles on the road. Can we trust him in Chicago next week?

You have a potential 40 burger sitting on the bench you’re starting over him?

Nope, but I’m worried about a potential 10 burger outside of Ford Field on the road at potentially frigid Soldier Field. I’ll roll with him, but not feeling great about it.

He’s had a few good games in bad weather vs the Packers, but yeah he’s unlikely to have big numbers. My other option is Jordan Love, which seems like a bad idea due to low volume.

 

[zamboni]

Usually money at home, but often struggles on the road. Can we trust him in Chicago next week?

You have a potential 40 burger sitting on the bench you’re starting over him?

Nope, but I’m worried about a potential 10 burger outside of Ford Field on the road at potentially frigid Soldier Field. I’ll roll with him, but not feeling great about it.

He’s had a few good games in bad weather vs the Packers, but yeah he’s unlikely to have big numbers. My other option is Jordan Love, which seems like a bad idea due to low volume.

Yeah, Love has basically become a game manager with a strong running game and solid defense.

 

[Summer Wheat]

Goff is playing the QB position at a high level right now. Lions were smart getting a deal done before his walk year.

Is it me or is he looking a little more nimble now too?

 

[Zeppelin]

Goff is playing the QB position at a high level right now. Lions were smart getting a deal done before his walk year.

Is it me or is he looking a little more nimble now too?

He's definitely more nimble and looks faster too. No doubt he worked on that in the offseason.

 

[Faust]

Next Gen Stats
Jared Goff completed 14 of his 16 play action passes for 243 yards and 2 TDs against the Bears, the most passing yards by a QB on play action in a game this season.

Goff is responsible for 3 of the 4 most passing yards in a game on play action since 2023.

#DETvsCHI | #OnePride

x.com

x.com

 

[Da Guru]

Goff is playing the QB position at a high level right now. Lions were smart getting a deal done before his walk year.

Is it me or is he looking a little more nimble now too?

The bomb to Williams was 60 yards in the air so arm is OK. In todays NFL long bombs are rare but they do happen now and then, Goff has played well above expectations than when the Lions got him. Goff is leading or near the top in all NFL QB stats that measure QBs. Of course if Lions do not win the SuperBowl they should have played Hendon Hooker over him.

 

[Uncle Leo]

Yeah, it’s been a pleasure to have him on my team this year. Tough call this week between Mahomes and Goff. They both played well, but I went with Goff. Easy to root for due to how humble he is as well.

 

[zamboni]

So much for him struggling outside the friendly confines of Ford Field. Happy to roll with him next week in San Francisco in the championship.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Jared Goff completed 14 of his 16 play action passes for 243 yards and 2 TDs against the Bears, the most passing yards by a QB on play action in a game this season.

Goff is responsible for 3 of the 4 most passing yards in a game on play action since 2023.

 

[BassNBrew]

Almost started Arich over him. Very respectable 25.44 today. This recent run was what I was hoping for waiting on QB until late and picking him up.

 

[BobbyLayne]

In the 6 games since throwing 5 INTs vs the Texans, Lions QB Jared Goff has thrown for 2015 yards (335 per game), 17 TDs, and 1 INT with a 5-1 record.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Jared Goff is the 3rd QB with a 13+ win season for multiple franchises in NFL history

Goff joins Peyton Manning + Tom Brady

 

[Ilov80s]

Goff is playing the QB position at a high level right now. Lions were smart getting a deal done before his walk year.

Is it me or is he looking a little more nimble now too?

The bomb to Williams was 60 yards in the air so arm is OK. In todays NFL long bombs are rare but they do happen now and then, Goff has played well above expectations than when the Lions got him. Goff is leading or near the top in all NFL QB stats that measure QBs. Of course if Lions do not win the SuperBowl they should have played Hendon Hooker over him.

Yep, his arm has never been an issue. It's not Stafford level, but it's definitely an underappreciated part of his game. There is a reason he was the 1st pick in the NFL draft.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Dude is playing MVP-level football.

Rams have Stafford who’s looking kinda broken down at this point.

It’s an interesting juxtaposition.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Jared Goff has produced five games this season with a 70.0%+ completion percentage, a 135.0+ passer rating and 2+ passing TDs.

This ties for the most such games in a season in NFL history.

---

He has 30 games with at least 300 passing yards and a 100.0 passer rating.

This establishes a new NFL record for the most games with 300 yards and a 100 passer rating through nine-career seasons.

41 300 passing yard games, tying Dan Marino and Matt Ryan for the second-most 300-yard games through nine seasons.

---

70.0%+ completion mark in six road games this season (15 attempt minimum).

This ties Matt Schaub (2009) & Steve Young (1994) for the second-most road games with a 70.0%+ completion mark in a season.

---

 

[SanDawg]

Past two weeks have been playing him over Hurts and has been fantasy Gold....guy has weapons all over the place and has been delivering. He is going to have to continue this production to protect that injured D.

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

If Minnesota wins next week, does the Lions week 17 MNF game suddenly become totally meaningless? Trying to determine how to figure out the risk of Goff and other Lions starters next week.

 

[zamboni]

If Minnesota wins next week, does the Lions week 17 MNF game suddenly become totally meaningless? Trying to determine how to figure out the risk of Goff and other Lions starters next week.

If Minnesota wins, wouldn't they need to also win to keep pace for the division and conference lead?

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

If Minnesota wins next week, does the Lions week 17 MNF game suddenly become totally meaningless? Trying to determine how to figure out the risk of Goff and other Lions starters next week.

If Minnesota wins, wouldn't they need to also win to keep pace for the division and conference lead?

I don’t think so because they play each other in week 18 and if the Vikings win next week then whoever wins week 18 gets the 1 seed (lions would hold the hth tiebreak)

 

[BobbyLayne]

If Minnesota wins next week, does the Lions week 17 MNF game suddenly become totally meaningless? Trying to determine how to figure out the risk of Goff and other Lions starters next week.

If Minnesota wins, wouldn't they need to also win to keep pace for the division and conference lead?

I don’t think so because they play each other in week 18 and if the Vikings win next week then whoever wins week 18 gets the 1 seed (lions would hold the hth tiebreak)

Your game theory is correct. Your understanding of Dan Campbell & this team is not.

They’re playing at SF.

They’ve had this game circled since early May.

They’ve been thinking about what happened January 28 all year long.

You don’t get how petty these guys are.

EVERYBODY is playing.

 

[Chaka]

If Minnesota wins next week, does the Lions week 17 MNF game suddenly become totally meaningless? Trying to determine how to figure out the risk of Goff and other Lions starters next week.

If Minnesota wins, wouldn't they need to also win to keep pace for the division and conference lead?

I don’t think so because they play each other in week 18 and if the Vikings win next week then whoever wins week 18 gets the 1 seed (lions would hold the hth tiebreak)

They're not sitting anyone next week.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Ben Johnson’s probably trying to figure how they can scheme up a trick play that has Goff bounce one off Vildor’s facemask for a hook n ladder TD.

 

[zamboni]

If Minnesota wins next week, does the Lions week 17 MNF game suddenly become totally meaningless? Trying to determine how to figure out the risk of Goff and other Lions starters next week.

If Minnesota wins, wouldn't they need to also win to keep pace for the division and conference lead?

I don’t think so because they play each other in week 18 and if the Vikings win next week then whoever wins week 18 gets the 1 seed (lions would hold the hth tiebreak)

They're not sitting anyone next week.

Lions or not, I don't think anyone sits starters in week 17 if they're in the playoffs. They don't want guys getting too stale. Possible for individual players that are nursing injuries, but you rarely see for healthy starters.

 

[Willie Neslon]

If Minnesota wins next week, does the Lions week 17 MNF game suddenly become totally meaningless? Trying to determine how to figure out the risk of Goff and other Lions starters next week.

I had the same thought. If the Eagles lost next Sunday would that lock in Detroit ahead of them no matter what happened in Detroits next 2 games? Or if the the packers win tonight and their last two games does that affect Detroit's seeding if they lost the next 2?

 

[BobbyLayne]

If Minnesota wins next week, does the Lions week 17 MNF game suddenly become totally meaningless? Trying to determine how to figure out the risk of Goff and other Lions starters next week.

If Minnesota wins, wouldn't they need to also win to keep pace for the division and conference lead?

I don’t think so because they play each other in week 18 and if the Vikings win next week then whoever wins week 18 gets the 1 seed (lions would hold the hth tiebreak)

They're not sitting anyone next week.

Lions or not, I don't think anyone sits starters in week 17 if they're in the playoffs. They don't want guys getting too stale. Possible for individual players that are nursing injuries, but you rarely see for healthy starters.

Yeah we’ve got pretty old guards (34 & 33), and one of them has a minor knee thing. Rookie started his first game yesterday and aced it. “Why don’t we give you another week off, just to make sure you’re ready for the playoffs.”

I think their usage of Jah yesterday was right where they want. 69% of the snaps, 71% utilization (27 of 38 targets).

But Goff, ARSB, Jamo, LaPorta - they ain’t sitting unless it’s Week 18 and everything is locked down (unlikely.) Even then I bet they play at least a half.

 

[BobbyLayne]

If Minnesota wins next week, does the Lions week 17 MNF game suddenly become totally meaningless? Trying to determine how to figure out the risk of Goff and other Lions starters next week.

I had the same thought. If the Eagles lost next Sunday would that lock in Detroit ahead of them no matter what happened in Detroits next 2 games? Or if the the packers win tonight and their last two games does that affect Detroit's seeding if they lost the next 2?

We swept the Packers, H2H is first tiebreaker

Detroit is 5-0 in division, 9-1 in conference, and own the strength of schedule over both Min & Phi by a good margin

 

[Willie Neslon]

If Minnesota wins next week, does the Lions week 17 MNF game suddenly become totally meaningless? Trying to determine how to figure out the risk of Goff and other Lions starters next week.

I had the same thought. If the Eagles lost next Sunday would that lock in Detroit ahead of them no matter what happened in Detroits next 2 games? Or if the the packers win tonight and their last two games does that affect Detroit's seeding if they lost the next 2?

We swept the Packers, H2H is first tiebreaker

Detroit is 5-0 in division, 9-1 in conference, and own the strength of schedule over both Min & Phi by a good margin

So I guess the Eagles-Cowboy game is the only game that could affect Detroit's seeding if Detroit lost in each of the next two weeks? I get that they're going to go balls out no matter what but I'd feel better if Det-SF had at least some ramifications in terms of seeding. I have similar thoughts about Balt-Hou but need to look deeper.

 

[BearsFan4Life]

If Minnesota wins next week, does the Lions week 17 MNF game suddenly become totally meaningless? Trying to determine how to figure out the risk of Goff and other Lions starters next week.

I had the same thought. If the Eagles lost next Sunday would that lock in Detroit ahead of them no matter what happened in Detroits next 2 games? Or if the the packers win tonight and their last two games does that affect Detroit's seeding if they lost the next 2?

We swept the Packers, H2H is first tiebreaker

Detroit is 5-0 in division, 9-1 in conference, and own the strength of schedule over both Min & Phi by a good margin

So I guess the Eagles-Cowboy game is the only game that could affect Detroit's seeding if Detroit lost in each of the next two weeks? I get that they're going to go balls out no matter what but I'd feel better if Det-SF had at least some ramifications in terms of seeding. I have similar thoughts about Balt-Hou but need to look deeper.

I think Eagles beat Dallas and therefore Detroit has to win to lock the #1 seed.

 

[BobbyLayne]

If Minnesota wins next week, does the Lions week 17 MNF game suddenly become totally meaningless? Trying to determine how to figure out the risk of Goff and other Lions starters next week.

I had the same thought. If the Eagles lost next Sunday would that lock in Detroit ahead of them no matter what happened in Detroits next 2 games? Or if the the packers win tonight and their last two games does that affect Detroit's seeding if they lost the next 2?

We swept the Packers, H2H is first tiebreaker

Detroit is 5-0 in division, 9-1 in conference, and own the strength of schedule over both Min & Phi by a good margin

So I guess the Eagles-Cowboy game is the only game that could affect Detroit's seeding if Detroit lost in each of the next two weeks? I get that they're going to go balls out no matter what but I'd feel better if Det-SF had at least some ramifications in terms of seeding. I have similar thoughts about Balt-Hou but need to look deeper.

IDK how other teams will handle it.

I am fairly confident I know how Detroit will.

An hour ago:

Dan Campbell said they're bringing everything they've got, coming full bore for San Francisco, regardless of the Green Bay/Minnesota result. The coach said he doesn't care what the critics say about that approach, they're coming to win that game.

edit typo

 

[Chaka]

If Minnesota wins next week, does the Lions week 17 MNF game suddenly become totally meaningless? Trying to determine how to figure out the risk of Goff and other Lions starters next week.

I had the same thought. If the Eagles lost next Sunday would that lock in Detroit ahead of them no matter what happened in Detroits next 2 games? Or if the the packers win tonight and their last two games does that affect Detroit's seeding if they lost the next 2?

We swept the Packers, H2H is first tiebreaker

Detroit is 5-0 in division, 9-1 in conference, and own the strength of schedule over both Min & Phi by a good margin

So I guess the Eagles-Cowboy game is the only game that could affect Detroit's seeding if Detroit lost in each of the next two weeks? I get that they're going to go balls out no matter what but I'd feel better if Det-SF had at least some ramifications in terms of seeding. I have similar thoughts about Balt-Hou but need to look deeper.

IDK how other teams will handle it.

I am fairly confident I know how Detroit will.

An hour ago:

Dan Campbell said they're bringing everything they've got, coming full bore for San Francisco, regardless of the Green Bay/Minnesota result. The coach said he doesn't care what the critics say about that approach, they're coming to win that game.

edit typo

I appreciate that about Campbell.

However, if they lock up the #1 seed next week...

 

[BobbyLayne]

If Minnesota wins next week, does the Lions week 17 MNF game suddenly become totally meaningless? Trying to determine how to figure out the risk of Goff and other Lions starters next week.

I had the same thought. If the Eagles lost next Sunday would that lock in Detroit ahead of them no matter what happened in Detroits next 2 games? Or if the the packers win tonight and their last two games does that affect Detroit's seeding if they lost the next 2?

We swept the Packers, H2H is first tiebreaker

Detroit is 5-0 in division, 9-1 in conference, and own the strength of schedule over both Min & Phi by a good margin

So I guess the Eagles-Cowboy game is the only game that could affect Detroit's seeding if Detroit lost in each of the next two weeks? I get that they're going to go balls out no matter what but I'd feel better if Det-SF had at least some ramifications in terms of seeding. I have similar thoughts about Balt-Hou but need to look deeper.

IDK how other teams will handle it.

I am fairly confident I know how Detroit will.

An hour ago:

Dan Campbell said they're bringing everything they've got, coming full bore for San Francisco, regardless of the Green Bay/Minnesota result. The coach said he doesn't care what the critics say about that approach, they're coming to win that game.

edit typo

I appreciate that about Campbell.

However, if they lock up the #1 seed next week...

yeah I thought last year people would have learned but nope

Week 18, absolutely nothing on the line - team was going into the playoffs as the NFC North champs, they would be the #3 seed if they lost to the Vikings, #3 seed if they won

played everybody

LaPorta hyperextended his knee, was LP all week with a massive brace on his leg

everybody on these boards was freaking out about how stoopid Dan Campbell is

the rookie TE scored in the WC round vs the Rams

caught 21 passes in 3 playoff games

they do not care what anyone thinks they should do lol

 

[BobbyLayne]

@Faust requesting thread title update to General Repository for Any Detroit Lions Questions

 

[Chaka]

Watching the MNF pre-pre-game. I hadn't seen the Lions fake stumble TD to LaPorta. I've never seen anything like that.

God I want Ben Johnson as the next Raiders HC. So very, very much. He may not be able to handle the additional responsibilities, and no one can be Dan Campbell who inspired players like few others, ever.

But, man I want the guy who cut his big boy teeth in this program.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Watching the MNF pre-pre-game. I hadn't seen the Lions fake stumble TD to LaPorta. I've never seen anything like that.

God I want Ben Johnson as the next Raiders HC. So very, very much. He may not be able to handle the additional responsibilities, and no one can be Dan Campbell who inspired players like few others, ever.

But, man I want the guy who cut his big boy teeth in this program.

2nd or 3rd Chair is not the same as HMFIC, so it's natural for folks to wonder if Ben Johnson will make a good head coach. We've seen guys who are schematic geniuses fall flat on their face when they were asked to be leaders of men. We have seen both offensive and defensive coordinators excel at running one side of the ball but be unable to handle the administrative and organizational aspects of leading the entire organization.

I will say this. Johnson was part of Matt Patricia's staff, and he was the only assistant Dan Campbell retained. So he has seen the worst toxic culture imaginable and he has seen an organization that is single minded in purpose and vision. Things I think that will help him at the next level:

• He is an elite communicator. Thinks like a teacher. It doesn't do any good to talk above people, and he won't waste people's time by spoon feeding them. He knows how to coach/teach in a way that makes it easy for players to grasp and understand. He can walk any positional coach through exactly what he needs, not just landmarks to hit but where the feet should be aligned pre-snap.
• He is the personification of collaborative effort. One of the ways to get 21 assistants and 69 players (active roster + practice squad) rowing in the same direction is making everyone feel heard. There are no unimportant jobs. You need buy in from everyone, and one way to achieve that is being curious and asking people how they would do something if if were up to them.
• Building off how much everyone means to the organization, he knows everyone. Like he invests in people. This is cultural thing with Campbell but it's 100% who Ben naturally is - you acknowledge the phenomenal work of the crew that transforms Ford Field from a concert venue into an NFL game ready facility in record time. You remember it's the PR admin's birthday. You ask the scout team OL who is 15th on the depth chart what's the newest thing their toddler is doing. That's the environment at Allen Park, and I believe wherever Johnson goes, he is going to make the next franchise he works for a great place to come to work.
• You keep the standards high but you always keep it positive. Mistakes and missed assignments are teachable moments. It's OK to screw up as long as the effort is there. Go over the tape and point out what went wrong, how to do it different, clean it up and move on. Last season during their offseason self-scout, he realized the Lions were bottom 5 in dropped passes. That didn't make sense; the whole roster is full of guys with good hands. So at Mini-camp after the draft he had a meeting with all of the RBs, TEs and WRs. This isn't good enough. This can't be who we are. We've been really good at ball security and limiting turnovers, but dropped passes are drive killers. And in the NFCCG, it was THE difference between losing and going to the Super Bowl. A lot of things went wrong that day, in all phases, but if they would have just caught the catchable passes, they beat the 49ers. Let's make that a point of emphasis, starting right now, and every week this season. In 2024, the Detroit Lions have dropped 5 passes in 15 games, a year after they had 32.

It's all TBD if Ben Johnson will be a winning head coach or not. But I think spending four years around Dan Campbell, this owner, this GM, and this staff, has been the best possible preparation for his next assignment.

 

[Chaka]

Watching the MNF pre-pre-game. I hadn't seen the Lions fake stumble TD to LaPorta. I've never seen anything like that.

God I want Ben Johnson as the next Raiders HC. So very, very much. He may not be able to handle the additional responsibilities, and no one can be Dan Campbell who inspired players like few others, ever.

But, man I want the guy who cut his big boy teeth in this program.

2nd or 3rd Chair is not the same as HMFIC, so it's natural for folks to wonder if Ben Johnson will make a good head coach. We've seen guys who are schematic geniuses fall flat on their face when they were asked to be leaders of men. We have seen both offensive and defensive coordinators excel at running one side of the ball but be unable to handle the administrative and organizational aspects of leading the entire organization.

I will say this. Johnson was part of Matt Patricia's staff, and he was the only assistant Dan Campbell retained. So he has seen the worst toxic culture imaginable and he has seen an organization that is single minded in purpose and vision. Things I think that will help him at the next level:

• He is an elite communicator. Thinks like a teacher. It doesn't do any good to talk above people, and he won't waste people's time by spoon feeding them. He knows how to coach/teach in a way that makes it easy for players to grasp and understand. He can walk any positional coach through exactly what he needs, not just landmarks to hit but where the feet should be aligned pre-snap.
• He is the personification of collaborative effort. One of the ways to get 21 assistants and 69 players (active roster + practice squad) rowing in the same direction is making everyone feel heard. There are no unimportant jobs. You need buy in from everyone, and one way to achieve that is being curious and asking people how they would do something if if were up to them.
• Building off how much everyone means to the organization, he knows everyone. Like he invests in people. This is cultural thing with Campbell but it's 100% who Ben naturally is - you acknowledge the phenomenal work of the crew that transforms Ford Field from a concert venue into an NFL game ready facility in record time. You remember it's the PR admin's birthday. You ask the scout team OL who is 15th on the depth chart what's the newest thing their toddler is doing. That's the environment at Allen Park, and I believe wherever Johnson goes, he is going to make the next franchise he works for a great place to come to work.
• You keep the standards high but you always keep it positive. Mistakes and missed assignments are teachable moments. It's OK to screw up as long as the effort is there. Go over the tape and point out what went wrong, how to do it different, clean it up and move on. Last season during their offseason self-scout, he realized the Lions were bottom 5 in dropped passes. That didn't make sense; the whole roster is full of guys with good hands. So at Mini-camp after the draft he had a meeting with all of the RBs, TEs and WRs. This isn't good enough. This can't be who we are. We've been really good at ball security and limiting turnovers, but dropped passes are drive killers. And in the NFCCG, it was THE difference between losing and going to the Super Bowl. A lot of things went wrong that day, in all phases, but if they would have just caught the catchable passes, they beat the 49ers. Let's make that a point of emphasis, starting right now, and every week this season. In 2024, the Detroit Lions have dropped 5 passes in 15 games, a year after they had 32.

It's all TBD if Ben Johnson will be a winning head coach or not. But I think spending four years around Dan Campbell, this owner, this GM, and this staff, has been the best possible preparation for his next assignment.

Forwarded to Mark Davis.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Watching the MNF pre-pre-game. I hadn't seen the Lions fake stumble TD to LaPorta. I've never seen anything like that.

God I want Ben Johnson as the next Raiders HC. So very, very much. He may not be able to handle the additional responsibilities, and no one can be Dan Campbell who inspired players like few others, ever.

But, man I want the guy who cut his big boy teeth in this program.

2nd or 3rd Chair is not the same as HMFIC, so it's natural for folks to wonder if Ben Johnson will make a good head coach. We've seen guys who are schematic geniuses fall flat on their face when they were asked to be leaders of men. We have seen both offensive and defensive coordinators excel at running one side of the ball but be unable to handle the administrative and organizational aspects of leading the entire organization.

I will say this. Johnson was part of Matt Patricia's staff, and he was the only assistant Dan Campbell retained. So he has seen the worst toxic culture imaginable and he has seen an organization that is single minded in purpose and vision. Things I think that will help him at the next level:

• He is an elite communicator. Thinks like a teacher. It doesn't do any good to talk above people, and he won't waste people's time by spoon feeding them. He knows how to coach/teach in a way that makes it easy for players to grasp and understand. He can walk any positional coach through exactly what he needs, not just landmarks to hit but where the feet should be aligned pre-snap.
• He is the personification of collaborative effort. One of the ways to get 21 assistants and 69 players (active roster + practice squad) rowing in the same direction is making everyone feel heard. There are no unimportant jobs. You need buy in from everyone, and one way to achieve that is being curious and asking people how they would do something if if were up to them.
• Building off how much everyone means to the organization, he knows everyone. Like he invests in people. This is cultural thing with Campbell but it's 100% who Ben naturally is - you acknowledge the phenomenal work of the crew that transforms Ford Field from a concert venue into an NFL game ready facility in record time. You remember it's the PR admin's birthday. You ask the scout team OL who is 15th on the depth chart what's the newest thing their toddler is doing. That's the environment at Allen Park, and I believe wherever Johnson goes, he is going to make the next franchise he works for a great place to come to work.
• You keep the standards high but you always keep it positive. Mistakes and missed assignments are teachable moments. It's OK to screw up as long as the effort is there. Go over the tape and point out what went wrong, how to do it different, clean it up and move on. Last season during their offseason self-scout, he realized the Lions were bottom 5 in dropped passes. That didn't make sense; the whole roster is full of guys with good hands. So at Mini-camp after the draft he had a meeting with all of the RBs, TEs and WRs. This isn't good enough. This can't be who we are. We've been really good at ball security and limiting turnovers, but dropped passes are drive killers. And in the NFCCG, it was THE difference between losing and going to the Super Bowl. A lot of things went wrong that day, in all phases, but if they would have just caught the catchable passes, they beat the 49ers. Let's make that a point of emphasis, starting right now, and every week this season. In 2024, the Detroit Lions have dropped 5 passes in 15 games, a year after they had 32.

It's all TBD if Ben Johnson will be a winning head coach or not. But I think spending four years around Dan Campbell, this owner, this GM, and this staff, has been the best possible preparation for his next assignment.

Forwarded to Mark Davis.

Wherever and whenever Johnson leaves, I hope it's to an AFC team that we only have to play every 4 years or so.