The 2024 Lions season had all the glitz of a Hollywood blockbuster—15–2 overall, an offense that put up 6,962 total yards (averaging 409.5 yards per game), and Jared Goff tossing 4,629 yards with 37 touchdowns on a career-best 72.4% completion rate. The team’s plays were flying like quotes from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. However, the plot thickened after a disappointing 31-45 playoff loss that left fans and pundits scratching their heads.
Lions’ Legend Throws Offense Under the Bus
In a moment that could easily have been scripted by Quentin Tarantino, Calvin “Megatron” Johnson—an icon who rewrote the NFL playbook with 731 receptions, 11,619 yards, and 83 touchdowns in his nine-season run—was not holding back. He expressed his excitement for the upcoming season while acknowledging the tough loss in the playoffs. Johnson pointed out that the offense wasn’t in sync, the quarterback got hit early and rattled, and turnovers prevented them from recovering. Despite the critique, Johnson remained optimistic about the team’s future and emphasized the importance of patience and a positive team culture.
Calvin Johnson’s legacy is cemented not only in his record-breaking seasons but also in his sheer presence, reminiscent of a “Scarface” monologue—raw, unfiltered, and impossible to ignore. His words cut through the hype surrounding the high-flying Lions offense, which boasted impressive stats and high-scoring outputs throughout the season. However, when it mattered most, they fell short. Johnson’s critique served as both a wake-up call and a rallying cry for the team to regroup and come back stronger next season.
QB Questions Ben Johnson’s Move
On the flip side, Jared Goff—once the poster child for a rebuilding Detroit franchise—has found himself contemplating recent front-office moves. Goff, with his impressive 2024 season performance of 4,629 yards, 37 touchdowns, and a 72.4% completion rate, is undoubtedly in his prime. However, the departure of offensive wizard Ben Johnson, who played a significant role in Goff’s success, presents a new challenge for the quarterback. Goff now faces the task of playing against the coach who once helped his offense flourish.
Goff expressed his admiration for Johnson’s coaching abilities and the difference he made in his career. However, he jokingly wished Johnson wasn’t in their division, as it means having to face him twice a year. Goff’s track record with Johnson speaks for itself, with impressive stats over the past three seasons. The chemistry between Goff and Johnson resulted in several victories against the Bears, showcasing their successful partnership. Now, with Johnson’s departure, Goff must navigate a new era under offensive coordinator John Morton, whom he has history with from 2022.
Despite the challenges ahead, Goff remains upbeat and confident in Morton’s abilities. He acknowledges the delicate balance between appreciating the good times with Johnson and preparing for the rivalry that lies ahead. With the Bears now in the mix, Goff’s task is to maintain his stellar form from the previous season while adapting to the dynamics of intra-division competition.
In conclusion, the Lions’ shocking playoff defeat has led to introspection and critique from both a legendary player and the team’s quarterback. Calvin Johnson’s honest assessment of the offense’s shortcomings serves as a call to regroup and improve. Meanwhile, Jared Goff faces the challenge of playing against his former coach as the Lions enter a new era. The upcoming season holds the promise of redemption and renewed determination for the Detroit Lions.
