Head coach Dan Campbell is putting his trust in offensive coordinator Ben Johnson’s strategy, which is causing some debate, because the Detroit Lions offense is going through a difficult period.
On December 10, the Lions lost 28–13 to the Chicago Bears while struggling to move the ball and score points. However, Campbell thought more favorably of Johnson’s offensive strategy. The offensive coordinator was openly defended by the head coach of the Lions, who stated that he thought the play-calling decision was sound.
According to USA Today’s Lions Wire, Campbell stated, “I thought Ben called a great game.” I cherished his call. I wanted him to call it precisely as it was. What a terrible job it was.
However, Jeff Risdon of LionsWire has noted that there hasn’t been enough accountability for the offense’s errors, which has put Campbell under some scrutiny as a result of that defense.
Risdon took issue with Campbell’s evaluation of the offense, pointing out that they appeared incapable of correcting their errors and collapsed against a manageable Bears squad. According to Risdon, Campbell missed an opportunity to have Johnson answer for his actions.
Risdon stated, “There was a lack of urgency to stop the failure, ponderous play calls and sequencing, poor adaptations to Chicago’s defense, undisciplined penalties, misuse of assets, and poor performances by key players.” “As the unit’s director and overseer, Johnson should bear the brunt of the blame, but Campbell absolved him.”
Risdon continued, stating that defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has received the same level of accountability for the offense but not for the “mistakes on his unit” and subpar methods.
Campbell publicly absolving his top offensive lieutenant of responsibility for a poor performance doesn’t exactly inspire optimism that Saturday’s game against a stronger Denver defense than the one that just destroyed Johnson’s ill-advised and horribly executed game plan will go better, according to Risdon.
The Lions lost two of their last three games, both against opponents in their division, after getting off to an 8-2 start. The Lions are facing a challenging final stretch that includes two games against the Minnesota Vikings and a game against the Dallas Cowboys. This harsh stretch has kept them from winning their first divisional crown in almost thirty years.
Lions Seeking to Increase Offense
With just one week to prepare before facing the Denver Broncos on Saturday, the Lions could benefit from the probable return of a vital offensive component. Frank Ragnow, the center, was limited in his participation at practice on Tuesday after missing the game the previous week due to injuries to his knee, back, and toe.
The Lions may face another setback, as highlighted by Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, since left tackle Taylor Decker was not included in Tuesday’s practice report.
This season, the Lions have started nine different line combinations due to injuries to their offensive line. As Birkett pointed out, should Decker and Ragnow be sidelined for Saturday’s game, the Lions would begin their tenth different lineup.
