Ben Johnson, The Man Behind the Lions Offense: Part 1: Passing Game Concepts

The Detroit Lions under Coach Ben Johnson have been outstanding. They are 6th in the league with 26.8 yards per game. They have one of the top WR in the game in Amon St Brown and a good TE in Sam Laporta with Josh Reynolds acting as a great 2nd wr option. They have a 2 headed monster in David Montgomery and Jaymyr Gibbs who can run the rock behind the best offensive lines in the game.

They have the ability to beat you in both phases offensively, which makes them a very dangerous team. They can effectively run and throw the football. They are top 10 in scoring, rushing and several passing categories.

Another key aspect of Johnson as a playcaller is he always seems 1 step ahead of the defense. He sets them up early with formations defenses will check too, bunch empty and 3x1 cluster for example and sets up his plays later in the game with te same time of motions from it.

Scoring

Averaging 26.8 points per game (2nd) and 406 yards per game(6th)

Rushing

They average 4.5 yards per carry (7th) and 139 yards per game rushing(4th)

Passing

They are currently 6th in yards per completion and 4th in yards per game.

Let’s look at some of their concepts in the pass game.He is one of the best at designing plays and putting his players in position to be successful.

Here are some of the ways.

1. Create Easy reads for the QB

The first example is when they go empty.

Empty

They go empty, that means its 50 protection which you would need to throw hot. The Lions are ready for it as #3 is the hot read. The motion tells them it’s zone so an easy pre snap process for Goff. Putting the RB out, the Chargers leave the CB with motion back in. Easy zone read. Even double mug, Goff knows it’s going to be zone.

Again the scheme makes it easy for the QB.

#2 Personnel and Formations.

In the first example, they go 12 personnel. What the Chargers were doing was putting Mack and Bosa as OLB when the Lions did this. So, Johnson goes spread and makes them OLB. He aligns his TE as #1 wr and puts his 2 speedy players in the slot. The Chargers drop Bosa and Mack so essentially your best 2 rushers are pass defenders. Worst case 1 because the Chargers played alot of zone with this and would rush 3 or 4.