The Detroit Lions face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Divisional Round. Detroit also has their offensive coordinator to thank for their upswing. Ben Johnson has given the Lions the bite they need

Exactly one year ago, Ben Johnson made a landmark decision. The then 36-year-old had completed his first season as offensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions in the months before and had already attracted the interest of several NFL teams.

He turned down a job interview for the vacant position of head coach with the Carolina Panthers and explained his decision – according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero – as follows: “Johnson feels like Detroit is in for a special season, so he wants to stay.”

Lions offense shines under Ben Johnson

The Lions played an outstanding regular season, beat the Los Angeles Rams in the Wild Card Round (see game report) and are now favorites to host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Divisional Round.

Johnson, whose offense has soared since he took over, has played a big part in this.

The Lions rank among the leaders in most relevant offensive metrics, and quarterback Jared Goff, who came to Detroit a few years ago with many question marks, has (re)developed into a good starter. The running back duo of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs is one of the best tandems in the league.

The offensive line excels in pass and run blocking. Numerous young players such as Gibbs, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, tackle Penei Sewell and tight end Sam LaPorta have established themselves as important pillars in the Lions’ rebuild.

Ben Johnson: Soon to be head coach?

“I think this season has made him an even better coach. He’s grown again with his responsibilities. I think that’s done him a lot of good,” says Head Coach Dan Campbell, praising his protégé.

No wonder almost half the league is after Johnson. Six different teams have requested a job interview with Johnson, no coach is (so far) more in demand in this year’s coaching carousel.

Johnson emphasized in a press conference: “The most important thing for me right now is the game plan against the Buccaneers. Our game plan is the most important thing for me.” But what exactly does the game plan look like and what characterizes Johnson as a coordinator?

Lions offense: Fast, physical, creative

Analysis of the Lions offense starts with Goff. The 29-year-old has put his career back on track with the Lions, directing the offense as a pocket passer with quick decision making, good timing and the necessary arm talent.

The average target depth of Goff’s passes is 7.2 yards on average and he gets rid of the ball in 2.57 seconds. Hardly any quarterback throws shorter passes and separates from the football faster than Goff.

The veteran quickly sets up the playmakers (St. Brown, LaPorta, Gibbs and Co.), who gain yards after the catch. At the same time, Goff avoids sacks and blunders because he doesn’t keep the ball in his own hands for too long.

The run game is also an important pillar. The offensive line and ball carriers are bursting with physicality, averaging 2.1 yards per run after first contact with an opponent – a league-best. Johnson relies on a creative, balanced approach in the run game.

The Lions use a variety of concepts and formations (sometimes with six offensive linemen) to keep defenses on their toes and on the wrong foot. Sometimes with the quick-as-an-arrow Gibbs, sometimes with the beefy Montgomery.

Johnson will also be in demand again against the Buccaneers. After all, not only is another bid for the NFL teams pending, but also for the conference championships.