While the Patriots have the runaway lead on offensive staff uncertainty this offseason, the Lions feature some as they go through OTAs.
Detroit moved to a new offensive coordinator, Ben Johnson, this year. It remains unknown if he will take over the team’s play-calling. Dan Campbell, who called Lions offensive plays down the stretch last season, said it is unlikely he will determine the team’s play-caller until the regular season nears, per the Detroit News’ Justin Rogers.
In his first months as the Lions’ full-time OC, Johnson has been calling plays during OTAs. That distinction obviously means considerably less than calling them during training camp or in the preseason. But that is how the Lions are proceeding as of early June. It is not a lock that is the direction they will go come September.
“Look, I’m really not even worried about it right now,” Campbell said, via Rogers. “I just want to take it as it comes and see how [Johnson] goes with it and see how he handles running the offense, doing what I need to have done on my end and kind of my viewpoint and see how the quarterbacks are and just everything, and then go from there.
“I’m a gut guy, so I’m going to trust my gut to make that decision when the time’s right.”
Campbell relieved 2021 OC Anthony Lynn of play-calling duties midway through last season, taking on that responsibility himself for the final nine games. That was a noticeable undertaking for the first-year Lions coach, who had not been a coordinator in between his time as Dolphins interim HC (2015) and his Lions hire. During Campbell’s play-calling stint, the Lions scored at least 29 points four times; they did so only once in the eight games prior.
Johnson, 35, is a first-time coordinator who has never called plays at any level. A Matt Patricia-era holdover who began last season as Detroit’s tight ends coach, Johnson worked as the team’s passing-game coordinator to close last season.
More will be expected of the Lions’ offense this season. The team added D.J. Chark in free agency and traded up 20 spots for Jameson Williams, who should be ready to return from ACL surgery at some point during his rookie season. Those two will join emerging playmakers D’Andre Swift and Amon-Ra St. Brown in what will be Jared Goff‘s second go-round leading the offense. After Sean McVay worked as Goff’s play-caller throughout their four-year run together, the seventh-year quarterback could have three play-callers in two years to start his Lions tenure.
Lol. Like it matters.
Derp.
My thoughts exactly!
Consistency is key when your attempting to rebuild from a tear down (or any winning team for that matter).. it could be Dan, Ben or Deuce Staley .. Dan needs to make a decision and stand by it .. O.C by committee is not gonna build confidence or consistency ..
“We’ll wing it!”
Play calling for the Lions shouldn’t be too difficult this season. They only need to ask Matt Patricia what he would do…then do the exact opposite.
The Lions should tank for next year’s #1 overall pick. In 2023 Goff can be released with only minor dead cap considerations and they can start fresh with the latest college QB phenom and plenty of cash to sign some quality receivers.
Yeah, no more certain guarantee than a 1st round QB. They never bust. Lol. Let’s see how former Pro Bowl QB Goff plays with actual WR and a healthy OL before betting the franchise on the next OSU QB to flame out in the NFL.
Wow, that’s a terrible take.