Retaining offensive coordinator Ben Johnson was one of the Detroit Lions’ most significant moves this offseason. Johnson, known for his success and head coaching potential, seemed like a crucial asset for the Lions. However, after two games, there’s a growing concern that the NFL may have started to figure him out.
In Week 1, it appeared that the Rams had anticipated every move of Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta, effectively neutralizing them. The Lions managed to stay competitive by leveraging the unpredictability of Jameson Williams, whose breakout potential was still largely unproven.
The situation didn’t improve in Week 2 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Lions’ offense was stifled for most of the game, with St. Brown’s contributions coming from sheer determination, LaPorta being largely absent, and Williams making only a minimal impact aside from a 50-yard reception early on.
A glaring issue for the Lions has been their red-zone inefficiency. They have converted only 3 of 11 red-zone opportunities into touchdowns, leaving significant scoring potential on the field. Improving this aspect could dispel concerns about Johnson’s effectiveness and get the Lions back on track.
The Lions’ red-zone struggles are particularly perplexing given their success in this area last season. Last year, they ranked second in the league for red-zone efficiency, relying heavily on St. Brown, LaPorta, and David Montgomery, who had the fourth-most red-zone rushing attempts in the NFL.
To counteract defenses that have clearly studied their strategies, Johnson and the Lions need to innovate their approach in the red zone. Introducing new playmakers or leveraging Tim Patrick’s potential could provide the edge they need.
It’s important to remember that it’s still early in the season. The Lions have plenty of time to adjust and refine their strategies. Their defense has been notably strong, and if the offense can also find its rhythm, they could become a formidable force. The key will be adapting and evolving to stay ahead of the league’s defensive schemes.
