Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown recently addressed comments made by former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, now head coach of the Chicago Bears, that some perceived as a subtle critique of Lions quarterback Jared Goff.
At the NFL Combine, Johnson expressed enthusiasm about working with Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, highlighting Williams’ mobility and ability to extend plays. He remarked on the excitement of having a quarterback who can create off-schedule, noting that such athleticism is becoming increasingly valuable in the league.
While Johnson’s comments were likely intended as praise for his new quarterback, some, including St. Brown, interpreted them as a veiled criticism of Goff’s playing style. On his podcast, St. Brown remarked that Johnson’s remarks might suggest he hadn’t previously worked with a quarterback capable of extending plays. He mused, “Could he have worded it a little bit different? Maybe.” St. Brown added that such comments could serve as motivation for Goff when the Lions face the Bears, saying, “It’s just going to give Jared that much more fire when we play the Bears.”
However, St. Brown’s brother, Equanimeous, offered a differing perspective, cautioning against reading too much into Johnson’s enthusiasm for Williams’ mobility. He suggested that Johnson’s excitement was simply about working with a quarterback who possesses unique athletic traits, not a slight against Goff. Equanimeous stated, “He didn’t say sht about Jared… he’s the coach of the fcking Bears.”
Despite these differing viewpoints, it’s clear that Johnson’s transition to the Bears has added a new layer of intrigue to the Lions-Bears rivalry. Both teams will have ample opportunities to prove themselves on the field, especially with Johnson’s comments fueling speculation and debate among fans and players alike.
