Ben Johnson was one of the key figures in helping the Detroit Lions rise to prominence. But after the NFL Scouting Combine, he may have cemented his status as their biggest rival.
Johnson became the head coach of the Chicago Bears after three seasons as Detroit’s offensive coordinator last month. He also became a walking sound bite during his press conference in Indianapolis as some took his comments regarding Caleb Williams as a slight toward Jared Goff.
But just as noticeable as Johnson’s comments about Williams was his note about watching the defense struggle to stop him. While it may have been unintentional, some Lions defenders have made their feelings known as they prepare to face Johnson this season.
Kerby Joseph, Amik Robertson Comment on Ben Johnson’s Comments Shade Towards Lions' Defense
Johnson was asked about what excites him the most as he builds the Bears offense. He started breaking down the differences between Williams and Goff. While Johnson noted Williams’s ability to extend plays as a key difference, he also mentioned the frustration of watching his defense try to stop quarterbacks with his new signalcaller’s skill set.
“I get excited thinking about that because I haven’t really been around that since I’ve been in the league,” Johnson said. “But I’ve been on the other side and I’ve experienced it. It’s demoralizing when you’re on the other side and you’re watching that happen to your defense.”
The comments seemed like a simple answer but caught the attention of Kerby Joseph and Amik Robertson. Joseph took to his X account to post a picture of Peter Griffin lurking in the shadows as a reaction to Johnson’s comments. Robertson followed up by quoting the post and captioning “Yah feel me…”
https://t.co/93Q7MF6TL0 pic.twitter.com/Gbpo53uXNj
— ZUPER BOWL KERB💤😎 (@JKERB25) February 25, 2025
Yah feel me… https://t.co/KkbyJGdYj5
— Amik Robertson (@_YoungTruth7) February 26, 2025
The comments may have struck a nerve with Joseph and Robertson, but they weren’t without merit.
The Lions ranked fourth with 454 rushing yards and tied for third with six rushing touchdowns allowed to quarterbacks last season. The biggest performances came when Josh Allen racked up 430 total yards and four touchdowns – including two rushing – in a 48-42 loss in Week 15 and Jayden Daniels posted 350 total yards with two passing touchdowns in the 45-31 loss to the Washington Commanders in the divisional round of the playoffs.
But while both of those games were critical losses in the Lions’ season, Williams’s performances against Detroit may be what stands out. While the Lions won both games, Williams played well, throwing for 590 yards, five touchdowns, and no interceptions while running 10 times for 73 yards.
It’s a skill set that not only Johnson may be excited to utilize, but one that routinely shredded the Lions defense last season. With Johnson off to Chicago, Joseph, and Robertson may be more motivated to shut dynamic quarterbacks like Williams down and give Lions fans the last laugh when they match up next season.