By Moses Joshua 
Johnson draws comparisons between Rams’ Puka Nakua and Detroit star Amon-Ra St. Brown while gearing up for playoff showdown.
Johnson Sees St. Brown in Rams’ Rising Star
As the Detroit Lions remain in offseason mode, former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is focused on a high-stakes playoff matchup. His Chicago Bears will face former Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Divisional Round at Soldier Field.
While discussing defensive strategy against Rams wideout Puka Nakua, Johnson drew an immediate comparison to a player he once oversaw in Detroit: Amon-Ra St. Brown.
“I think you look at a guy like that, I think it starts with this guy is a football player, take position out of it. He clearly loves the game. He clearly is all about ball. He reminds me a lot of (Lions WR Amon-Ra) St. Brown,” Johnson said. “Another guy that I felt very similar about because he’s not just excellent at catching the football and route running, but he does everything.”
Johnson highlighted Nakua’s versatility, noting traits that mirror St. Brown’s impact in Detroit.
“He’s willing to put his nose in there and get his hands dirty in the running game. The versatility which he has…physical player, tough player and you can tell really a dependable player as well,” Johnson added.
Lions’ Success Against Johnson Offers Small Comfort
For Lions fans, the familiarity with Johnson’s coaching style may provide a silver lining. Detroit defeated the Bears—and their former OC—twice during the 2025 season. While the Bears’ playoff run is a new chapter for Johnson, the Lions’ recent victories over Chicago serve as a reminder that his departure hasn’t weakened the Motor City squad.
Fans may also recall that Johnson had opportunities to leave Detroit before the 2025 season but chose to stay, underscoring the professional nature of NFL movement.
Johnson Impressed by Stafford’s Continued Excellence
Johnson also shared his admiration for Stafford, despite never coaching him in Detroit. He praised Stafford’s field awareness, mechanics, and ability to manipulate defenses.
“I think he’s fundamentally sound and when you talk about the footwork, I think it starts there. Then as you talk about an experienced player that sees the field really well, he understands defenses, he knows how to manipulate defenses,” Johnson said. “He’s got a great feel for the game and that translates to everything he does every single week. They’re very much a premier play operation.”
While in Detroit, Johnson was part of the staff that helped the Lions secure a landmark playoff win—the franchise’s first in over three decades. Now, he has the chance to claim a victory over Stafford and reach the NFC Championship with the Bears.
Bottom Line: Ben Johnson’s comments show both respect for former Lions talent and a clear focus on his new playoff mission. For Detroit, it’s another reminder of the impact St. Brown has had on the field—and the legacy of talent Johnson once helped develop.