By Sunday 
Lions’ offensive success wasn’t just about one man
Ben Johnson has rightfully earned recognition as one of the brightest offensive minds in the NFL. Under his guidance, the Detroit Lions became a high-powered unit, ranking among the league’s best in both 2023 and 2024. But in a recent interview, Johnson made it clear—he wasn’t the sole architect of the Lions’ offensive resurgence.
Instead, he pointed to the true mastermind behind it all: head coach Dan Campbell.
Ben Johnson Gives Credit Where It’s Due
During his appearance on Pardon My Take, Johnson didn’t shy away from praising Campbell’s influence on the team’s offensive strategy.
“He’s super intelligent, and I’ve learned a ton from him,” Johnson said. He went on to explain that while he handled play-calling duties, Campbell was the driving force behind many of the game’s most critical decisions—especially when it came to the Lions’ bold fourth-down strategy.
The Method Behind Campbell’s Aggressiveness
Detroit gained a reputation for being one of the most aggressive teams on fourth down. But as Johnson explained, this wasn’t reckless play-calling—it was calculated.
“It wasn’t like you went into the season saying, ‘Hey, every fourth-and-2, we’re always going to go for it.’ That was not the case. It just depended on the week,” Johnson revealed.
Campbell didn’t just roll the dice. He factored in the opponent, game flow, and even weather conditions before deciding when to take risks. It was this strategic approach that allowed the Lions to maximize their offensive efficiency and keep defenses on edge.
A Coach Who Puts His Staff in Position to Succeed
One of Campbell’s greatest strengths, according to Johnson, was how he empowered his coaching staff. The head coach would communicate his philosophy ahead of time, ensuring his play-callers were prepared.
“Once we hit midfield, if you can make it fourth-and-3 or less, then you’re going to have a green light,” Johnson recalled Campbell telling him.
This level of trust allowed Johnson to call plays more effectively, knowing exactly when he had the freedom to take calculated risks. Instead of hesitating on third downs, he could scheme with confidence, knowing Campbell had his back.
The Bottom Line
While Johnson’s offensive acumen was undeniable, Detroit’s success wasn’t a one-man show. Dan Campbell’s leadership, vision, and strategic approach provided the foundation for everything the Lions accomplished.
As Detroit continues to build on its success, one thing is clear—Campbell isn’t just a fiery motivator; he’s a tactical mastermind. And with him at the helm, the Lions aren’t backing down anytime soon.