By Sunday 
It’s tough to move on. And it’s even tougher when the ex you left behind just keeps thriving — publicly, gloriously, and without a hint of regret.
That’s the mood circling former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson this week, after ESPN’s Bill Barnwell dropped a glowing analysis of the 2025 offensive rankings. Spoiler alert: Detroit soared to No. 2 in the NFL.
Sure, Johnson’s off with the Chicago Bears now. But given how things are unfolding, he might’ve peeked at the ESPN piece, blinked back a tear or two, and gently whispered, “Man… those were my plays.”
The Lions Didn’t Miss a Beat
Let’s be honest — when Ben Johnson left Detroit for Chicago, Lions fans were worried. The man was practically the wizard behind the curtain, dialing up trick plays and mid-game adjustments like he had a cheat code.
But fast forward to now? Detroit didn’t just survive — they thrived.
With Jared Goff still leading the charge and Amon-Ra St. Brown proving everyone wrong yet again, the Lions’ offense is cooking. And we’re not talking slow-simmer — we’re talking turbo convection oven.
Barnwell praised the team’s consistency and chemistry, especially noting St. Brown’s incredible 81.6% catch rate. “For a player who was originally a fourth-round pick and then written off as strictly a slot receiver, Amon-Ra St. Brown continues to exceed expectations,” he wrote.
Let that sink in. The Lions are ranked higher than 30 NFL teams. Including the Bears.
Meanwhile in Chicago…
If the Lions are a finely-tuned machine, the Bears’ offense is currently more “home-improvement project” than “finished product.”
Barnwell wasn’t shy about the contrast: the Bears sat at a lowly No. 25 on the list. That’s the NFL equivalent of showing up to a tailgate with no grill, no snacks, and a single flat soda.
Johnson’s presence in Chicago is supposed to spark change — eventually. But right now? All signs point to him feeling like the guy who broke up with someone right before they hit the gym, got a promotion, and went viral on TikTok.
John Morton, Next Man Up
Replacing a guy like Johnson isn’t easy, but John Morton seems ready to step into the void. And if early signs are any indication, he’s already adding his own flavor without taking away what made the Lions dangerous in the first place.
Let’s not forget: even without Johnson, this team is stacked. And while trick plays might be a little lighter on the menu, Morton has an offense that practically runs itself — thanks to a disciplined QB, a beast of an O-line, and receivers who could catch a hummingbird mid-flight.
Final Score? Lions 2, Bears Hoodie 0
Ben Johnson may have his reasons for leaving, and maybe they made sense on paper. But right now, the on-field reality has a different vibe.
And if he was spotted tearing up in a Bears hoodie this week? We wouldn’t blame him one bit.