Like other big teams in the NFL, the Detroit Lions are leaving no stone unturned to secure a Lombardi trophy in the 2023 NFL season. Till Week 15, they have secured ten wins for four defeats. Following an unfortunate loss against the Green Bay Packers amid Jordan Love’s resurgence, the team once again went down to the Chicago Bears in Week 14.
However, the Lions again buckled up themselves and secured a huge 42-17 win against the Denver Broncos. One of the main protagonists behind their success has been offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. Following the team’s Week 15 win, popular American rap star Eminem has a special request for the veteran.
Eminem urges Ben Jhonson to stay at Lions
The Lions are currently experiencing a renaissance that has electrified their fan base once again. With an impressive 10-4 record, they are in contention for the coveted first overall seed in the NFC and are poised to claim the NFC North Division title, a record they have failed to achieve since 1993.
For over three decades, the Lions’ loyal fans, including rapper Eminem, have weathered a prolonged drought of divisional victories. The team has grappled with adversity and failed to secure the divisional title even after the restructuring of divisions in the early 2000s. However, this season seems to be steering them toward breaking that haunting spell.
Eminem voiced his plea on social media following the Lions big 42-17 win over the Denver Broncos at Ford Field. In the post, the raper urged Ben Johnson to stay with the Lions amidst swirling speculations about his future.
“Back on track. that’s what I’m talking (a)bout!!!! @Lions. Ben Johnson, please don(‘)t leave us!!!”, he wrote.
Under the leadership of head coach Dan Campbell and his dedicated coaching cohort, spearheaded by Johnson, the Lions have undergone a stunning transformation. This fortune has invigorated a fanbase starved for success by breathing life into aspirations that seemed distant for years.
The excitement is growing as the team is on the verge of securing a playoff berth. Their hopes for the postseason depend on the results of important matchups, such as the game between the Seattle Seahawks and Philadelphia Eagles this past weekend.
Ben Johnson exit rumors
Ben Johnson’s name has emerged as a potential catalyst for the Lions’ turnarounds. Over the past few seasons, his strategic acumen has catapulted the team’s offensive game into the upper echelons of the league, which caught the attention of several teams seeking a transformative figure.
The OC’s impact is undeniable, with the Lions consecutively boasting top-five offenses. Their recent win, amassing a staggering 448 yards in a game, has once again bolstered their third-place ranking in yards per game at 390.
Recent coaching shifts in the league have only intensified speculation surrounding Johnson’s future. With Brandon Staley’s departure from the Los Angeles Chargers, whispers have linked him as a potential replacement. Besides that, the veteran was a strong contender for the head coaching role at the Carolina Panthers, per Bleacher Report. The position eventually landed in the hands of Frank Reich, although the HC was sacked days ago.
Ben Johnson’s journey with the Lions dates back to 2019, long before the tenure of Dan Campbell. Initially starting as an offensive quality control coach, the veteran steadily climbed the ranks by serving as the pass game coordinator before eventually assuming the role of offensive coordinator in 2022.
