A “mild controversy” hit the Lions this week, all sparked by a comment about quarterback mobility that somehow circled back to Detroit offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and QB Jared Goff. It popped off after the Bears played the Eagles on Monday night, when Bears coach Ben Johnson, talking about third-string QB Case Keenum and adapting play-calling for a less mobile guy, dropped this gem: “I’ve got a little history with that, calling plays for someone not so mobile.” He even smiled when he said it, though he quickly added he didn’t have history with someone who wasn’t a No. 1 pick, unlike Keenum.
Ben Johnson, the “Lightning Rod,” Strikes Again
Now, some fans apparently took offense, seeing it as a shot at our guy Jared Goff. Honestly, you gotta wonder sometimes, right? But it’s true, this isn’t the first time comments involving Johnson have been spun into an insult aimed at Goff. Back in 2025, Johnson said something else about Goff’s mobility, and even then, Lions safety Kerby Joseph had to chime in. The dude just seems to be a magnet for media drama. Goff himself, speaking on the “St. Brown Brothers” podcast this week, totally downplayed the whole thing, saying, “Ben can’t seem to get out of his own way when he’s talking to the media. So I know there was no ill intent to that. He seems to be a lightning rod for them. They pick up everything he says.” Sounds about right for a coach who’s always under the microscope!
Goff Sets the Record Straight and Plans His Own “Revenge”
But here’s the kicker: Johnson actually called Goff to clear the air, which is pure class. Goff said Johnson was like, “Dude, you know that means nothing.” And Goff’s response? “Yeah, dude. You’re good. Don’t worry about it.” See? No real beef here! It’s just fans getting a little overprotective, which, honestly, you love to see the passion. Still, Goff couldn’t resist a little playful jab himself, joking that he’s saving something up for future “revenge.” He said he’ll throw some shade back at Johnson eventually, like, “Oh, yeah, whatever. But like playcaller, blah, blah, blah.” Then, he’ll immediately call Johnson, “Dude, you know I’m just kidding. You know I mean nothing by it.” Goff even admitted Johnson wasn’t lying about his mobility, describing it as “probably the lower end of the league.” He hopes he’s “a bit more mobile” than Keenum, who’s in “year whatever-he’s-in,” since Goff is “a bit younger.”
So yeah, zero controversy. Just two pros having a laugh. We’re early in the season, and it’s good to see the team’s key players can joke around and keep things light. That kind of camaraderie is huge for team chemistry moving forward. Let’s see what kind of “playcaller, blah, blah, blah” shade Goff throws next time!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pride of Detroit.
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