Detroit Lions fans have to be shaking their heads in disbelief that, after almost an entire season, the Chicago Bears are atop the NFC North and appear to be headed towards a division title. Despite hardly any changes in player personnel, the Lions have fallen apart as they approach the 2025 finish line.
Ben Johnson, of course, was the biggest change experienced by the Lions this offseason, and the biggest gain for the Bears. His work as head coach has led Chicago to an 11-4 record headed into Christmas weekend, and to a playoff berth. While they still have work to do to get an NFC North title, it seems like it's all coming together for them to make some noise this postseason.
Colin Cowherd feels the same about Johnson's impact for both the Bears and the Lions, and he shared as much during a rant on "The Herd" following a weekend slate that might've buried the Lions and helped the Bears clinch their first title since 2018.
"One coach - one - has really changed the direction of two franchises in the same division. Ben Johnson used to be at Detroit, and wow, were they dynamic. The craziest third and fourth-down team in the league. Look at them now. He left, went to Chicago, and the Bears are 11-4 and the best 4th quarter team in the NFL," Cowherd said.
Colin Cowherd gets real about Lions losing Ben Johnson in the offseason
Cowherd went on to say during this segment that the Bears have grown into the type of team that not only don't make losing mistakes, but one that takes advantage of other teams' mistakes. That's been a huge problem with the Lions this season - not scoring off turnovers burned them in the first half of the season, and now errant penalties in end-of-game scenarios have completely buried them.
These are issues that the Johnson-led offense of the Lions wouldn't have, especially in 3rd and 4th down situations. With head coach Dan Campbell taking over those reins from John Morton, those issues haven't resolved themselves.
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Between a mismanagement of David Montgomery's snaps as well as a lack of help from a piecemeal offensive line, things were never going to look the same as in Johnson's heyday.
But, a complete departure has left fans feeling a bit shaken up about the team's decision-making. The hiring choices made this offseason after both Johnson and quarterbacks coach Tanner Engstrand were far too conservative for a team whose window is wide open. The Lions have to rectify this in the offseason, especially to keep pace with their old friend in Chicago.