Ben Johnson just gave Lions fans another reason to despise him
After the Detroit Lions lost to the Washington Commanders in last year's playoffs, offensive coordinator Ben Johnson pretty quickly left to become the head coach of the Chicago Bears. With how that loss went, a strong section Lions' fans leaned into the idea Johnson's focus was elsewhere when it shouldn't have been.
Leaving to become the head coach of a division rival adds a significant layer to how Lions fans feel about Johnson. Add in what he said upon arriving at Halas Hall, and Bears' defensive coordinator Dennis Allen later revealing when Johnson first contacted him about possibly being on his coaching staff, and Lions' fans have plenty of fuel for their disdain won't ever be assuaged just by their team beating Johnson's new team.
The Lions' offense did plenty well enough in that playoff loss to the Commanders, but five turnovers was the ultimate undoing.
One play from the playoff loss to Washington that drew particular ire ire from Lions fans was a trick play where wide receiver Jameson Williams threw a pass.
A costly interception followed, when the Lions were trailing by 10 and in striking distance.
Johnson’s creativity as a play caller is generally appreciated. But occasionally straying from simple things, and instead digging into his creative bag, was a point of critique at times when he was the Lions’ offensive coordinator.
Ben Johnson invites more ire from Lions’ fans
Johnson’s Bears are taking on the Commanders in Week 6. So the last time he faced them came up during his session with the media on Wednesday.
“Yeah, I think when I look back at that game there were, we had a lot of turnovers”, Johnson said.
“I felt like within that setting, that as good as that (Commanders) offense was clicking, you know, you feel a little bit of pressure on offense to go score for score and you don't want to fall behind by two scores against a good team like that," Johnson said. "So, might have been a little bit more aggressive with the play calls and got away from the game plan a little bit based on how that game went.”
“End of the day, you take care of the football, that game maybe goes a different direction.”
A segment of fans though Johnson wouldn’t leave the Lions until they won a Super Bowl, even if that was never a logical reason for him to continue to brush off head coaching opportunities. Then when he did leave, he went to a division rival.
Now, Johnson has acknowledged mistakes he made in his final game as Lions offensive coordinator. If fans needed any more fuel to their hatred fire, they have it now.
Colts Predicted to Add Physical Defender in 2026 NFL Draft
With this Indianapolis Colts team looking dangerous, they probably won't be drafting early in 2026. But that’s not going to stop Chris Ballard from doing what he does best — hunting value.
As the season progresses, mock drafts for the 2026 NFL Draft are starting to roll out — and a clear trend is emerging. One that Colts fans have been eyeing for quite some time.
CBS Sports analyst Ryan Wilson’s latest mock draft has Indianapolis focusing on improving the depleted secondary with their 2026 first-round pick. A move that makes perfect sense.
Wilson has the Colts selecting Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy with the 23rd overall pick.
McCoy, a 6’0”, 193-pound junior, was one of college football’s most physical corners before suffering a torn ACL in January of 2025. Even with that injury, he is still viewed as one of the top defensive backs in the nation.
Wilson has McCoy ranked as his number one cornerback prospect and sixth overall player on his big board for the 2026 NFL Draft.
McCoy's the kind of corner you can leave on an island and let him work against WR1s. He plays with swagger, attacks the ball in the air, and doesn’t shy from run support.
And McCoy’s production backs up the tape. Before his ACL injury in January, he posted an 89.6 PFF coverage grade, the second-highest among Power Four cornerbacks for the 2024 season.
He also earned a near-perfect 99.9 PFF Game Athleticism Score, showcasing elite movement and fluidity in coverage.
Opposing quarterbacks recorded just a 53.6 passer rating when targeting him, and he tied for second among Power Four corners with four interceptions and nine pass breakups.
Drafting McCoy would immediately strengthen this secondary, and given the injury, there’s a real chance he slips to No. 23 — the kind of value Ballard is always hunting.
There are other names that make sense for Indy depending on how the board shakes out, including Mansoor Delane (LSU), a senior corner with physical tools and polish. Colton Hood (Tennessee) also stands out as a versatile defensive back who can play inside or outside.
Beyond those two, Avieon Terrell (Clemson) brings elite short-area quickness and fluid movement, while A.J. Harris (Penn State) fits the Colts’ mold with length and athleticism.
Each pick would add needed depth and upside to a secondary still searching for stability.
If the Colts can land a player like McCoy — or any of the top corners in this class — it would mark another step in solidifying one of the AFC’s fastest-rising defenses.
With the offense already clicking, a strengthened secondary could be what pushes Indianapolis from playoff contender to legitimate Super Bowl threat.
