Sunday’s game for the Lions against the Chicago Bears was one that was circled by many for obvious reasons. It was Ben Johnson’s first game back in Detroit since becoming head coach of the Bears back in January. It was not exactly a welcome back as the Lions thrashed the Bears, 52-21.
While many in the media touted this as a revenge game for the Lions, some players didn’t exactly see it that way. They still have all the respect in the world for their former offensive coordinator.
However, some did view this game in that sense.
There was still very much motivation to win the game for a number of reasons, but as safety Brian Branch said, the team still loves Johnson as if he was still one of their own, but at the same time, felt a bit betrayed.
”We knew coming into this game that this is personal — really, all these games are personal,” Branch said. “But this one was just, we’d felt like we’d been betrayed from the staff to the players. And Ben, we still love Ben. He’s a great coach, he’s a great mastermind, but yeah, it was time to get after him.”
Quarterback Jared Goff, who threw five touchdown passes in the win, didn’t care to comment when asked to reflect on comments that he can’t operate with Johnson or Rams head coach Sean McVay.
“All it takes is one game, huh? Nothing to say about that,” Goff said. We had a good day today. We’d have to have a really long press conference if you want me to talk about that. We played a great game and I felt great out there today.”
The Lions had over 500 yards of offense in the win, including 334 in the air and 177 on the ground.
There was one aspect about Johnson that Goff was not happy with, and it had nothing to do with Johnson himself. The fans started chanting “(expletive) Ben Johnson” and Goff took exception to that.
”Yeah, I didn’t like that,” Goff said. “I thought that was — he did a lot for us here and I don’t know if he deserved that.”
In the end, the Lions got the win, one that was much-needed after the lackluster showing in Green Bay in Week 1. The Johnson part was an added bonus.
The Lions will see Johnson and the Bears again in Chicago in Week 18. Revenge will very much be on Johnson’s and the Bears’ mind in early January.
This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Lions players show restraint in commenting on beating Ben Johnson
Reporting by Billy Riccette, Lions Wire / Lions Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
