Lions fans call out Ben Johnson as Jameson Williams trick play proves costly for Detroit: "Unnecessary and unacceptable" 

NFL: Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears - Source: Imagn
Lions fans call out Ben Johnson as Jameson Williams trick play proves costly for Detroit: "Unnecessary and unacceptable" - Source: Imagn

The Detroit Lions were the heavy favorites to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl but they fell at their first hurdle in the playoffs, as the Washington Commanders rolled into Ford Field and beat them 45-31 to advance to the NFC Championship Game.

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The home team's offense, which has been indomitable all season long, picked the worst game to have one of their worst performances of the year. Quarterback Jared Goff had a bad night as he threw three interceptions, including a pick-six, costing his team a trip to the conference championship game.

As poor as the veteran was, the Lions were still in the game until the fourth quarter and looked set to cut the Commanders' lead to three early in the final period. However, offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, whose limitless bag of trick plays has earned the admiration of fans and analysts alike, tried to catch Washington's defense off-guard with a deep pass from wide receiver Jameson Williams.

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However, cornerback Mike Sainristil was alert and managed to pick off the pass and put the ball back in quarterback Jayden Daniels' hands, who led the offense on a game-sealing touchdown drive.

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Johnson's decision to call a trick play at that moment irked Lions fans, who voiced their frustration on social media:

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"THEY HAD TO KEEP DOING TRICK PLAYS LOL," one fan said.

Some fans claimed that his as well as defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn's playcalling wasn't as sharp throughout the night because they didn't prepare well due to the slew of interviews during the Lions' bye week:

"Ben Johnson & Aaron Glenn were too busy taking interviews. F**king a**holes were beyond unprepared for this game," opined @umichwolverine1.
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"This is exactly why coordinators shouldn’t be allowed to interview during the playoffs. During the biggest game of the season Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn are having their worst games," remarked @gracesporttakes.
"Ben Johnson & Aaron Glenn calling the worst games. They distracted with all these interviews. the Lions really a cursed a*s franchise," believes @easymoneyAT.
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Ben Johnson landing spot: Where will Lions OC land?

The loss to the Commanders is expected to be Ben Johnson's last game as the Lions' offensive coordinator. The 38-year-old is the most coveted head coach prospect and is on nearly every team's wishlist.

He has already interviewed for the head coaching vacancy at the New England Patriots — who have since hired Mike Vrabel — Chicago Bears, Las Vegas Raiders, and Jacksonville Jaguars. The Raiders are touted as the frontrunner to land Johnson, with Tom Brady reportedly playing a key role in helping the franchise land the highly-rated coach.

It remains to be seen where he winds up. However, his time with the Lions has likely ended.

Detroit Lions Fans! Check out the latest Lions Schedule and dive into the Detroit Lions Depth Chart for NFL Season 2024-25.

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Edited by John Maxwell
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