The Detroit Lions are set to have an offseason of change as they look to find answers as their season came crashing down. They shockingly lost to the Washington Commanders after a great regular season and securing the No. 1 seed for the first time in franchise history.
Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson and Defensive Coordinator Aaron Glenn are hot names on the head coaching carousel thanks to great seasons with the Detroit Lions. Unfortunately, neither of these coordinators had their finest hour against the Commanders in the NFC Divisional Round. Will last night’s performance impact Glenn and Johnson’s coaching prospects?
Detroit Lions Falter At the Worst Time
Detroit did nothing right in last night’s loss to the Washington Commanders. Quarterback Jared Goff had one of his worst games of the season finishing with a touchdown and three interceptions. He was never able to find his footing and Johnson could not find the right balance to settle his star quarterback. Detroit committed five turnovers in the game. It was a recipe for disaster.
Johnson is known for calling trick plays at the drop of a hat, and it came back to bite him against Washington. He tried to fool the defense and Wide Receiver Jameson Williams threw an interception on an ill-advised throw. That play was a microcosm of a terrible game for the Detroit Lions.
Even though Detroit’s offense was terrible, Glenn’s defense may have been worse. Quarterback Jayden Daniels sliced and diced the defense all game. He finished 22-of-31 with 299 passing yards and 2 passing touchdowns. He played nearly perfect football as the Detroit Lions unraveled. Detroit’s defense has been injury-plagued all year, and the lack of talent was on full display. Glenn held the defense together as well as he could, but their performance to end the season will leave a sour taste for everyone associated with the loss.
Final Thoughts
While Glenn and Johnson should be head coaches in 2025, last night’s performance did not cloak either one in glory. Johnson oversaw a miserable offensive performance against a middling defense, and Glenn got outcoached on the defensive side of the ball. Glenn’s performance was worse because it was his second consecutive playoff game where the defense played below expectations.
The Detroit Lions coughed up a lead to the San Francisco 49ers in last year’s NFC Championship Game due to the defense surrendering 27 points in the second half. Johnson’s defense did not fare much better scoring seven points in the second half. Last night’s debacle should be a learning experience for Johnson and Glenn as the Detroit Lions gear up to possibly replace two of the best coaches on their team.
