What was Ben’s record as a Lion? I mean, if we’re going to do it that way. Ben had 3 winning seasons out of 7. 4 of the losing seasons had less than 5 wins.
Franks retirement and the injuries on defense had more to do with the losses than not having Ben.
Goff still threw for over 4,000 yards. We still had a winning record.
We didn’t have a healthy defense. Same thing killed us in 24, only, add the Oline turmoil. If you think Ben would have been any better, you need to put down the pipe.
You need players! You can cover for a few injured starters. You can’t cover half of the starters being on IR. The Oline had a washed up Guard playing Center, 2 rookie Guards, and, a beat up Decker.
Agreed, which is exactly what will doom them come playoff time. I have no doubt their offense (assuming no significant injuries to key players) will outscore many teams during the regular season, but they aren’t going to the Bowl with that defense. Similar to us. I trust our offense will continue to grow and be able to outscore many teams, but if the defense doesn’t improve, we’re f’d.
My point being, I don’t care how good Ben and that offense are or will be, you can’t have an awful defense and compete for championships.
I do think the defense keeps us from being SB contenders as is. I’m not advocating adding a big name player, but I am advocating for changes to be made there. If we come out of the bye and this defense is still performing at a bottom 10 level, I hope he gets fired. He’s not going to be around next year anyway if we aren’t legit SB contenders due to the defense being bad.
I think we all know the offense is plenty good enough to compete for a SB with just an average defense.
I would not underestimate the loss of Ben. I know he gets all the recognition for the trick plays and gadgets but it all starts with a power run game that needs 2 alternating RBs. His run game designs and attention to detail is what we had and Chicago now has. And yes he has made it work with some less than steller O-Lines.
Ben left and is still winning with arguably an inferior roster. If we could do it all over again DCs ass should be shipped out of town. I think things will turn around and we should end up having a great regular season, but if it doesn’t and DC can’t win big with one of the easiest schedules in the league, then we seriously need to consider cutting bait because we’ve clearly topped out with him.
He is a run game savant with a terrific OL outside of Center. In week 1 the center downgrade was of little consequence. We’ll see if that carries forward.
You’re right. My half assed attempt at a joke aside, the Bears are solid on offense. Defense is not very good, but their offense can and will carry them. If I’m being realistic (assuming the season goes down to the end and nobody is resting starters, etc. at the end when we play), 1-1 is probably more likely. I’m interested to see how the Vikings do against them this weekend, although Ben has been able to successfully navigate Flores defenses in the past. If I take my Lions colored glasses off, a 4-2 record would be very good in the North this year. None of the teams are weak, not even the FTP. When they get Parsons back, they’ll be just fine.
Also reality… We lost two coordinators, and several assistance… And the best center in the game magically retired… And the best Safety duo in the league disappeared… None of that stuff should count, though… Dan sucks😂
The offense wasn’t as good but still was top 5 in the NFL. Defense fell apart and we had to score over 33 points to get a win or some shit last year. Yea we need Ben Johnson….
I think things will turn around and we should end up having a great regular season, but if it doesn’t and DC can’t win big with one of the easiest schedules in the league, then we seriously need to consider cutting bait because we’ve clearly topped out with him.