'It's a Big Deal': Ben Johnson Addresses Problem Offensively

Lions understand their execution following halftime must improve.

Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson acknowledged the offense is aware of their struggles executing coming out of halftime. 

There has been a falloff in terms of productivity in the first and second halves of games throughout the first four weeks of the 2023 season. 

Detroit has scored 16 fewer total points (45) in the second half than their total scored in the first half. 

"There is a plenty of data. It's a big deal, because it was a problem last year," said Johnson. "It's one that we haven't been able to fix yet. We are certainly aware of it as a coaching staff. The players are aware of it. And so, it's something that we're looking to improve. There's a number of ways we're tackling that right now. 

"I said this last year when we had a turnover problem early in the season. Just the awareness of the problem is the first step to correcting the problem," Johnson continued. "And so we cleaned up our turnovers in the second half of the year and that was part of just drawing their attention to how important that is. Same thing, I think is the starting point for this is. 'Hey guys, this isn't good enough. This is not what we're capable of.' As long as they are understanding of what we're trying to get done, I think we'll see improvement. And then there's some things as a coaching staff, we can do a little better, as well.

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Plays for Jameson Williams 

Should the speedy wideout be active for the game against the Panthers, he will have certain plays dedicated for him, just as all the other active wideouts on the roster during game days.  

"Whoever we have up on game day, we have plays for. They have a role," said Johnson. "Some guys more than others. But every week, we are intentional about getting everyone involved and doing things that they're capable of doing. Whether the play gets called or whether the coverage dictates the ball going to them, that's a different story. But, here's what I'll say about JAMO -- if he's active this week, then he will have plays in for him this week. It's like that with all of our skill guys."