Jared Goff Texted Ben Johnson about St. Brown Having 'Huge Year'

The quarterback and wide receiver excelled last year in Johnson's system.

Jared Goff and Amon-Ra St. Brown of the Detroit Lions have one of the league's most consistent connections. The two linked up on 106 completions last year, surpassing the 1,000-yard mark. 

A key factor in the relationship they have is offensive coordinator Ben Johnson's scheme. The system allows both players to play to their strengths. 

Following a throwing session in California earlier this offseason, Johnson said he received a text message from Goff. 

"St. Brown. Huge year," the message read. 

"He doesn't need any more chips on his shoulder. Don't need to motivate him to much. ... Saint has attacked this offseason probably like he's attacked every offseason and the experience he has under his belt, two years in the NFL, going into the second year in this offense," Johnson recalled Wednesday. "He has a great understanding of where he needs to be, when that ball's gonna be there. Hopefully we can take that into the season." 

LaPorta earns first-team reps

Rookie tight end Sam LaPorta has impressed early and often throughout his brief time as a pro. Beginning with rookie minicamp, he routinely has wowed with his athleticism and receiving ability. 

Time will tell if the Iowa product starts in his NFL debut, but he has impressed the coaches enough to earn reps with Detroit's starting offense just days into training camp. 

"As a coaching staff, we're very much, you need to earn your stripes," Johnson explained. "So you saw in the spring time, he got minimal work with the first time. He's earned the right now to be in that first team huddle with Jared and the offensive line. He's proven that over the course of the spring time and the work that he's put in."

The rookie must clear the next hurdle when the team begins practicing in pads later in the week. 

"Encouraged with where he's going, he's still making mistakes, he's still learning," the coordinator noted. "We are putting a lot of pressure on him to pick it up but I think he's in a really good spot for a first-year tight end." 

Notes

1.) Johnson noted that Mark Brunell sent him a Pro Football Focus article that ranked him as the NFL's best offensive coordinator. 

2.) He always has high expectations for himself, sharing that he puts his focus on players winning games. 

3.) As with LaPorta, rookie wide receiver Antoine Green has impressed enough early in camp to earn more reps.