Rumor: Ben Johnson Being Hired by Raiders Building Momentum

Is Ben Johnson auditioning for Tom Brady this weekend?
Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson talks with fans on the sidelines during pregame warmups
Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson talks with fans on the sidelines during pregame warmups / Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
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The Detroit Lions and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson are in quite the unique position this weekend.

Detroit's talented play-caller is one of the most coveted coaching candidates in the NFL.

Tom Brady is now a Fox television broadcaster, while also being a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders.

Brady is scheduled to be on the broadcast this weekend, and Johnson recently completed a virtual interview with the Raiders over this past weekend.

Johnson indicated he was not aware of any rules that would limit how many times he would talk to Brady.

“I know nothing of that nature. I met him the Packers game on the field, I saw him for a second in pregame," said Johnson. "That’s the first time I’m ever met him. And that’s it.” 

Johnson was interviewed last season for opportunities, and even took his name off the list to be considered for the Commanders vacancy.

“This go-around, I just, I’ve been a lot more prepared for the types of questions that they’ve been asking," said Johnson. "I’ve also changed my frame of mind a little bit. Instead of worrying solely about the offense and what we’re doing right here, I’ve had offseason and summers to think about big-picture view, what a program would look like where I’m running it. In that way, I’m a lot more prepared for the questions that come my way, and I’m much more comfortable answering them.” 

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Raiders reporter Vincent Bonsignore, who is the host of 'In the Huddle' on Raider Nation Radio and an NFL Insider for LA's AM 570 Sports, posted on social media, "A lot of momentum building for Ben Johnson and @Raiders."

Washington's defense building momentum

Though the Washington Commanders' defense has struggled to defend the run throughout the season, the Lions are not taking the task that their offense faces lightly.

There's plenty of talent on Washington's defense, headlined by six-time All-Pro linebacker Bobby Wagner. With talented cornerbacks and defensive linemen, the Commanders are capable of limiting the Lions' high-powered offense.

"What stands out when you turn on the tape (is) they all pursue, they all tackle, they rally around the ball-carrier. They play balls to the wall every single snap," Johnson said. "And, that's really sort of the first thing that you see. And so talent wise, they got guys all across the board. A lot's been said about the defensive tackles. I'd say their EDGE players are equally as disruptive here this year.

"I've got a lot of respect for what (defensive end Dante) Fowler has been putting on tape," Johnson continued. "The two linebackers are flying around, and they're very challenging to pick up in pass pro. And then on the back end, they’re competing. And today's third-down day, you see a lot of man coverage coming up and challenging, much like what we saw from our defense in training camp."


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John Maakaron
JOHN MAAKARON

John Maakaron has covered Detroit Sports since 2013. Brings a vast array of experience covering the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, Michigan Wolverines, Michigan State Spartans, Detroit Mercy Titans, and Oakland University Golden Grizzlies. John brings a wealth of sports broadcast experience. In 2013, John had the vision to establish the Detroit Sports Podcast Network. Has recorded over 3000 podcasts analyzing Detroit Sports. In 2019, Sports Illustrated Media Group, a historical sports media outlet, partnered with Detroit Sports Podcast to provide daily Lions content for their growing and expanding digital media outlet. Our Lions content can also be read in the newspaper at The Oakland  Passionate about Detroit Sports and it is reflected in his coverage of the local teams!