The Detroit Lions are in a strong position right now with a 3-1 record, and that has fans in Detroit feeling great. Up next is a Week 5 showdown with the Cincinnati Bengals, and since Joe Burrow is sidelined, that already tilts things in Detroit’s favor. No one is rooting for injuries, but realistically, it works to the Lions’ advantage.
Glancing at the NFC North picture, the Lions already beat the Chicago Bears and fell to the Green Bay Packers. The Bears are led by Ben Johnson, once Detroit’s offensive coordinator during some of the team’s best seasons in recent memory, so it was extra satisfying for Detroit to take him down this year.
Now, Johnson’s been hit with another jab. So, if you’re someone rooting for him to stumble in Chicago rather than repeating his success in Detroit, this one’s for you.
As always, NFL Week 5 power rankings are out, and Detroit sits at No. 3 in many of them. Fox Sports provided some especially striking words on the Lions and their former coordinator. In a piece from Tuesday, September 30, Ralph Vacchiano pointed out the obvious about Johnson.
“The Lions managed 34 points on a rugged Browns defense and have put up 124 total over the last three games,” Vacchiano wrote. “It sure doesn’t look like Detroit is missing ex-offensive coordinator Ben Johnson one bit.”
So, there you go. It seems pretty clear Detroit hasn’t skipped a beat without their old play-caller.
Vacchiano ranked the Philadelphia Eagles at No. 1 overall. “For a stretch in Week 3 and early in Week 4, the Eagles resembled the reigning Super Bowl champs,” he explained. “But after Jalen Hurts went 0-for-8 against Tampa Bay and the offense posted minus-1 yards in the second half, I question how long they’ll stay there.”
Each week, more analysts seem to be recognizing the Lions as legitimate contenders. In the newest Week 5 rankings, released Tuesday, September 30, Eric Edholm also slotted Detroit at No. 3.
“Detroit wasn’t lighting it up offensively versus Cleveland, but nobody has all season,” Edholm observed. “Still, that’s the second time in four weeks their offense has been held somewhat in check, even though they’ve avoided turnovers. Five offensive penalties were unusual, and the Lions are still trying to build consistency between Jared Goff and Jameson Williams.”
Will the Lions crush the Bengals on Sunday? Share your game picks with me. The Lions won’t get their bye until Week 8, so ideally, they can stack more wins before taking a break.
