New Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson met with the media Friday morning for the first time during training camp. The offense Johnson is installing should be fun to watch, and it has the potential to be pretty explosive through the air and on the ground.
Here are my five biggest takeaways from Johnson's media session:
1. It's been evident through the first nine practices of training camp that quarterback Jared Goff is in a pretty good place running Johnson's offense. Goff has had a really strong start to camp. Asked about Goff, Johnson said he's really tried to put Goff in tough situations and make him uncomfortable, but Goff's got such a handle on this offense that it's been hard for Johnson to get Goff uncomfortable.
"It's been a challenge to rattle him," Johnson said. "We've thrown some new concepts at him that we didn't even do in the springtime, and he's handled it really well. He has done a really nice job just staying steady, and he is focused. I'm really proud of where he's at after a week and a half."
2. Veteran wide receiver DJ Chark is best known for being a big time deep threat with his size and speed combination. Chark's certainly been making a lot of plays down the field for the Lions through the first week and a half of camp, but his game is also evolving to be more than that. Chark is a good route runner, he's got great hands, and he can make catches in traffic. Johnson is utilizing those skills throughout the entire route tree.
Johnson said Chark comments to him almost daily how he was never asked to do some of the things Johnson's asking him to do here in Detroit in his previous stop in Jacksonville. Johnson said he's really happy where Chark is at right now.
3. Rookie tight end James Mitchell is back on the field and taking part in team reps after missing the offseason program and starting camp working off to the side as he rehabbed a knee injury from college.
Johnson described Mitchell as being quite different than most rookies he's encountered in terms of his ability to learn and retain information. Johnson said it's really separated Mitchell from other rookies he's been around. Now it's about ramping up Mitchell's reps in practice and seeing the physical part of his game. Mitchell seems to be very much in the competition for one of the backup jobs at tight end behind T.J. Hockenson.
View photos from Day 8 of Detroit Lions training camp on Thursday August 4, 2022.
Detroit Lions running back D'Andre Swift (32) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell (58) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tight end T.J. Hockenson (88) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Jeff Okudah (1) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow (77) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Michael Brockers (90) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Jamaal Williams (30) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions safety Tracy Walker (21) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Josh Reynolds (8) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Troy Weaver and Detroit Lions General Manager and Executive Vice President Brad Holmes during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver DJ Chark (4) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Alim McNeill (54) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions Special Assistant to Chairman and President & CEO Chris Spielman during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond (11) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions kicker Riley Patterson (6) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tom Kennedy (85) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions safety Ifeatu Melifonwu (26) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (46) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions Defensive Line Coach Todd Wash during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Demetrius Taylor (62) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (46) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions safety JuJu Hughes (33) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions Defensive Backs Coach/Pass Game Coordinator Aubrey Pleasant during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions safety Brady Breeze (15) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions safety Ifeatu Melifonwu (26) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Cedric Boswell (35) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions Defensive Backs Coach/Pass Game Coordinator Aubrey Pleasant during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver DJ Chark (4) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback AJ Parker (41) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson and Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Trinity Benson (17) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions quarterback David Blough (10) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tight end T.J. Hockenson (88) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez (44) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Chase Lucas (36), Detroit Lions cornerback Saivion Smith (19), and Detroit Lions cornerback Jeff Okudah (1) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tackle Dan Skipper (70) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Trinity Benson (17) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions Assistant Head Coach/Running Backs Coach Duce Staley during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Josh Reynolds (8) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions Special Teams Coordinator Dave Fipp during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson (97) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Trinity Benson (17) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions safety Brady Breeze (15) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions Special Assistant Don Muhlbach during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback AJ Parker (41) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions quarterback Tim Boyle (12) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman John Cominsky (79) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson (97) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions punter Jack Fox (3) and Detroit Lions kicker Riley Patterson (6) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Jamaal Williams (30) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (31) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions punter Jack Fox (3) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) and Detroit Lions running back Jamaal Williams (30) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow (77) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tom Kennedy (85) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalil Pimpleton (83) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback AJ Parker (41) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs (98) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Maurice Alexander (15) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Cedric Boswell (35) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions quarterback David Blough (10) and Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (46) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Jermar Jefferson (28) and Detroit Lions running back Godwin Igwebuike (35) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) and Detroit Lions running back Jamaal Williams (30) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson (97) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions quarterback David Blough (10) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond (11) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions safety Brady Breeze (15) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions Assistant Head Coach/Running Backs Coach Duce Staley and Detroit Lions running back Jamaal Williams (30) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson (97) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Trinity Benson (17) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions safety JuJu Hughes (33) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson (97) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 4, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
4. How much of Johnson's offense has been installed so far?
Johnson didn't put a percentage on it, but said a good foundation has been laid. He and the offensive coaches chart all the mental mistakes throughout the course of practice. As more plays are installed, naturally the more mental mistakes there are. There's a balance that has to go on there, according to Johnson. He doesn't want to put too much on the players' plates where the mental mistakes ramp up. Once the mental mistakes go down, that's Johnson's cue to push a little bit more on them.
This time of year isn't all about just learning scheme, either. The coaches are also evaluating players and what they can potentially do in this offense. There has to be a good balance of scheme instillation and evaluation, and that's where Johnson said this offense is right now.
5. Special. That's the word Johnson used to describe second-year wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. Johnson said St. Brown is on a mission right now to improve on the things that he and St. Brown identified in the spring as areas where he could grow and improve his game. One of those areas of improvement was being a better run-after-catch threat. Johnson said he could really see St. Brown has taken that aspect of improving his game to heart and it's translating to the practice field.
