The Commanders get the last laugh over Ben Johnson with their improbable playoff win vs. the Lions
Against tremendous odds, the Washington Commanders went on the road and took down the top seed in the NFC with a dominating 45-31 win over the Detroit Lions. Most importantly, they punched their ticket to the NFC Championship, but whether they will ever admit it or not, it's gotta feel nice getting the last laugh over Lions offensive […]
Against tremendous odds, the Washington Commanders went on the road and took down the top seed in the NFC with a dominating 45-31 win over the Detroit Lions.
Most importantly, they punched their ticket to the NFC Championship, but whether they will ever admit it or not, it's gotta feel nice getting the last laugh over Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
This past offseason was crucial for the Commanders, with the three most key positions needing to be replaced after the 2023 season. They needed to hire a new general manager and head coach and were in a prime position to select a rookie quarterback with the second pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. They ended the offseason by hiring Adam Peters and Dan Quinn and drafting Jayden Daniels.
After year one, they not only made the playoffs but are now heading to the conference championship. So, it's safe to say the early return on their offseason investments is through the roof. Before the team landed on Quinn as their head coach, Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson was viewed as a prime candidate for the job. We will never know if they would have offered him the job because Johnson pulled his name out of the running, and to say his timing was poor would be an understatement.
The Commanders found out Johnson was withdrawing his name from the running for the position while they were in the air flying to Detroit to interview him and Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. Johnson had every right to withdraw his name, but once the flight took off, he probably should have waited until they landed and told them during his scheduled interview.
Only the Commanders' brass knows whether he would have gotten the job. But anytime you have the chance to get the last laugh over someone who rejected you or, in this case, made them look foolish, it's a sweet feeling. The Commanders not only ended Johnson and the Lions' season, but they forced five turnovers against Johnson's highly respected offense.
Ultimately, I'd say the Commanders are happy with how things turned out with Dan Quinn as their head coach. Johnson could very well end up being a fantastic head coach wherever he lands, but the Commanders might have spoiled his final game with the Lions. So, in the dramatic saga between Ben Johnson and the Commanders, the Commanders got the last laugh, which has to feel good for the fan base.