Lions’ Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson Explains Hendon Hooker’s Limited Passing Opportunities
Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator Ben Johnson recently addressed the media, explaining why rookie quarterback Hendon Hooker doesn’t throw the ball as often when he enters games.
As one of the team’s most anticipated draft picks, Hooker, who was selected in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, has shown flashes of his talent but has not yet been given the chance to showcase his full arm strength and playmaking ability.
Johnson started by emphasizing the overall offensive strategy that the Lions have employed this season. The Lions’ offensive system is designed to balance the run and the pass effectively, and when Hooker has taken the field, the team’s primary focus has been on controlling the game with their running game.
“When Hendon has been on the field, we’ve been in situations where we wanted to protect leads or establish a strong ground game,” Johnson explained.
“We trust our running backs and offensive line to control the clock and keep the defense on its heels, which doesn’t always involve a heavy passing game.”
Hooker, who spent several years at the University of Tennessee running a high-powered, pass-heavy offense, was known for his deep throws and mobility in the pocket. However, Johnson’s plan for him thus far has been more conservative, as Hooker adjusts to the speed and complexity of the NFL.
The Lions have used Hooker sparingly in relief of Jared Goff, often in scenarios where the team is ahead or in manageable game situations. Johnson noted that Hooker’s role in these situations is primarily to get acclimated to the NFL game without putting undue pressure on him.
“We’re trying to bring him along slowly,” said Johnson. “We don’t want to put him in situations where he’s forced to win games immediately.
We’ve seen what he can do in college, and we’re excited about his future, but for now, we want to make sure we’re putting him in positions where he can build confidence.”
Furthermore, Johnson mentioned that the Lions’ offense, which thrives on play-action passes and creative schemes, may not yet be fully tailored to Hooker’s strengths. “It’s a process,” Johnson continued.
“We’ve got a lot of trust in Hendon’s arm and his mobility. But as we go forward, we’ll keep adding more to his plate. For now, it’s about getting him comfortable and giving him opportunities in the right situations.”
While Hendon Hooker’s passing attempts have been limited, Johnson’s approach reflects a long-term vision for the young quarterback’s development.
Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Hooker’s role evolves in the coming seasons as the Lions continue to build on their offensive success.