Why timing of Ben Johnson interview was so important for Falcons

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Amid the Falcons‘ busy weekend of interviewing candidates, there was a very important candidate who got his first one in at a very important moment. After a thrilling Lions victory in the divisional round, Ben Johnson completed a virtual interview before the midnight mark.

Detroit is going back to the NFC Championship for the first time since 1991 behind a 391-yard day from the Lions offense and 31-23 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The reason why it was so important to get it in before the clock struck midnight was for the potential second interview with Johnson during the bye week between the conference title games and Super Bowl LVIII, if the Lions beat the 49ers.

Keeping your options open if you’re the Falcons is incredibly important and getting face time with one of the hottest candidates in the hiring cycle is never a bad thing.

Ben Johnson has been heralded for his impact in Detroit, reviving Jared Goff‘s career, utilizing the Lions skill group, and propelling the club back to the NFCCG. The resemblance between the Falcons and Lions is uncanny, making Johnson extremely attractive if you’re a fan.

Both teams have a pair of similarly skilled running backs — David Montgomery, Jamhyr Gibbs and Tyler Allgeier, Bijan Robinson — and both have a pair of exciting young pass catchers — Sam La Porta, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Kyle Pitts, Drake London.

The Lions and Falcons have solid, above average offensive lines, and the hope is someone like Ben Johnson could unlock the potential in Atlanta. Obviously, Jared Goff isn’t following Johnson from Detroit, but the fact of the matter is whoever is hired will be tasked with figuring out the quarterback position.

Photographer: Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire

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