New Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson admitted during his introductory press conference that one of the reasons he took the job was he “kind of enjoyed beating Matt LaFleur twice each season.”
If Johnson is going to alter the course of the Bears’ rivalry with the Packers, and live up to the fuel that he tossed on the fire on Wednesday, it’s going to be a pretty stunning turnaround.
After all, the Packers have lost to the Bears just once dating back to the 2016 season and only three times since the 2013 campaign.
Clearly, the Bears believe that Johnson’s ability to innovate on offense while helping Jared Goff develop into the NFL’s No. 2-rated passer this past season will pay immediate dividends in terms of Caleb Williams’ development and Chicago’s ability to proper utilize the weapons in place at the skill positions on offense around him.
Yet, Johnson’s shot across the bow at the Packers–and at LaFleur put a massive target on his back among Green Bay Fans, and former Packers alike, immediately.
He’s got as many wins against Matt LaFleur as Hendon Hooker.
— lemon flav (@lemonflavdabest) January 22, 2025
https://t.co/CGzRkttSAT pic.twitter.com/kWRilST2YI
— Aaron Nagler (@AaronNagler) January 22, 2025
When I was in Green Bay, the fans really never talked about the Bears like that.
But the people could not stand the Vikings lolPackers v Bears = Historical Rivalry
Packers v Vikings = Personal Rivalry https://t.co/9F38fCHSft— Will Blackmon (@WillBlackmon) January 22, 2025
“I kinda enjoyed beating Matt LaFleur twice a year.”
Good to know the Packers have real estate in the new Bears coach
Good to add some fuel. 2025 can’t come soon enough pic.twitter.com/ZPU2M92GZx
— Tapping The Keg Sports (@TappingTheKeg) January 22, 2025
a few things:
1) you simply CANNOT talk like this in your first presser based on two games. you can’t.
2) GB will beat CHI twice next season. book it.
3) I think Ben’s a little jealous of Matt LaFleur. He’s smart AND handsome, AND coaches a better team.
4) NE dodged a bullet. https://t.co/A2rauW5Gv8
— Lizzie Meschke (@lizziemeschke) January 22, 2025
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