
Somehow the Chicago Bears-Green Bay Packers just got more intense.
On Tuesday, the Chicago Bears introduced Ben Johnson as their head coach and during his press conference, the former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator discussed staying in the NFC North, then took a dig at the Green Bay Packers and their head coach Matt LaFleur.
“I wanted to stay in this division. It’s the toughest division in football right now,” Johnson said. He added, “I kind of enjoyed beating Matt LaFleur twice this year.”
Johnson hits the ground running as the Bears head coach and gives the Packers some bulletin board material. With Johnson running their offense, the Lions beat the Packers 24–14 on Nov. 3 and 34–31 in on Dec. 5.
Detroit had a prolific offense under Johnson in 2024. The Lions finished second in the NFL in total offense, averaging 409.5 yards per game, and scored a league-high 70 touchdowns. They were second in passing offense (263.2 yards per game) and sixth in rushing offense (146.4 yards per game). The Bears hope he can import that kind of success while developing franchise quarterback Caleb Williams.
I already can’t wait for the first Bears-Packers game in 2025.