Can Ben Johnson's Bold Words Spark a Bears Revival Against the Packers?
By Courtney Cronin & Rob Demovsky, ESPN Staff Writers
Imagine this: A first-time head coach, fresh off a stint as an assistant, steps into one of the NFL's fiercest rivalries and immediately throws down the gauntlet. That's exactly what happened when the Chicago Bears hired Ben Johnson 11 months ago. But here's where it gets controversial: Johnson didn't just target the Green Bay Packers; he singled out their head coach, Matt LaFleur, declaring he enjoyed beating him twice a year. Was this a rookie mistake, or a calculated move to ignite a struggling Bears team?
Johnson, no stranger to the NFC North after six seasons with the Detroit Lions, understood the division's intensity. At his introductory press conference, he expressed respect for the coaches and players, but then dropped the bombshell about LaFleur. It wasn't the first time a Bears coach had targeted the Packers, but the personal nature of Johnson's comment raised eyebrows.
And this is the part most people miss: The Bears haven't exactly dominated the Packers recently, boasting a dismal 1-11 record in their last 12 meetings. Johnson's words could have easily been dismissed as empty bravado. But something interesting happened. The Bears, under Johnson's leadership, have transformed. They enter this Sunday's matchup at Lambeau Field with a 9-3 record, topping the NFC standings, while the Packers sit at 8-3. This is the first time since 2001 both teams have met with winning records this late in the season, according to ESPN Research.
Could Johnson's bold statement have been the catalyst for this Bears resurgence? Former Bears guard Tom Thayer, part of the 1985 Super Bowl-winning team, believes so. He sees Johnson's words as a declaration of confidence, a line drawn in the sand, signaling a shift in the rivalry's dynamic.
The NFL world will be watching closely as these two teams clash in Week 14 (4:25 p.m. ET, Fox). It's the first of two meetings in 13 days, with major playoff implications on the line. A Bears victory would significantly boost their division title chances (64%), while a Packers win would solidify their position (71%). Despite their impressive record, the Bears are underdogs, with DraftKings Sportsbook favoring the Packers by 6.5 points.
So, will Johnson's words translate into action? Bears players seem to think so. Quarterbacks coach J.T. Barrett, who worked with Johnson in Detroit, simply stated, "We gotta have his back." Wide receiver DJ Moore, present at Johnson's introductory press conference, believes the comment wasn't random: "He said it for a reason... He really wants to beat them."
Defensive end Austin Booker echoed this sentiment, praising Johnson's "killer mindset" and the respect it inspires in the locker room.
But what about the Packers' perspective? LaFleur, initially surprised by Johnson's comment, downplayed its significance, stating he wouldn't lose sleep over it. However, members of his coaching staff, like offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich, admitted to taking it personally.
Packers quarterback Jordan Love dismissed the comment as "just words," while receiver Jayden Reed, a Chicago native, shrugged it off, saying, "You've got to put them into action."
Is this rivalry truly renewed? The Packers have dominated the series since Brett Favre's arrival in 1992, going 51-16, including playoffs. Aaron Rodgers famously taunted Bears fans with "I still own you" in 2021. LaFleur himself held an 11-0 record against the Bears until last season's finale.
This time, however, the Packers aren't taking the Bears lightly. Players like Christian Watson acknowledge the game's importance, stating, "There's a lot on the line... it's best to approach it like it's a big-time game."
*Will Johnson's bold words prove to be a turning point in this historic rivalry? Will the Bears finally back up their coach's bravado? * Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
