One of the most noteworthy statements Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson made during his introductory press conference – that he enjoyed beating Green Bay Packers HC Matt LaFleur twice a year with the Detroit Lions – came back to bite him.
Afterward, LaFleur made it clear how he feels about Johnson.
Moreover, the leader of the Bears’ most-hated rival set a fitting stage for the two teams’ next meeting, which is just two weeks away.
Packers’ Matt LaFleur Gets Honest About Bears’ Ben Johnson
Ben Johnson Loses 1st Bears-Packers Matchup vs Matt LaFleur
Johnson is in his first season with the Bears. LaFleur, now in Year 7 with the Packers, has faced three different Bears head coaches during his tenure.
Johnson is the latest in a line with Matt Eberflus and, before him, Matt Nagy. LaFleur is 12-1 all-time against the Bears, with the lone loss coming in Week 18 last season, as his Packers pulled their starters early amid injuries in preparation for the postseason.
After his latest victory, LaFleur spoke candidly about Johnson.
“I mean, he said what he said, and it is what it is,” LaFleur said after the game, per Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer on December 8. “To me, it’s always about our players and our teams playing against each other. Ben does a hell of a job. I got a lot of respect for him as a coach, and they got a good team. They got good players, and it was evident tonight. We had a chance to kind of get out ahead of them in the second half, and they continued to battle and fight.
“I mean, shoot, it’s always a couple plays here and there, that’s the difference. Luckily, we made two plays at the end of the game.”
Johnson also commended his team for getting themselves back into the fray after falling behind 14-3 at halftime. However, LaFleur’s note about the games hinging on their players and teams facing off is fitting.
Packers Took Ben Johnson’s Comments Personally
Multiple Packers players (and offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich) noted Johnson’s remarks. Outside linebacker Micah Parsons (who played very well) vaguely alluded to respect pregame, though he never made it clear if he was referring to the comments or something else.
Packers quarterback Jordan Love noted that the Bears were in first place in the division and conference, also ahead of the game. The win notably gave the Packers the top spot in the NFC North.
None of this is to suggest the Bears did not take the meeting personally.
It is to say that the Packers openly did. Even still, it took mistakes by the Bears for the final result to occur, which is certainly something Johnson and Co. can learn from for the rematch in Week 16.