Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images

Chicago Bears’ Ben Johnson fires early salvo at Packers

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Matt Lombardo | Last updated Jan 22, 2025 12:46 PM ET

Ben Johnson knows a thing or two about beating the Green Bay Packers, and the new Chicago Bears head coach wasted little time reminding Matt LaFleur of that fact.

Johnson had a clear message for LaFleur during his introductory press conference on Wednesday.

“I kind of enjoyed beating Matt LaFleur twice a year,” Johnson told reporters.

This past season, when Johnson was the Lions’ offensive coordinator, Detroit swept the Packers by a combined score of 58-44 against the bitter NFC North rivals.

Ben Johnson arrives as Bears head coach with plenty of familiarity with the NFC North

It was evident immediately, with Johnson’s one-liner aimed squarely at LaFleur and the Packers that Johnson understands the mentality and the rivalries in the NFC North.

And, given the reporting from Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer this week that the Bears have been Johnson’s preferred destination dating back to 2023, he’s looking forward to continue his domination over the Packers.

Dating back to the 2022 campaign, the Lions own a 6-1 record over the Packers, and Johnson seems intent on instilling confidence in his new team that they can replicate that success.

By contrast, removing Chicago’s Week 18 win over Green Bay in which the Packers were without quarterback Jordan Love for most of the contest, the Bears have managed just one win over Green Bay dating back to the 2016 season.

If Johnson is able to quickly turn the Bears around, and maximize quarterback Caleb Williams in an offense loaded with dynamic playmakers, perhaps Chicago will flip the script on the Packers pretty quickly.