Matt LaFleur Reacts To Jab From Bears' Ben Johnson

During his introductory press conference as Chicago's head coach, Johnson took a jab at LaFleur. "I'm gonna be quite frank with you," Johnson said. "I kind of enjoyed beating Matt LaFleur twice a year." 

The Lions went 6-6 against Green Bay during Johnson’s time in Detroit. What makes his comment odd is that he and LaFleur aren’t close—this would be understandable as friendly banter between longtime friends. 

A reporter asked Matt LaFleur about Johnson's comments during the annual owners' meeting in Florida, and he showed little interest in the remark.

"I'm sure he's playing to their fans a little bit," LaFleur said. "It is what it is. I'm not gonna lose too much sleep because of that."

While Green Bay's track record over the last decade is dominant, the most recent memory often lingers for players, coaches, and fans. In this case, Chicago sealed a victory at Lambeau Field with a last-second, game-winning field goal—a kick that, combined with the Washington Commanders' win over the Dallas Cowboys, dropped the Packers from the sixth seed to the seventh seed. 

The Bears and Packers should put on two great battles next season. Both teams have young, talented quarterbacks and sharp offensive minds who’ve been among the best in recent years. Green Bay went 1-5 against the NFC North last year, and if they want to take back the division, they’ll have to step up in these rivalry games.