Bears Coach Ben Johnson Stokes Packers Rivalry: 'I Enjoyed Beating Matt LaFleur'

The NFL’s oldest rivalry just got a fresh injection of animosity.

New Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson, speaking at his Wednesday press conference, didn’t mince words when asked about facing the Green Bay Packers for the first time as a head coach. The comment has sent shockwaves through the NFC North and given Bears fans a reason to believe their team finally has a leader willing to match the Packers’ swagger.

“I enjoyed beating Matt LaFleur twice a year,” Johnson said, referencing his time as offensive coordinator with the Detroit Lions. “I don’t see any reason that should change now that I’m in Chicago.”

The remark landed like a thunderbolt in a rivalry that has often felt one-sided over the past decade. Green Bay has dominated the series in recent years, going 19-3 against Chicago since the 2013 regular-season finale. For long-suffering Bears fans who have watched quarterback after quarterback fail to solve the Packers defense, Johnson’s confidence is a welcome departure from years of cautious coach-speak.

A Different Kind of Bears Coach

Johnson arrived in Chicago this offseason after helping transform the Lions from perennial also-rans into Super Bowl contenders. His offense in Detroit consistently ranked among the league’s best, and his aggressive, attack-minded philosophy stands in stark contrast to the conservative approaches that have defined recent Bears regimes.

“Coach Johnson came here to win, not to play nice,” said running back D’Andre Swift, who followed Johnson from Detroit to Chicago in free agency. “You can feel that energy in the building. The guys feed off it.”

Swift has been a revelation for the Bears this season, rushing for 125 yards and adding 13 receiving yards in last week’s 24-15 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. He was named FedEx Ground Player of the Week for his performance, and his chemistry with Johnson’s offensive system has made Chicago’s attack dangerous.

Rookie Tackle Rises to the Moment

One of the keys to the Bears’ turnaround has been the emergence of rookie left tackle Ozzy Trapilo, who has exceeded all expectations since being selected in the third round of April’s draft. The left tackle position was considered one of Chicago’s biggest weaknesses entering the season, but Trapilo has silenced those concerns with his consistent play.

“He’s got that nasty streak you want in an offensive lineman,” Johnson said of Trapilo. “He’s not satisfied with winning his one-on-one matchup. He wants to embarrass guys.”

Trapilo has allowed just two sacks on the season and has graded out as one of the top-15 tackles in the NFL according to Pro Football Focus. His development has been critical in protecting rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, who has shown flashes of brilliance when given time in the pocket.

The Stakes This Weekend

Sunday’s matchup at Soldier Field carries enormous playoff implications. The Bears enter the game as the seventh seed in the NFC, while the Packers control their own destiny in the division race. A Chicago victory would keep the Bears’ slim playoff hopes alive while delivering a psychological blow to their hated rivals.

“This is the most important Packers-Bears game since the 2013 regular-season finale,” said former Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher, now an analyst for NBC Sports Chicago. “That game decided the division. This one could decide whether the Bears make the playoffs for the first time in years.”

Packers quarterback Jordan Love, who was named FedEx Air Player of the Week alongside Swift, refused to engage with Johnson’s comments when asked Tuesday.

“I’m just focused on preparing for their defense,” Love said. “Coach Johnson is a great coach. He has a lot of success in this league. I’m not going to get into a back-and-forth.”

A Rivalry Renewed

For longtime Bears fans, Johnson’s willingness to poke the Packers represents a cultural shift that goes beyond any single game. Chicago has spent years watching Green Bay players and coaches speak dismissively about the rivalry, acting as if the Bears were merely a speed bump on the way to more important contests.

“It’s about time we had a coach who wasn’t intimidated by those guys,” said Mike Ditka, the Hall of Fame tight end and former Bears head coach, on his weekly radio show. “You want to beat the Packers? First you gotta believe you can. Sounds like Ben Johnson believes.”

Whether Johnson’s words prove prophetic or become bulletin board material for a Packers team looking to reassert dominance remains to be seen. Kickoff is set for 7:20 p.m. Sunday at Soldier Field, with NBC carrying the broadcast nationally.

One thing is certain: The oldest rivalry in the NFL suddenly feels young again.