There might be love for each other before the season. Still, Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown is all business as his team takes on their former offensive coordinator, Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson, on Sunday.
On his "St. Brown Podcast," St. Brown had Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze on the show before their Week 2 showdown. St. Brown made it clear how he wants the Lions fans to act when Johnson comes out on the field for the first time outside of the Honolulu Blue.
"Week 2 is going to be so crazy. I promise you. It's going to be so electric," he said via Bleacher Report. "But as soon as Ben (Johnson) walks in there, we're booing him. I don't give a f--k. We all booing him."
"Yeah, [Johnson] said it's going to be lit, I'm not going to lie," Odunze replied. "And I'm here for it."
Friendly trash talk will become serious business on Sunday between Bears-Lions
St. Brown owes a lot to Johnson for the career he has enjoyed. Out of his four full seasons in the NFL, St. Brown has gone over 1,000 yards in three consecutive years, all under Johnson, which resulted in three Pro Bowl selections.
Johnson elevated the Lions' offense when he was the offensive coordinator between 2022 and 2024 with his creative play-calling. His units have been in the top five in total offense and points every year he was offensive coordinator.
While it's too soon to see the final results, so far, Johnson hasn't done a bad job. Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is slowly making progress, with the focus now on his footwork. Johnson admitted that he needs to run the ball more with his play calling, so there are some kinks to be worked out.
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Sunday won't be another game for Johnson even if he says it. There is a sense of taking it to his old team and proving not only to them, but the city of Chicago that he can lead a franchise the right way, his way.