When Ben Johnson was hired and introduced as the new head coach of the Chicago Bears, he made quite a first impression.
He took a subtle jab at Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, saying he enjoyed beating him twice a year. His bravado signaled that the NFC North rivalry, which had been lopsided, would carry a new edge under his leadership.
Now, he and the Bears head to Lambeau Field in Week 14, where the majority of the country will be watching this massive showdown. Not only is the NFC North lead on the line, but the top seed in the NFC as well.
The Bears-Packers rivalry has been very one-sided over the last three decades. The Bears finally won against the Packers in Green Bay in the season finale for the first time since 2015. This is the first time in a while that both teams have something to play for.
How Johnson has put the Bears in unfamiliar territory against Packers
Johnson has revitalized the Bears and the fan base, many of whom were ready to give up their allegiance after a 10-game losing streak, which led to the dismissal of Matt Eberflus, the first-ever coach to be fired mid-season. Now, the Bears are the top seed in the NFC a year later, and the NFC North fans are losing their collective minds.
But Johnson’s reputation as a creative play-caller will be put to the test on Sunday. He must not only outsmart LaFleur, who also calls plays as Johnson does. But he must neutralize pass rusher Micah Parsons.
Parsons was acquired just before the start of the season and has been a destructive force. His speed off the edge and ability to disrupt quarterbacks could single-handedly tilt the game in LaFleur’s favor, especially with rookie Ozzy Trapilo playing left tackle.
The Bears face the same Packers again in Week 16. The Bears are suddenly a must-watch once again after years of mediocrity.
Losing to the Packers, regardless of the score, could dampen any momentum the Bears had built up and hopes of winning the NFC North. The Bears are currently 1-2 in the NFC North and can't afford to lose any more division games.
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For Johnson, this game isn’t just another matchup — it’s a chance to validate his boldness and show that Chicago can stand toe-to-toe with the Packers. A victory would cement Johnson’s credibility early in his tenure, while a loss could amplify questions about whether his bravado was premature.