Dan Campbell and his Detroit Lions were able to sweep Ben Johnson and the Chicago Bears in their first season as NFC North foes, and that stings. There's no other way to put it. It just stings.
But, somehow, Johnson ended up getting a roundabout last laugh.
When speaking to the media about potential changes he could make early this offseason, Campbell said he needed a few days to think it over. But, he also alluded to the fact that he doesn't need to worry about a team poaching one of his coordinators like the Bears did last year with Johnson:
“You wouldn’t have to worry about your play-caller leaving."
Campbell wouldn't say whether or not he planned to call plays next season, but hinting at both Johnson and Aaron Glenn leaving last year was a little funny. Of course, it was hilarious in light of Johnson.
The Lions can have their regular season wins; the Bears will take the NFC North crown any way
As much as Bears fans might want to sit and wallow over the fact that Johnson was unable to beat the Lions in both chances, this year, the reality is still what it is: the Bears are NFC North champs.
There will be a time and a place for the Bears to worry about the Lions again, but it won't be in the playoffs.
Now, Chicago has to get set for the Green Bay Packers, whom they split the regular season series with. Oddly, the Packers present a much more intimidating factor than the Lions did in the regular season.
Even though the Bears were able to beat Green Bay one out of two tries, they still proved to be the tougher team. Defensively, the Packers are without a doubt the better unit, with or without Micah Parsons.
Johnson is going to need to be at his best in terms of play calling and making the best decisions for this offense. Meanwhile, can the Bears' defense start playing a smidge better than simply "bending but not breaking?"
The one thing Chicago was unable to do against both the Lions and Packers is to come out of the gates quickly. The Bears need a couple of early scores to establish momentum and get their offense in the swing right off the bat.
Read more: Ben Johnson sent a crystal-clear message after Bears' disappointing loss to Lions
How will this one end up?
I can tell you one thing: Detroit will be watching from their couch.