Ben Johnson just had his first experience in the Chicago Bears-Green Bay Packers rivalry, the first of two meetings in three weeks, last Sunday. Unfortunately, it didn’t go as Johnson would’ve liked as Chicago was defeated by Green Bay, 28-21, and lost first place in the NFC North.
When first hired by the Bears this offseason, Johnson stated that he looked forward to beating Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, a call back to his time as offensive coordinator with the Detroit Lions. After the first meeting, Johnson is 0-1, and their meeting in Week 16 could have major implications for both franchises and their playoff hopes, possibly knocking them out of the picture.
Following Chicago’s loss, Johnson spoke about his first experience in the bitter rivalry as the Bears head coach, and it sounds like he already has a great appreciation for it.
“Yeah, I think just in terms of playing at Lambeau, this is my seventh year in the division and I do think there is some aura that comes with playing here and competing here,” Johnson said. “I love it for our guys. This is what the football gods made football to be. Cold weather in December like this and Green Bay, Chicago, I think it is outstanding. I think it’s awesome to have this rivalry alive and well right now and we get another chance at it here in two weeks.”
LaFleur got the upper hand in the first meeting between the two, highlighted by what appeared to be a cold shoulder handshake after the game. The good part for the rivalry this season is that when they meet up in Week 15, the Packers will be looking to cement their top standing while the Bears will be looking to get back to the top of the division.
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