In a game that lived up to its billing, Matt LaFleur and the Packers edged out Ben Johnson’s Bears, 28-21, in a pivotal NFC North clash. The win didn’t just shift the standings - it added another layer to what’s already one of the NFL’s most storied rivalries.
But it wasn’t just the scoreboard that got people talking. It was what happened - or didn’t happen - after the final whistle.
As the clock hit zero, LaFleur made his way across the field for the customary postgame handshake. He found Johnson, offered a quick shake, and then kept it moving.
No words, no lingering - just a brisk exchange and a beeline toward the tunnel. For anyone who’s been following the simmering tension between these two coaches, it didn’t come as much of a surprise.
Back in January, during his introductory press conference as the new Bears head coach, Johnson - fresh off a successful run as the Lions’ offensive coordinator - didn’t exactly hold back. “To be quite frank with you, I kind of enjoyed beating Matt LaFleur twice a year,” he said. It was a bold comment, especially considering the history and intensity of the Packers-Bears rivalry.
Fast forward to Sunday, and it’s hard not to connect the dots. When LaFleur was asked about the brief handshake after the game, he kept things close to the vest.
“It was a quick handshake, and we’ll see them again in two weeks,” he said. When pressed on whether Johnson’s January comments played a role in the chilly interaction, LaFleur gave a firm, “Absolutely not.
It’s Packers-Bears.”
Diplomatic? Sure.
Believable? That’s up for debate.
What’s not up for debate is where this win puts the Packers. At 9-3-1, they now sit atop the NFC North and control their own destiny.
LaFleur’s team has won four straight and seven of their last nine - a surge that’s come at the perfect time. But the road ahead is anything but smooth.
Ben Johnson and Matt LaFleur quick hand shake pic.twitter.com/yQOuruKiar
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Next up: a trip to Denver to face a Broncos team that’s been scrappy all season. Then comes the rematch with Chicago, this time under the lights on a Saturday night in Soldier Field. After that, it’s a home showdown with the Ravens, followed by a season finale in Minnesota against a Vikings team that may still be fighting for a playoff spot.
Sunday’s win was a statement - not just in the standings, but in the tone it set for the rest of the season. The Packers showed they can grind out a tough divisional win, even when the margin is razor-thin.
And LaFleur? He showed he hasn’t forgotten what was said back in January - even if he’s not saying it out loud.
The handshake may have been quick, but the memory? That’s sticking around. December 20 in Chicago just got a whole lot more interesting.