Ben Johnson’s Bears Are Ready for a Statement Game at Lambeau
When Ben Johnson took over as head coach of the Chicago Bears, he didn’t exactly tiptoe into the job. In fact, he made headlines right away by taking a playful shot at Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, saying he enjoyed beating him twice a year. It was a bold introduction - and maybe a signal that the Bears-Packers rivalry, long dominated by Green Bay, was about to get a fresh jolt of energy.
Now, that energy gets put to the test in a big way.
The Bears head to Lambeau Field in Week 14 with more than just bragging rights on the line. This isn’t your typical late-season NFC North clash - this one has real weight.
The division lead is up for grabs, and so is the top seed in the NFC. Suddenly, the stakes feel like January in December.
A Rivalry Reignited
Let’s be honest: this rivalry hasn’t exactly been even over the last 30 years. The Packers have owned the matchup, especially at Lambeau.
The Bears finally broke a long drought with a win in Green Bay to close out last season - their first there since 2015. But now, for the first time in a long time, both teams are not only competitive, they’re contending.
And that’s where Ben Johnson comes in.
In just one season, Johnson has completely flipped the narrative in Chicago. A year ago, the Bears were in freefall, stuck in a 10-game losing streak that ultimately cost Matt Eberflus his job - the first head coach in franchise history to be fired mid-season. The fan base was frustrated, the team was spiraling, and hope was in short supply.
Fast forward to now, and the Bears are sitting atop the NFC standings. The turnaround has been dramatic, and Johnson’s fingerprints are all over it.
The Johnson Effect
Johnson’s known around the league as one of the brightest offensive minds - and he’s lived up to that billing so far in Chicago. His play-calling has brought creativity and rhythm to an offense that had been stagnant for years. But this Sunday, he faces one of his toughest challenges yet.
He won’t just be scheming against a fellow play-caller in LaFleur - he’ll also have to find a way to neutralize one of the most disruptive defenders in football: Micah Parsons.
Parsons was a late addition to the Packers this season, and he’s been a game-wrecker from the jump. His burst off the edge, his ability to collapse the pocket - he’s the kind of player who can flip a game in a single series. And with rookie Ozzy Trapilo manning the left tackle spot, the Bears will have to be smart about how they protect their quarterback and manage Parsons’ impact.
A Defining Moment
This isn’t just another game for the Bears. It’s a litmus test. It’s a chance to prove that the new-look Bears aren’t just a feel-good story - they’re a legitimate threat in the NFC.
A win at Lambeau would do more than just boost their playoff seeding. It would validate Johnson’s early success and give Chicago a massive mental edge heading into the final stretch of the season. The two teams meet again in Week 16, and depending on how things shake out, that could be for the division crown.
But a loss? That could sting.
The Bears are just 1-2 in the NFC North right now, and with so much parity in the conference, every division game carries extra weight. Dropping another one to the Packers could derail their momentum and raise questions about whether this team is ready for the moment.
The Bottom Line
Ben Johnson came to Chicago with confidence - and he’s backed it up so far. But this week at Lambeau is more than just a rivalry game. It’s a chance to shift the balance of power in the NFC North and show that the Bears are done playing second fiddle.
If Johnson and the Bears can pull off a win in one of the toughest environments in football, it won’t just be a statement - it’ll be a warning shot to the rest of the NFC.
The Bears are back. And they’re not just here to compete - they’re here to contend.