When Ben Johnson took over as head coach of the Chicago Bears earlier this year, he didn’t shy away from a little friendly fire. The former Lions offensive coordinator, known for his sharp play design and aggressive mindset, joked that he “kind of enjoyed beating Matt LaFleur twice a year.” Now, he’s set to face the Packers’ head coach from a very different seat - as the leader of a Bears team trying to reset its identity and stake a claim in the NFC North.
That first showdown comes this Sunday at Lambeau Field, and Johnson knows exactly what kind of challenge awaits. In his Tuesday press conference, he didn’t mince words: “Might be the best defense we’ve seen all year,” he said of Green Bay’s unit. And when you look at the film, it’s not hard to see why.
The Packers’ defense, under coordinator Jeff Hafley, has been flying around the field with a speed and edge that’s hard to miss. Johnson specifically pointed out Micah Parsons, Rashan Gary, Quay Walker, and Edgerrin Cooper as players who’ve been giving offenses fits all season. That group brings a mix of power, burst, and versatility - and they create serious matchup issues, especially in pass protection.
“They are matchup issues for your backs and pass pro, you can tell they bring it,” Johnson said. “Fast players sideline to sideline.”
But it’s not just the front seven causing problems. Johnson went on to praise Green Bay’s safety duo, calling them “probably the two best safeties that we’ve seen all year long.”
That’s high praise, and it speaks to how involved those safeties are in both the run game and coverage. They’re active, instinctive, and always around the ball - the kind of players who don’t just clean up plays, but end drives.
What makes this defense click, though, is Hafley’s scheme. According to Johnson, it’s the balance between simplicity for the players and complexity for opposing offenses that makes it hum.
“I think Hafley does a great job of making it simple for them. And, yet, to the offense, it can seem fairly complex,” Johnson said.
“Those guys just go out and they play really fast and that’s what shows up all over the tape.”
Still, the Bears may have a window to exploit. Green Bay lost defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt to a season-ending ankle injury last Thursday - a tough blow to the interior of their defensive line.
And if there’s one area where Chicago’s offense has found rhythm lately, it’s on the ground. Just last Friday, the Bears racked up 249 rushing yards in a statement win over the Eagles.
That kind of ground-and-pound success could be the formula again this week, especially if they can control the line of scrimmage and keep those speedy linebackers from running free.
Of course, Green Bay will have its own counterpunch ready. That’s the chess match now unfolding - Johnson’s creative offensive mind against Hafley’s fast, disciplined defense.
And with both teams looking to assert themselves in a division that feels wide open, this won’t just be about one game. It could be the first chapter in a new era of Bears-Packers battles, with two young, sharp-minded coaches steering the ship.
Sunday’s game at Lambeau isn’t just another divisional tilt - it’s a tone-setter. And if Johnson wants to keep enjoying those wins over LaFleur, he’ll need to earn this one the hard way.