There’s no love lost between Matt LaFleur and Ben Johnson - and Sunday’s postgame handshake made that crystal clear.
After the Packers pulled off a 28-21 win over the Bears, reclaiming the top spot in the NFC North, LaFleur kept it moving in the postgame exchange with Chicago’s head coach. No words, no smiles, barely a glance.
Just a quick handshake and a hard exit. And if you've been following this simmering NFC North storyline, you know exactly why.
When Ben Johnson took the Bears job last year, he didn’t exactly shy away from stirring the pot. During his introductory press conference, Johnson said he “enjoyed beating Matt LaFleur twice a year” - a reference to his time as Detroit’s offensive coordinator.
It was bold. Maybe a little too bold.
Fast forward to Sunday, and LaFleur had the scoreboard - and the division standings - doing the talking. The win not only gave Green Bay a leg up in a tight NFC North race, it also served as a reminder that this rivalry runs deeper than just Packers vs.
Bears. This one’s personal.
LaFleur, for his part, hasn’t forgotten Johnson’s words. And while he didn’t say much after the game, his body language said plenty.
That postgame moment? It wasn’t just a cold handshake - it was a message.
And here’s the thing: LaFleur has had the Bears’ number since he arrived in Green Bay. He’s now 12-1 against Chicago, with the only blemish coming in Week 18 last season - a game where the Packers had already punched their playoff ticket. That’s not just dominance; that’s ownership.
Johnson is learning that coaching in Chicago is a different beast than calling plays in Detroit. The stakes are higher, the spotlight is brighter, and the rivalries are a whole lot more intense.
But this story isn’t over. These two teams will meet again in Week 16, this time under the lights at Soldier Field on Saturday, December 20.
Circle that one. Because if Sunday was any indication, the next chapter in this LaFleur-Johnson feud could be even spicier.
For now, LaFleur gets the last laugh - and the win that matters.