By Sunday 
Oh, It’s Personal Now
The NFL didn’t just build a spicy Week 16 matchup — they may have gift-wrapped Matt LaFleur a golden opportunity to settle a personal score. After all, it’s not every day a rookie head coach steps into the league and immediately takes a verbal jab at one of its most successful current coaches.
But that’s exactly what Ben Johnson did.
In his introductory press conference as the new Bears head coach, Johnson couldn’t help himself. In an offhand comment that felt ripped straight from a cringey sitcom, he said he “enjoys beating Matt LaFleur twice a year.” Yikes.
Bulletin Board Material: Secured
LaFleur, never one for theatrics, isn’t the kind to clap back in the media. But don’t let the quiet demeanor fool you — he heard it. When asked on the Bussin’ With The Boys podcast whether he remembered Johnson’s quote, LaFleur admitted he had “potentially” made a note of it.
Translation: That quote is pinned on the locker room bulletin board, circled in red Sharpie, and maybe even laminated.
This isn’t just a game anymore. It’s a statement. And now, with the NFL placing Packers-Bears in the primetime spotlight of a Week 16 double-header, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Christmas Revenge, Anyone?
Let’s set the scene: it’s Christmas week, Soldier Field, and playoff implications will be thick in the air. If the Bears are still clinging to postseason hopes by then — which, with Caleb Williams and a retooled offense, they might be — LaFleur has the perfect opportunity to crash their holiday party.
Ruin Johnson’s Christmas? Check. Dent the Bears’ playoff dreams? Double check. And, perhaps most satisfying of all, do it with a sly grin and a strong game plan — no words needed.
Be Careful What You Say, Rookie
Ben Johnson is about to learn the same lesson many fresh NFL faces have before him: the North remembers. And when you poke the bear (well, the Packer, in this case), you better be ready for the response.
What started as a “funny little quip” might turn into a defining moment — just not in the way Johnson imagined. Because as Week 16 approaches, one thing is clear: LaFleur’s got the date circled, and he’s not coming to play nice.
Final Thought
There are rivalries, and then there’s this. The NFL didn’t just schedule a football game — they set the stage for a classic. One that might end with Ben Johnson eating his words… with a side of humble pie.