How Matt LaFleur Plans to Crush Ben Johnson’s Bold Challenge – Why the Bears Should Fear the 2025 Packers

The Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears share one of the oldest and fiercest rivalries in the NFL. With a long history of 210 meetings and the Packers leading the series 108-96-6, the rivalry is rich with tradition and emotions that run deep. However, in 2025, the intensity of this historic feud has been cranked up a notch, thanks to a personal challenge thrown down by the new Bears’ head coach, Ben Johnson. The Packers, led by Matt LaFleur, are ready to respond – and this year, they are more determined than ever to assert their dominance over their NFC North rivals.

The Ben Johnson Challenge

When Ben Johnson took over as the head coach of the Chicago Bears in January 2025, his introductory press conference was far from typical. Known for his aggressive offensive strategies during his time as the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator, Johnson took a swipe at Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, stating, “And to be quite frank with you, I kinda enjoyed beating Matt LaFleur twice a year.” This remark, referencing the Lions’ sweep of the Packers in 2024, was an unexpected dig that seemed to come out of nowhere. The rivalry between the Packers and Bears is well-known, but the personal nature of Johnson’s comments added a new wrinkle to their upcoming matchups.

Although Johnson later clarified that there was no ill will behind his statement, NFL analysts and fans alike interpreted it as a challenge. LaFleur, who has coached the Packers since 2019, is no stranger to high-pressure situations. However, Johnson’s comment clearly added a new layer of personal motivation for LaFleur, who is known for using perceived slights to fuel his team’s fire.

2024 Season Recap: Packers and Bears

The 2024 season saw the Packers finishing with an 11-6 record, securing a Wild Card spot and ranking near the top in several key statistical categories. The offense, led by quarterback Jordan Love, flourished, finishing fifth in passing yards per attempt and posting 27.1 points per game. Meanwhile, the defense was also stout, allowing just 19.9 points per game. Love had an impressive campaign, throwing for 3,465 yards and 25 touchdowns, finishing with a 96.7 passer rating. The Packers appeared to be on an upward trajectory heading into 2025.

In contrast, the Bears ended the season at a disappointing 5-12. Despite rookie quarterback Caleb Williams posting solid numbers with over 3,500 yards and 20 touchdowns, the Bears’ defense and overall team performance were far from competitive. The Packers won their first matchup in Week 11 with a dominant 17-9 victory, but the Bears managed to snap an 11-game losing streak against Green Bay with a narrow 24-22 win in Week 18, a victory that has surely fueled LaFleur’s motivation heading into 2025.

Coaching Dynamics and the Revenge Narrative

With Johnson now in charge of the Bears, the team’s offensive philosophy is expected to shift towards a more aggressive approach, much like what he implemented with the Lions in 2024. While this change could certainly make the Bears more competitive, LaFleur’s proven track record as a head coach is hard to ignore. The Packers’ 2024 success, coupled with their offseason improvements, gives them a significant edge heading into the 2025 season.

LaFleur’s response to Johnson’s comments is likely to be calculated and driven by the desire to reassert dominance over a divisional rival. For LaFleur, 2025 is about more than just the NFC North title – it’s about sending a message to Johnson and the Bears. The “epic revenge” that has been widely discussed likely refers to LaFleur’s desire to sweep the Bears in their two regular-season matchups or to deliver a dominant performance that will leave little doubt about which team reigns supreme in the NFC North.

The Packers’ Offseason Moves

The Packers have made some key moves this offseason to bolster their roster and strengthen their playoff aspirations. The signing of offensive guard Aaron Banks to a four-year, $77 million contract is one of the biggest moves, providing additional protection for Jordan Love and enhancing the Packers’ offensive line. The addition of kicker Brandon McManus will also improve special teams play, a vital area that can make the difference in close games.

On the defensive side, players like Rashan Gary and Jaire Alexander remain locked in, ensuring that the Packers’ defense will continue to be a force in 2025. These roster improvements, combined with the team’s strong performance in 2024, set the stage for a highly competitive season – and a potential sweep of the Bears.

The 2025 Showdowns

Looking ahead to 2025, the Packers and Bears will face off twice, as part of their annual NFC North rivalry. The Packers, coming off an impressive 2024 season and with a strengthened roster, are heavily favored in these matchups. With Johnson still adjusting to his new role in Chicago and the Bears working to implement their new offensive schemes, the Packers have a clear opportunity to make a statement.

The narrative of “epic revenge” could play out in a variety of ways: perhaps LaFleur will orchestrate a dominant performance that sees the Packers sweeping the season series, or maybe he’ll lead the team to victory in a decisive game that proves LaFleur’s coaching prowess is far superior to Johnson’s challenge.

For the Bears, the 2025 season represents a new beginning under Ben Johnson, but it will also be a test of whether they can rise above their recent struggles and become legitimate contenders. For LaFleur and the Packers, this is more than just another year of NFC North football – it’s about avenging the 2024 loss, silencing the challenge from Johnson, and reaffirming their dominance over their oldest rivals.

The stage is set for a season full of intense rivalry, high-stakes games, and potentially one of the most compelling chapters in the Packers-Bears saga. Whether it’s revenge or redemption, one thing is clear: the Packers are ready to make the Bears fear them once again in 2025.