Ben Johnson's Jab at Packers Coach LaFleur

Ben Johnson, now with the Bears, didn't hold back his thoughts about Packers coach Matt LaFleur. Johnson, who spent six seasons in the NFC North as an assistant, chose the Bears because of their potential and his familiarity with the division. "This division is super tough right now, " Johnson said. "Three teams made the playoffs this year. I've got a lot of respect for the coaches and players here, like Dan Campbell and Kevin O’Connell, who are up for coach of the year. But, honestly, I kind of enjoyed beating Matt LaFleur twice a year. "

LaFleur, who has led the Packers to four double-digit win seasons with two different quarterbacks, found himself on the receiving end of Johnson's comments. The Lions swept the Packers two out of the last three seasons, but they were only 6-6 against Green Bay during Johnson's time in Detroit. Despite Johnson’s enjoyment of beating LaFleur, the Bears have a challenging road ahead. LaFleur has a stunning 11-1 record against the Bears since taking the Packers’ head coaching job. Johnson is starting his new role at the bottom of a tough division. This season, the NFC North sent three teams to the playoffs, but they all lost, making it only the second time since 1970 that a division sent three teams to the playoffs and came up empty.

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