The Bears-Packers rivalry has always been a blood-and-guts affair, but Sunday's postgame moment between Ben Johnson and Matt LaFleur took the chill to a whole new level. After Green Bay dismantled Chicago 31-7 at Lambeau Field, the two head coaches met at midfield for what should have been a routine handshake. Instead, it was a blink-and-you-miss-it exchange — no words, no pleasantries, just a quick clasp and a parting of ways.
Normally, you'll see coaches share a brief "good game" or "good luck the rest of the way." Not this time. The video, which quickly made the rounds on social media, showed Johnson and LaFleur barely breaking stride before heading to their respective tunnels. Given the bad blood that's been simmering between these two, the icy interaction felt less like a surprise and more like a confirmation.
No Love Lost Between These Two
Johnson has never been shy about his feelings toward the Packers. Since taking over the Bears, he's made it crystal clear that beating Green Bay isn't just another game — it's personal. His players have echoed that sentiment, with receiver Luther Burden III telling reporters that Johnson "really" wants to embarrass the Packers.
"He wants to beat them really bad like everyone else in the room, like every Chicago fan," Burden said. "Beat them real bad, and make them quit."
LaFleur, for his part, tried to keep the focus on the players during the week, sidestepping any war of words. "Because this game is about players and so we'll keep it about the players," he said. "I'm not the one out there they're playing. Don't get me wrong. I love the rivalry. It's awesome. It's great. It's intense. You can feel it on gameday. You can feel it throughout the course of the week."
Packers Get the Last Laugh
When the pads came on, it was Green Bay who delivered the knockout punch. The Packers jumped on Chicago early and never let up, cruising to a 31-7 victory that pushed both teams to 3-2 on the season. For Johnson, it was a bitter pill — especially after all the talk about making the Packers quit.
The loss stings even more considering the buildup. Chicago fans were fired up, some even demanding that Johnson pay tribute to Mike Ditka with a sweater on Sunday. That Ditka sweater tribute demand added another layer of hype to an already heated matchup, but the Bears couldn't back it up on the field.
Meanwhile, the postgame handshake — or lack thereof — has only added fuel to the fire. It's become a pattern for these two coaches, and the second meeting later this season is already circled on calendars everywhere. If the first installment was any indication, Round 2 will be must-see TV.
For now, the Packers can savor the blowout, and the Bears are left to stew. And that midfield moment? It said more than any words ever could.
