Ben Johnson just can't help himself. The Chicago Bears head coach, known for his sharp wit and even sharper play-calling, took yet another playful swipe at Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff's lack of mobility—this time following the Bears' dominant 27-7 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night.
It's become a recurring theme for Johnson, who first stirred the pot back in early 2025 when he compared Goff's stationary style to that of his new franchise quarterback, Caleb Williams. At the time, Johnson insisted his comments were taken out of context.
“It was not a shot at Jared,” Johnson said then. “I've talked to Jared about it. Sometimes your comments get skewed a little bit. That was not my intent. He certainly understands that. It was more directed towards Caleb and what he brings to the table.”
But Monday night, with veteran backup Case Keenum under center for Chicago, Johnson couldn't resist another cheeky reference. When asked about the adjustment from Keenum's style to Williams', Johnson smirked and said, “Well, I've got a little history with that, of calling plays for someone not so mobile. Now, I don't have a history with someone that's not a number one pick though, so that was apparently a big deal.”
The implication was clear—Goff, the No. 1 overall pick in 2016, has never been known for his wheels. Even Goff would admit he's no Usain Bolt, but Johnson's repeated digs suggest he enjoys keeping the rivalry spicy.
Johnson's comments come on the heels of a 59-point explosion earlier this season, where he made no apologies for running up the score. His competitive edge is well-documented, and his willingness to needle opponents is part of his coaching persona.
For the Bears, the win over the Eagles was a statement—especially with Keenum, who hadn't played a regular-season game in over 1,000 days, stepping in and delivering a primetime victory. Johnson's game plan showcased his ability to adapt, even without his star quarterback.
As the NFC North race heats up, all eyes now turn to Thanksgiving Day, when the Bears and Lions will face off for the first time this season. Johnson's jabs have added extra intrigue to what promises to be a fiery matchup.
Will Goff get the last laugh, or will Johnson's mind games pay off? One thing's for sure: the NFC North just got a whole lot more interesting.
