The Chicago Bears–Green Bay Packers rivalry has reached new heights this season and has produced three of the most nail-biting games this season.
And the main initiator of the rivalry is Bears head coach Ben Johnson.
In his introductory press conference, Johnson made it clear that he enjoyed beating LaFleur twice a season, drawing back from his time as the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator.
Now, after three heated contests, Johnson was seen quickly shaking LaFleur’s hand after an improbable playoff win and proceeded to yell “F*** the Packers” in the locker room, which garnered plenty of criticism over Johnson’s actions towards Green Bay and LaFleur.
“This is a rivalry,” Johnson said. “And [for] the city of Chicago, Green Bay — it needs to be a rivalry.”
Now, there appears to be more people than just LaFleur that Johnson has made an enemy of.
Sean McVay Appears to Take Side in Ben Johnson-Matt LaFleur Drama
GettyHead coach Matt LaFleur of the Green Bay Packers greets Head coach Sean McVay of the Los Angeles Rams.
Now that the Bears are set to face the Los Angeles Rams in the divisional round, head coach Sean McVay was asked if he’s been in contact with LaFleur, who’s played Johnson three times this season and could have an idea on how to beat him.
“What would you guess? No, you know what – we watch the tape, we do our work, and Matt is a very close friend of mine,” McVay said with a grin on his face.
Here’s another tidbit. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith reported that LaFleur’s friends around the league can’t stand Ben Johnson because of how he’s acted towards LaFleur.
“It’s bad enough where friends of Matt LaFleur around the league, who will remain nameless, can’t stand Ben Johnson because of the feelings and treatment they know he towards Matt LaFleur.”
Smith goes on to say that Johnson never liked LaFleur from the start, and his feelings towards LaFleur aren’t solely because he’s the head coach of the Green Bay Packers.
It’s personal.
Now, McVay and LaFleur go way back. They both spent time together on Washington’s staff, and when McVay went to the Rams to become the head coach, he brought in LaFleur as the offensive coordinator.
LaFleur can tell McVay anything and everything he wants, but there’s something that McVay can’t prepare for this Sunday against the Bears.
Weather Expected to Play a Huge Factor in Bears-Rams Playoff Clash
Kickoff for the game is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. CT, and according to weather.com, it may be as cold as 5°F. Winds are expected to be around 15 to 25 mph, with possible snow flurries early in the day.
And the Rams are historically not a good team when it comes to playing in cold temperatures.
The last 1o games in Chicago, the Rams have a 2-8 record with a -109 point differential.
As for the Bears, they are ready for the cold weather. In fact, safety Kevin Byard revealed that Johnson had the team practicing outside during cold conditions without heaters on the sideline this season.
“I think Ben has been doing a good job of making us practice in this cold weather with no heaters on the field, which has been a complaint for the most part from a lot of guys.”
Well, it looks like that unconventional approach from Johnson might pay off this Sunday.
And maybe we’ll get an interesting handshake from the two head coaches.
Sean McVay Appears to Back Matt LaFleur as Ben Johnson Drama Grows