Ben Johnson is going to learn a harsh lesson his predecessors could've told him: choose your words about the Green Bay Packers carefully.
Packers fans have heard it all. Johnson isn't the first Bears coach to call out the team or make a wild prediction about taking over the NFC North. Johnson made it personal by saying how he enjoys beating Matt LaFleur twice a year.
Prove it.
LaFleur heard Johnson's awkward, Michael Scott-level insult and made it clear he had stored it in his back pocket for safekeeping. Now, the NFL has gifted LaFleur the ultimate opportunity to gain revenge.
Ahead of the official NFL schedule release, FOX Sports announced a Week 16 double-header, including a Packers-Bears showdown at Soldier Field. Not only does LaFleur get the opportunity to ruin Johnson's Christmas, but he could destroy the Bears' playoff hopes in the process.
NFL hands Matt LaFleur an opportunity to destroy Ben Johnson's first season with Packers-Bears blockbuster
LaFleur recently told the Bussin' With The Boys podcast that he had "potentially" made a note of Johnson's comments. Translation from coachspeak to what he really meant: Yes, he plans to harness the free bulletin board material.
There's a reason why FOX Sports has chosen to feature Packers-Bears for a late-season matchup. They clearly believe this will carry playoff implications, and why not?
The Bears love to win the offseason, but it's hard to argue with their offseason reinforcements. An upgraded offensive line and a new quarterback-friendly system should put Caleb Williams in position to enjoy a sophomore breakout. The Bears can launch themselves into playoff contention.
Here's the bad news for Johnson: He's angered the best coach in the division, and the NFL has added fuel to the rivalry by ensuring the Bears' debuting leader must run through The Final Boss in Week 16.
Johnson made his funny little quip in his introductory press conference, but reality is about to slap him in the face.
The NFL has delivered a golden opportunity for LaFleur to make Johnson eat those words just in time for Christmas.