The Green Bay Packers have held dominance over their rivalry with the Chicago Bears for over 30 years. Most believe this is because they've enjoyed a massive advantage at quarterback with Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers. This is true. However, it wasn't just that. The organization also developed a strong tendency to hire capable head coaches. It began with Mike Holmgren in the 1990s, followed by Mike McCarthy in the 2010s, and continued with Matt LaFleur in the 2020s. Things seemed great from the outside. After a brutal 10-7 loss on Monday night to the Philadelphia Eagles, that narrative has shifted. Packer fans are turning on Lafleur. It's gotten so bad that many of them have turned their eyes toward Chicago, jealous new head coach Ben Johnson.
Spiegel and Holmes of 670 The Score listened in on Wisconsin sports radio after the loss. The vitriol toward LaFleur is very real, and they can't help but envy what Johnson has done for the Bears' offense.
How did this happen? There will be a debate, but it feels like the pot started simmering in the playoffs last season when Green Bay lost to Philadelphia 22-10. Those were the first warning signs that something was wrong with the offense. Things hit a crisis point this month with the managing just 13 and seven points in their past two games, both losses, which cost them the division lead.
Meanwhile, Ben Johnson has the Bears clicking.
Chicago ranks 3rd in total yards and 7th in points scored through nine games. They have the #2 rushing attack in the league, and Caleb Williams already boasts four 4th quarter comebacks. Most agree the offense isn't even playing with great rhythm yet, which is alarming for future opponents. The Packers struggle to run the ball with consistency, and LaFleur has yet to find a solution. Many feel he's coaching scared, unwilling to put the ball in the hands of quarterback Jordan Love.
The schedule doesn't get any easier. After playing the Giants this weekend, they face the Vikings, Lions, Bears, Broncos, Bears again, Ravens, and Vikings again. That is an array of really good defenses they must face. Chicago may join them if they get Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, and T.J. Edwards back.
Firing LaFleur seems crazy. The man has made the playoffs in five of the previous six seasons and reached two NFC championships. Yet that seems to be the way things are trending. One thing is certain. Ben Johnson won't be there waiting to rescue them if it happens.
