Although the Detroit Lions have been settled into their offseason routine for more than a week now, their NFC North rivals are still very much in the thick of the postseason. The Chicago Bears, now coached by former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, are gearing up for a high-stakes Divisional Round matchup against Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams this Sunday at Soldier Field.
Chicago kept its Super Bowl hopes alive with a stunning comeback win over the Green Bay Packers, setting the stage for a showdown with a Rams team led by one of Detroit’s most familiar faces.
During media availability this week, Johnson spoke about the challenge of slowing down Rams standout receiver Puka Nacua. In doing so, he drew a comparison to a player he knows extremely well from his time in Detroit: Lions wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown.
According to Johnson, Nacua’s impact goes far beyond traditional receiver duties. He emphasized that Nacua is a complete football player—someone who lives and breathes the game and contributes in all phases. That mindset, Johnson said, closely mirrors what made St. Brown such a cornerstone of the Lions’ offense.
Johnson explained that both players excel not only as route runners and pass catchers, but also as physical, gritty competitors who are willing to do the less glamorous work. He highlighted Nacua’s toughness and versatility, noting his willingness to block in the run game, line up in multiple spots, and operate effectively in traffic. Johnson described Nacua as reliable, physical, and unselfish—traits that Lions fans have long associated with St. Brown.
Lions Still Hold the Upper Hand Over Ben Johnson
While it may offer little comfort beyond bragging rights, Detroit can take some satisfaction in knowing it defeated Chicago—and Johnson—twice during the regular season. Johnson left the Lions after last year to accept the Bears’ head coaching job, a move that stirred mixed emotions among the Detroit fanbase.
It’s also worth remembering that Johnson had chances to leave Detroit earlier but chose to stay despite outside interest. In the NFL, coaching changes are simply part of the business, even when they involve bitter rivals.
Johnson Praises Matthew Stafford’s Continued Excellence
Johnson also shared his admiration for Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, even though their paths never crossed during Stafford’s time in Detroit. Johnson spoke highly of Stafford’s fundamentals, particularly his footwork and command of the offense.
He credited Stafford’s experience and football intelligence, pointing out his ability to read defenses, influence coverages, and consistently operate at a high level. Johnson described the Rams as one of the league’s most polished offensive units, with Stafford’s leadership playing a central role.
During Johnson’s tenure in Detroit, the Lions defeated the Rams in a playoff game that marked the franchise’s first postseason win in more than 30 years. Now, Johnson will try to earn a playoff victory of his own against Stafford—this time from the opposing sideline—with a trip to the NFC Championship Game on the line.
