As the Detroit Lions settle into the offseason, their longtime rival, the Chicago Bears, remain alive in the NFL postseason. Under new head coach Ben Johnson, the Bears are preparing to host Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams in the NFL Divisional Playoff Round this Sunday at Soldier Field.
The Bears are coming off a stunning comeback victory over the Green Bay Packers, keeping their Super Bowl hopes intact and setting up a marquee matchup against one of the league’s most dangerous offenses.
Ben Johnson Sees Amon-Ra St. Brown Traits in Puka Nacua
While discussing how Chicago plans to slow down Rams star wide receiver Puka Nacua, Johnson made an eye-opening comparison to one of the players he coached during his time in Detroit — Lions Pro Bowl receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.
“I think it starts with the fact that he’s a football player — take position out of it,” Johnson said. “He clearly loves the game. He’s all about ball. He reminds me a lot of Amon-Ra St. Brown.”
Johnson emphasized that the similarities go well beyond route running and pass catching.
“He’s not just excellent at catching the football and running routes, but he does everything,” Johnson added.
Physicality, Versatility Stand Out for Nacua
Johnson went on to highlight the traits that have made Nacua one of the NFL’s most impactful wide receivers — qualities Lions fans know well from watching St. Brown in Detroit.
“He’s willing to put his nose in there and get his hands dirty in the running game,” Johnson said. “The versatility he has — inserting through the B- and C-gaps, blocking, running routes — he’s a physical, tough, dependable player.”
That all-around skill set has made Nacua a focal point of the Rams’ offense and a major concern for Chicago’s defensive game plan.
Lions Swept Ben Johnson and the Bears in 2025 Season
While it may offer limited consolation, Detroit Lions fans can take some satisfaction in knowing the team defeated Ben Johnson and the Bears twice during the regular season.
Johnson, who left Detroit after last season to take over one of the Lions’ most historic rivals, had opportunities to leave earlier but chose to stay — a reminder of the realities of NFL coaching turnover.
Ben Johnson Praises Matthew Stafford Ahead of Playoff Matchup
Johnson also spoke highly of former Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford, despite never coaching him in Detroit.
“I think he’s fundamentally sound,” Johnson said. “It starts with his footwork. He sees the field extremely well, understands defenses, and knows how to manipulate them. He’s got a great feel for the game.”
Stafford previously suffered a playoff loss to Detroit, which marked the Lions’ first postseason win in more than 30 years. Now, Johnson and the Bears have a chance to defeat Stafford with a trip to the NFC Championship Game on the line.
