After the Detroit Lions’ playoff loss to the Washington Commanders last season, offensive coordinator Ben Johnson quickly departed to become the head coach of the Chicago Bears. Given how that defeat unfolded, many Lions fans believed Johnson’s focus had already shifted elsewhere when it mattered most. Leaving for a division rival only deepened their resentment.

Combine that with his comments upon arriving at Halas Hall and Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen later revealing when Johnson first contacted him about joining his staff, and Lions fans now have lasting reasons for their disdain that simple victories over the Bears won’t erase.

Detroit’s offense actually performed well in that playoff game, but five turnovers ultimately doomed them. One play that particularly angered fans was a failed trick play where wide receiver Jameson Williams threw a costly interception while the Lions were trailing by ten and threatening to score. Johnson’s inventive play-calling was often admired, but at times his tendency to overcomplicate things drew heavy criticism when he served as Detroit’s offensive coordinator.

Now, Johnson has given Lions fans even more reason to dislike him. His Bears are preparing to face the Commanders in Week 6, and the topic of that playoff loss resurfaced during his Wednesday press conference. “Yeah, when I look back at that game, we had a lot of turnovers,” Johnson admitted.

“With how well their offense was moving, there was pressure to keep pace and not fall behind by two scores, so I got a bit too aggressive with my calls and drifted from our plan.” He added, “At the end of the day, if we take care of the ball, that game probably ends differently.”