In the past two seasons, the Lions have risen to become not just the top team in the NFC North, but also one of the elite squads in the NFL. A major contributor to that rise was Ben Johnson. While serving as Detroit’s offensive coordinator, Johnson became the most sought-after head coach candidate in the league.
After declining head coaching offers in each of his first two years in Detroit, Johnson finally accepted a position this offseason. That opportunity, notably, came from the Chicago Bears.
The timing of the Bears’ matchups with the Lions is ideal. Johnson and the Bears will visit Detroit in Week 2 for the Lions’ home opener. Later, the two teams will square off again at Soldier Field in the final game of the 2025 season.
Bears fans are already imagining Johnson spoiling the Lions’ home opener and possibly being the one to end Detroit’s season on a disappointing note. It would be the ultimate way for Johnson to get his revenge on his former team.
Beyond the storyline of Johnson, the games versus Detroit will serve as a strong measuring stick for Chicago. The Bears have often “won” the offseason before, only to be humbled when the games began.
This time, Chicago seemed to follow Detroit’s lead by strengthening their offensive and defensive lines. A solid performance against the Lions could prove the Bears are finally heading in the right direction.
