The Chicago Bears were destroyed in a 31-7 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, where Chicago was out-coached, outplayed and downright sloppy in a key divisional game following the death of Mike Ditka.
Following the icy postgame handshake between Bears coach Ben Johnson and Packers coach Matt LaFleur after Chicago defeated Green Bay in the wild-card round, there's been a newfound intensity in one of the NFL's most legendary rivalries.
Naturally, everyone was awaiting the postgame handshake between Johnson and LaFleur after the Packers snapped a two-game losing streak against the Bears -- in a game where they downright embarrassed them. Despite the previous handshake that prompted plenty of conversation, Sunday's handshake between Johnson and LaFleur lacked
the same intensity and appeared to be cordial enough. But it's clear there's no love lost between the two coaches.
Ben Johnson-Matt LaFleur post game handshake pic.twitter.com/u1LyZIXXWN
— Dave (@davebftv) October 11, 2026
The Bears never appeared to be in this game at any point. After a quick first stalled offensive series, the Packers immediately drove down the field for a 7-0 lead that they never relinquished. The offense, defense, special teams and coaching staff were all responsible for this loss.
But Johnson's insistence to stick with quarterback Tyson Bagent, who struggled dating back to last week's win over the New York Jets, until the fourth quarter was one of the biggest reasons for this loss. The good news is starter Caleb Williams is gearing up for a return, potentially in Week 6 against the Atlanta Falcons.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: LOOK: Ben Johnson-Matt LaFleur handshake after Packers blow out Bears
