The new chapter of Chicago Bears under the guidance of Ben Johnson has shattered many expectations. After failing against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 1, the team went on to suffer another crushing 52-21 defeat against the Detroit Lions last night. Now the team sits at 0-2, with many unanswered questions. Obviously, the team is in shock, and HC Ben Johnson went on to explain his side of things. 

During the post game press conference after the match against the Lions, Johnson explained how the team currently feels. “They are hurt. It stinks. They fought, they fought the entire game.” But while praising the opponent, Johnson didn’t take the name of QB Jared Goff, despite having a past.  

He went on to refer to him as just the quarterback, “We knew that they were an explosive offense. We had a plan, and we didn’t contain those playmakers very well. You know, the quarterback for them really got after us and made us hurt.”

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Johnson’s decision not to take Goff’s name is shocking, given that he was the one who publicly showed his support for his ex-coach. The divisional rivalry between the Bears and the Lions flared up when Johnson faced the team that he had earlier led as offensive coordinator for the last three seasons. 

After stepping into Ford Field, Johnson had to face a loud chorus of boos, but this was just the beginning. At the later stage of the game, when the Bears were trailing 52-21, the fans began using vulgar chants, which were loud and clear. But it didn’t take long for Jared Goff to stand against the vulgar remarks and say he didn’t like the chants. 

“I didn’t like that,” Goff said. “He did a lot for us here. I don’t know if he deserved that.” It was under Johnson’s guidance that he witnessed an exceptional resurgence. This might be the reason why he still supports his ex-coach, despite Johnson’s leading the opponent’s team. 

Johnsons had earlier praised Goff’s skill and ability 

While talking about Goff’s mentality before facing him, Johnson told the reporters that he will be the same as he has always been: “Resilient.”

In the season opener against the Green Bay Packers, Goff completed 79.5% of his passes for 225 yards, and he did it on 39 attempts. But Johnson looked sure about Goff’s ability to bounce back. “He’s been to the top, he’s been to the bottom, and he certainly finds a way each week to come back and swing away. So, I know we’ll get the best version to compete against here this week.” Johnson said on Thursday. 

Goff had one of the finest comebacks under Johnson and got to the Pro Bowls under him. After Goff’s performance took a dip with the Los Angeles Rams, he was traded to Detroit in 2021. He was initially seen as a placeholder QB until Johnson was promoted to offensive coordinator of the team. He then became the QB and went on to have one of the finest seasons ahead under the guidance of Johnson. 

In 2022, he threw 29 touchdowns and had a 65% completion rate with a passer rating of around 99.3. He was even considered as a candidate for the MVP award that season. In the 2023 postseason, he guided the Lions to two playoff victories. And in 2024, he went on to post his career best completion of 72.4%. 

Goff has witnessed tremendous success under Johnson, which might be why he stood up against the vulgar chants directed toward Johnson. Although Johnson didn’t take Goff’s name in the press conference briefing, it looks like they both have mutual respect for each other.