Last offseason, former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson stunned fans of the Motor City by not only departing the franchise, but going to one of their fiercest and most historic rivals – the Chicago Bears.
The move worked out well for Johnson and the Bears, who dethroned the Lions atop the NFC North Division and went to the postseason, while the Lions finished on the outside looking in for the first time since 2023. Despite the fact that the Lions won both games against Johnson and the Bears during the season, including 52-21 blowout win at Ford Field in Week 2, the Windy City currently holds the title of top club in the division on paper.
Now, the Lions have learned when Johnson will make his second trip to Ford Field as a member of the opposition in the upcoming season.
The Detroit Lions Will Host Ben Johnson And The Bears On Thanksgiving
According to NFL Insider Jordan Schultz, the Lions will host Ben Johnson and the Bears on Thanksgiving, which falls on November 26 this year.
Schultz wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter:
“Sources: The #Lions will host the #Bears on Thanksgiving, Thursday, Nov. 26, as Ben Johnson returns to Ford Field for the second time as Bears head coach. 🦃🏈
Chicago won the NFC North last season, but went 0-2 vs. Detroit.”
This will also be the sixth time in the last 12 seasons that the Bears have come to Ford Field for Detroit’s annual Thanksgiving Day game. Their most recent matchup on the fourth Thursday of November was in 2024, resulting in a Lions victory to snap what was a seven-year Thanksgiving winless drought.
Ben Johnson And The Bears Were Throttled By The Lions In Week 2
The Lions, who were beaten 27-13 by the Green Bay Packers in Week 1 of last season, throttled Johnson and the Bears at Ford Field in Week 2, improving to 1-1.
During the game, Lions quarterback Jared Goff, who thrived under Johnson as his offensive coordinator, finished 23-of-28 for 334 yards and five total touchdowns. He was also named NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his efforts.
Meanwhile, Johnson said afterward that their plan was to try and physically knock Goff off his game. While they registered four quarterback hits, they didn’t get one sack on Goff, which left Johnson disappointed.
“Step No. 1 for us going into this game was trying to affect the quarterback,” Johnson said. “We came up short in that regard. And we know with that particular player, when his pocket is clean, that he plays at a really high level. He’s a very accurate player.
“We’re going to have to try to find a way, whether it’s within the four that we’re rushing, to generate more pressure, condense the pocket and collapse it from the inside. Or whether that means we need to pressure a little bit more, we’ll find a way. I’ve got faith in the unit. I’ve got faith in the defensive staff to find a way to get a little more pressure on the quarterback.”
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