The atmosphere in Detroit is electric after the Lions crushed the Chicago Bears at Ford Field, posting a dominant 52-21 victory. This wasn’t just any game—it was the first time the Lions faced Chicago under the direction of former Detroit offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. With plenty of emotion surrounding the matchup, the Lions sent a clear message: they don’t need Johnson to thrive.
The win came at the perfect time, especially after a rough start against the Green Bay Packers in Week 1. Detroit shook off that disappointment quickly, and for many fans and players, beating Johnson’s Bears felt like the ultimate early-season statement.
Jared Goff Shines in Record Performance
Quarterback Jared Goff was unstoppable in Sunday’s matchup. ESPN reported that he finished the game with nearly flawless numbers—334 passing yards, five touchdowns, and a near-perfect 156.0 passer rating. That effort didn’t go unnoticed by the league.
On Wednesday, the NFL announced that Goff had been awarded the NFC Offensive Player of the Week, his first major honor of the 2025-26 campaign. For Goff, it’s a moment of validation. Critics wondered if he could still excel without Johnson’s guidance, but his dominant outing against Chicago showed he’s more than capable of leading the offense on his own. The award only strengthens Detroit’s confidence in their quarterback as they push deeper into the season.
Awkward Postgame Exchange with Ben Johnson
While Detroit celebrated, the postgame handshake line offered some unexpected drama. After briefly acknowledging Lions head coach Dan Campbell, Johnson appeared to avoid any extended interaction. Video surfaced showing Goff running after Johnson in an effort to shake hands, but Johnson seemed uninterested and walked off quickly.
NFL analyst Dov Kleiman, who shared the clip on social media, remarked that the tension between Johnson and his former team seems real. The chilly interaction left fans buzzing, with many surprised by Johnson’s apparent frustration.
For Detroit, however, the focus now shifts forward. The Lions will square off against the Baltimore Ravens under the lights of Monday Night Football. As underdogs, they’ll once again have the chance to prove themselves on a national stage.
