Lions’ Dan Campbell Makes Bold Statement to Ben Johnson for Bears Game
September 11, 2025
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Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell may have given his former offensive coordinator, Ben Johnson, some extra motivation to pull off a Week 2 upset.
Johnson, now head coach for the Chicago Bears, will face his former team at Ford Field on Sunday afternoon. Both squads are attempting to bounce back from Week 1 disappointment.
For the Lions, it was a 27-13 loss to the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Despite Jared Goff throwing for 225 yards and a touchdown, he also threw an interception and took four sacks for a loss of 25 yards.
Read more: Eagles’ Jalen Carter Gets Clear Warning From Coach Before Chiefs Game
Meanwhile, Chicago looked on track to get the Ben Johnson era off to a 1-0 start. However, they let a game slip away in the second half to division rivals, the Minnesota Vikings, who prevailed 27-24 at Soldier Field.
Now both teams have a chance to even their record, although Campbell offered a bold statement about his team’s upcoming game.
Dan Campbell of the Detroit Lions looks on before the game against the Carolina Panthers at Ford Field on October 08, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. The head coach will lead his club into action against… Dan Campbell of the Detroit Lions looks on before the game against the Carolina Panthers at Ford Field on October 08, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. The head coach will lead his club into action against the Ravens this weekend.
Nic Antaya/Getty Images
“Ben’s my friend. He’s always going to be my friend. But nothing about that’s going to change,” Campbell said, per the NFL’s Kevin Patra.
“We’re going in, getting ready to play Chicago. We’re going to win this game. We have to,” the Lions coach stated.
On the flipside, Johnson is looking to shake off Monday night’s disappointing debut and earn his first win as head coach against his former team.
“No one’s going to feel sorry for us. This is going to be a quick turnaround here to get going for Sunday in Detroit, our first road game,” Johnson said.
His first game as Bears coach got off to a tremendous start as former No. 1 draft pick Caleb Williams shone at quarterback, going 10-for-10 passing. Johnson seemingly orchestrated an impressive opening drive, which Williams capped off with a rushing touchdown.
Things went downhill in the second half, as Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy helped lead his team to a thrilling comeback in Chicago. McCarthy’s poised performance to assist his team’s victory earned him NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors.
Johnson mentioned his Bears will have to be at their “best” Sunday since it will “be a playoff-like atmosphere” in Detroit. He’s also expecting the reception to be that of home team fans treating him like one of the visiting enemies rather than a welcomed former member of the Lions staff.
Last season, Detroit was among the teams mentioned as Super Bowl contenders throughout the season. Some felt Campbell’s team carried a similar vibe entering the 2025 campaign. As of this writing, the Lions are six-point favorites to win the home game and even their record at 1-1.
Read more: Falcons Get Big Drake London Injury Update for Vikings Game
For more on the Detroit Lions and the NFL, visit Newsweek Sports.
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