# Ben Johnson's loss was disconcerting for reasons that go beyond the Packers rivalry

> Bears' 31-7 loss to Packers highlights coaching struggles as NFC North standings shift.
- Title: Ben Johnson's loss was disconcerting for reasons that go…
- Summary: Bears' 31-7 loss to Packers highlights coaching struggles as NFC North standings shift. Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson's team lost 31-7 to Green Bay…
- Keywords: ben johnson, chicago bears, green bay packers, nfc north, nfl, matt lafleur, dennis allen, jordan love, caleb williams, packers rivalry, news, local
- Source: Chicago Sun-Times — https://chicago.suntimes.com/bears/2026/10/12/bears-packers-ben-johnson-loss-disconcerting-beyond-nfc-rivalry-nfc-north-dennis-alllen-nfl-head-coach-thanksgiving
- Published: 2026-10-12T21:42:42.967+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: ben johnson, chicago bears, green bay packers, nfc north, nfl, matt lafleur, dennis allen, jordan love, caleb williams, packers rivalry, news, local
## Bears' 31-7 loss to Packers
Chicago Bears lost 31-7 to Green Bay Packers in Sunday's game at Lambeau Field.

> The most disconcerting loss of ben johnson’s bears career had everything sunday, an offense that never found its rhythm, a defense that got beat by the deep ball and every turn and a special teams unit that missed its only field goal.
## Bears' sixth NFC North loss
Bears lost their sixth regular-season NFC North game in eight tries dating to last year.

> They committed five turnovers for the first time in three years to lose their sixth regular-season nfc north game in eight tries dating to last year.
## Bears' offensive struggles
Bears offense never found rhythm, missed field goal, and had a late quarterback switch.

> The most disconcerting loss of ben johnson’s bears career had everything sunday, an offense that never found its rhythm, a defense that got beat by the deep ball and every turn and a
## Bears' defensive issues
Bears defense gave up 68 points over two games and missed field goals.

> The same can’t be said for a two-faced defense that has given up 68 points over two games this season, and just 28 over the other three.
## Bears' turnover problems
Bears committed five turnovers for the first time in three years.

> They committed five turnovers for the first time in three years to lose their sixth regular-season nfc north game in eight tries dating to last year.
## Bears' divisional record
Bears are 3-2 but 0-2 in NFC North, trailing Vikings and Packers.

> The bears are 3-2, yet last in the nfc north, the result of losing both their divisional games this season.
## Bears' coaching challenges
Johnson took responsibility for offensive play-calling, blamed defense coordinator.

> Johnson took responsibility for the bears’ offensive play-calling and said coordinator dennis allen did the same on defense monday after allowing packers quarterback jordan love to throw for 367 yards.
## Bears' playoff implications
Bears' NFC North standings shift as Vikings lead division with 6-2 record.

> The vikings, who many thought were the worst team in the north, are five minus zero this season.
## Bears' historical rivalry
Bears have lost 66 points to Packers, Lions and Vikings in head coaching career.

> Johnson has been outscored by 66 points in eight games against the packers lions and vikings in his head coaching career.
## Bears' next game
Bears face Falcons in Thanksgiving game, with Johnson needing to fix issues.

> Johnson said, 'We’ve got to be critical of ourselves, look in the mirror a little bit [monday] and get that cleaned up and fixed.'
## Bears' coaching history
Johnson's most personal loss was 31-point shellacking in Ford Field homecoming.

> Johnson’s most personal head-coaching loss was the 31-point shellacking he took in his ford field homecoming last year.
## Bears' rivalry context
Bears favored to win at Lambeau Field for first time in 20 years.

> Sunday’s blowout at the hands of his rival came with the bears favored to win at lambeau field for the first time in 20 years.
## Bears' defensive coordinator
Dennis Allen blamed defense for offensive struggles.

> He’ll be the first one to tell you when there’s a bad call.
## Bears' future challenges
Bears face tough NFC North competition with slim playoff chances.

> We’re a 3-2 football team, the part that stinks is that we’re 0-2 in the division right now.
## Key takeaway

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson's team lost 31-7 to Green Bay Packers, marking their sixth regular-season NFC North game in eight tries since last year.