Ben Johnson’s Postgame Handshake Raises Eyebrows Across Sean McVay’s Coaching Tree

Sean McVay and the Rams will have a score to settle against the Bears in the NFC Divisional game for the poor treatment of McVay's friend and former colleague Matt LaFluer, head coach of the Packers.

Ben Johnson’s Postgame Handshake Raises Eyebrows Across Sean McVay’s Coaching Tree

Sean McVay and his coaching team aren't thrilled by Ben Johnson's actions after the Bears defeated the Packers in the wildcard (Image via IMAGO/X)

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Handshakes are usually a sign of closure between two teams, but the one after the Bears-Packers playoff game in Chicago seemed to have the opposite effect. It’s bound to play a big role in deciding Saturday’s big NFC Divisional showdown between the Bears and the Rams.

Former NFL Network and current ESPN contributor Peter Schrager shared the reason behind the developing rivalry. According to Schrager, Bears head coach Ben Johnson‘s actions didn’t sit well with Sean McVay and the LA Rams coaching staff, who are on good terms with Packers Matt LaFleur.

This is the WWE part of this, where there’s actual personalities involved. I think [Sean] McVay wants to kick the snot out of Ben Johnson. And I think Ben Johnson, who’s beaten McVay the last two times when Detroit played the Rams, has no problem with that. I’ll beat the snot out of you.

Peter Scharger said on the recent episode of the Ben Simmons podcast

Schrager, like most others, is eagerly waiting for the fight on the gridiron to kick off and expects an all-out offensive war between the two “alphas.”

Shortly after completing the comeback against the Packers in the wildcard round, cameras caught an interesting moment in the middle of the field. Johnson and LaFleur shared a flimsy handshake before quickly leaving the scene. Later, Johnson was spotted shouting NSFW remarks at the Packers in the locker room.

Johnson has been very upfront about his hatred for the Packers and LaFleur, but the consensus hinted that he might have gone too far. McVay entered the conversation because of his past connection with LaFleur. They’ve known each other since working together in Washington during the 2010s, before taking on head coaching jobs in Green Bay and LA.

It wouldn’t be surprising if LaFleur offered some tips on beating the Bears. The Rams could use all the help they can get, especially with a score to settle against Johnson, who won the last two matchups against them while serving as Detroit’s offensive coordinator.

Sean McVay and the Rams have figured out a unique way to prepare for Chicago weather

Just like the Packers game, the divisional fixture is scheduled to take place at Soldier Field in Chicago. Chicago typically receives a significant amount of snow around this time of year. It’s advantageous for the Bears but not for the Rams, who play football in warmer weather.

Ben Johnson’s Postgame Handshake Raises Eyebrows Across Sean McVay’s Coaching Tree
LA Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford and head coach Sean McVay (Image via IMAGO)

The local weather report predicts a temperature of around 10 degrees at kickoff, with a chance of heavy snow.

McVay has discovered a way to tackle the cold, well, kind of. An ESPN report revealed that McVay and quarterback Matthew Stafford wear scuba suits to counter the cold weather.

Yeah, I throw on a damn scuba suit underneath.

McVay said (H/T: ESPN)

The team used this method against the New York Jets in Week 16 of the 2024 season. Stafford threw 19 total passes in the game and completed 14 of them for 110 yards. He threw one touchdown pass to tight end Tyler Higbee and conceded one pick. Running back Kyren Williams rushed 23 times for 122 yards and scored one TD. The Rams won 19-9. The Bears are likely to put up a better fight.

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