Dan Bernstein Unfiltered – Chicago Bears / Dallas Cowboys Preview

Podcast: Dan Bernstein Unfiltered (312 Sports)
Episode Date: September 19, 2025
Hosts: Dan Bernstein (B), Matt Abbatacola (A)

Episode Overview

In this Friday episode, Dan and Matt bring their signature Chicago sports banter and unfiltered takes, with a heavy focus on previewing the Chicago Bears’ upcoming matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. The conversation mixes sharp football analysis, deep Bears fandom, lighthearted tangents on food and pop culture, and interactive segments including their “Feedback Friday.” The episode additionally offers signature “DBU Picks” for the weekend’s NFL action.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Bears vs. Cowboys Preview & Bears’ Troubles

Timestamps: 08:41 – 18:56

• The pair react to recent NFL games, including observations on the Miami Dolphins and the performance of former Bear Larry Borom now starting at right tackle for Miami.

• The main preview focuses on the Bears’ bleak outlook against a high-powered Cowboys offense that just put up 40 points and faces a Bears defense coming off giving up 52 points.

• Matt is adamant about the Bears’ lack of hope:

  “They have zero chance of winning on Sunday... I’m going to call it right now. CeeDee Lamb goes for 200 yards.” – Matt (18:38)

• Statistical context is offered regarding the Bears’ defensive struggles, with Dan citing Mark Potash’s data:

  “The Bears are 0 and 25 in games in which they've allowed 23 points or more since the end of 2021.” – Dan (16:45)

• Dan and Matt agree that the problems go beyond coaching, involving draft busts and systemic team-building issues; concern is growing for GM Ryan Poles’ long-term signaled commitment despite poor results so far.

2. Bears Analytics & Historical Stats

Timestamps: 15:19 – 18:56

• The guys dig into grim historical stats, such as the Bears’ inability to win in shootouts (“both teams score 30+”)—their last such win was in 2013.
• They set expectations low for fans, suggesting to just enjoy football and set snacks for the inevitable postgame show therapy session.

3. Bears Fan Experience and Food Tangents

Timestamps: 02:16 – 06:12, 21:31 – 24:15

• Dan tells an extended anecdote about bargain hunting for discounted food, buying a pathetic-looking coffee cake that his daughter dubs “murder cake.”
• The conversation pivots into local grocery culture, creative uses for old bread, and the “controlled spoilage” defense of aged meats.
• Matt ponders seasonal appropriateness of chili for game day, which spirals into comic debate about food “fashion rules,” ending with both agreeing any chili is fine whenever (“dress for the weather, not the season.”)

4. Around Chicago Sports: Cubs Hangover, Baseball Stats

Timestamps: 24:18 – 30:11

• Reflection on the Cubs’ “hangover game” following clinching a playoff spot; analysis of Hunter Greene’s pitching gem and dive into baseball statistic “Game Score.”
• Trivia segment covers historical elite pitching performances—shoutout to Kerry Wood’s 20-strikeout outing for the Cubs (Game Score: 105).

5. Feedback Friday: Listener Questions & Celebrity Endorsements

Timestamps: 33:03 – 42:01

• Dan reads and reacts to listener emails, including:

  • Queries on obscure Bears executives’ influence.
  • Well-argued counterpoints to the usual Bears fatalism—one listener feels “oddly optimistic” about Caleb Williams’ improved play, despite the team’s collapse.

• Fun discussion on commercials that awkwardly announce the celebrity cameo (“Iraq Poing” bit), highlighted by a playthrough and deconstruction of the famous Robert Loggia Minute Maid ad.

  “Whoa. Robert Loggia! ... Billy, your mother's right. New Minute Maid Orange Tangerine tastes great. It’s got as much calcium as milk.” – Robert Loggia commercial, played at 37:48

6. Show Business & Crossover

Timestamps: 12:41 – 15:19, 49:24 – 50:54

• The hosts promote their Bears post-game show “Forward Progress” and discuss their evolving podcast schedule and platform growth.
• Feedback is welcomed, with anecdotes of fans recognizing Dan in public and the challenges of responding to the high volume of listener mail.

7. NFL/NCAAF Weekend Picks (“DBU Picks”)

Timestamps: 50:58 – 54:37

• Matt’s DBU parlay:
  • Eagles -3 over Rams
  • Commanders -3.5 over Raiders
• Dan’s Bears-centric parlay:
  • Cole Kmet (Bears) over 21.5 receiving yards
  • Colston Loveland over 13.5 receiving yards
• Both comment on the low expectations reflected in prop lines for Bears receivers.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Bears' Defensive Futility:

  “The Bears are 0 and 25 in those games.” – Dan (16:45)

• On Franchise Realities:

  “No, you’re just an old organization. That’s all you are. You’re old. You have one Super Bowl win in the Super Bowl era. That’s it. That’s all that matters.” – Matt (44:59)

• On Pre-Game Mindset:

  “Zero chance they win on Sunday. I’m just, I’m going to tell you right now, just be prepared. Lower the expectations, throw on your favorite Bears hoodie, T-shirt, get your snacks ready for the game snacks and sit down and just enjoy football.” – Matt (18:12)

• On QB Hopefulness vs. Despair:

  “If that’s the case and he [Caleb Williams] has a system problem with accuracy, it’s the ballgame, it’s impossible to fix. Against the Lions, I saw him hit targets downfield... I'm not panicking.” – Listener Tom in Edgebrook, email read by Dan (43:38)

• Comic Relief: Murder Cake

  “I have to buy this. I needed a dessert... It looked like roadkill… So she called it murder cake.” – Dan (05:35)

• On Celebrity Commercials:

  “It’s Jon Hamm. Right. He’s famous enough. So this was sent in by Sean, and Sean said, this discussion has set my mind ablaze.” – Dan (36:40) (Robert Loggia ad reenacted at 37:48)

• On Being Recognized by Fans:

  “One guy said, ‘Hey, love the new pods. Listen to both every day.’ ... And another guy was out running...and he said, ‘I’m listening to you right now.’” – Dan (33:03)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Bears Preview Begins – 08:41
• Bears’ Defensive Stats – 16:45
• Matt’s “Zero Chance” Rant – 18:38
• Food Tangent: Murder Cake Story – 05:35
• Seasonal Food/Fashion Food Talk – 21:31
• Baseball Game Score Trivia – 27:11
• Listener Emails/Feedback Friday – 33:03
• Robert Loggia Commercial Bit – 37:41–39:09
• QB Hope Email – 43:38
• NFL Picks Segment – 50:58–54:37

Summary & Takeaways

• The hosts pull no punches: the Bears have “zero chance” vs. the Cowboys, with historical ineptitude on display from multiple stat angles.
• Lively asides cover everything from grocery store thrifting to the logic of fall chili, adding trademark Chicago relatability and humor.
• Listener interaction (Feedback Friday) is highlighted by clever or contrarian emails—including debate about Bears management continuity and hopeless/hopeful fans.
• The signature “Unfiltered” vibe blends hard sports truths, self-deprecating humor, and a healthy dose of urban sports misery.
• For betting listeners, actionable NFL parlays are offered for the weekend with commentary.

For full Chicago sports immersion (with laughs, eye-rolls, and a little despair), this episode delivers.