Dan Bernstein Unfiltered – Episode Summary
Podcast: Dan Bernstein Unfiltered
Host(s): Dan Bernstein with Matt Abbatacola
Episode: Chicago Bears - Philadelphia Eagles Preview | Top 10 Eagles of All-Time
Date: November 28, 2025
Episode Overview
This lively episode revolves around the highly anticipated Chicago Bears vs. Philadelphia Eagles game on Black Friday, with Dan Bernstein and Matt Abbatacola offering candid analysis and their signature humor. The show includes a spirited discussion about what makes this matchup meaningful, how to truly evaluate the Bears' season, and a tongue-in-cheek “Top 10 Eagles of All-Time” segment. Listeners also get practical betting advice, banter-filled feedback sessions, and a smattering of Chicago sports updates.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Bears vs. Eagles – Why Is This Game So Big?
[03:15–08:44]
- Dan’s Eagerness:
Dan emphasizes his excitement for this matchup:"I cannot tell you how excited I am for this Bears game... The first actual big, meaningful Bears game in a long time, in front of the whole country." (03:15)
- More Than The Outcome:
He stresses performance quality:"The quality of their play matters more to me than the outcome... What I'm watching is how well they play." (04:40)
- Matt's Perspective:
Matt cautions against overreaction:"Even if they lose the game, it doesn't mean anything about the last five games... If we've learned anything, it's from week to week you can't make projections about a team based on one game." (04:47)
- Why the Eagles as a Measuring Stick?
Dan and Matt unpack the Eagles’ status as "the latest" test, referencing the Eagles’ struggles and the media chaos in Philadelphia:"They're the latest one. It's all we got... This is the first time... you're going against a proud champion on their turf, coming off a horrible loss." (05:55–06:26) "It's a soap opera what's going on... There's a really good Nick Foles video... breaking down how rudimentary the Eagles offense is." (06:40)
2. Bears Season Context & The Blob
[08:00–09:04]
- NFC 'Blob' Years:
Both hosts joke about this being a "major blob game in a blob season," reflecting on the middling quality across the conference:
"These are... the class of the NFC... it's the ultimate blob... major matchup in a BLOB year, Right?" (08:18) "It's a major blob game in a BLOB season." (08:37)
- Friday Football Vibe:
Dan notes the novelty and excitement of the rare Friday 2pm game
"Like what the hell is this, like some Division 2 college game? No, it’s the NFL. Let’s get after it." (08:51)
3. Black Friday Chatter and Side Stories
[09:04–09:55]
- Lighthearted recap of Dan and Matt’s Black Friday shopping exploits. They joke about over-buying (247 bath towels), AI back-scratchers, and organizing closets.
4. Chicago Cubs Offseason Moves
[09:55–11:52]
- Dylan Cease Discussion:
Dan voices disappointment for fans after the Cubs miss out on pitcher Dylan Cease, but stresses the importance of urgency in making offseason moves:"I do think that they need more... starting pitching. What they have right now is not enough. ...You can't waste this window." (10:54)
- Matt agrees the Cubs can and should spend, and shouldn’t let money hold them back.
"If they wanted Dylan Cease, $210 million is nothing." (11:10)
5. Top 10 Eagles of All Time – Comedy Segment
[13:13–32:49]
Dishonorable Mentions
[13:13–14:20]
- Two ‘dishonorable’ eagle entries (movie puns from 1986):
- "Iron Eagle” — Lewis Gossett Jr. (20% on Rotten Tomatoes)
- “Legal Eagles” — Robert Redford (40%)
The Committee’s List (with banter & reactions):
- #10: Iron Eagle (movie)
- #9: Eagle Man (local Chicago insurance mascot)
- #8: Eagly (mascot from HBO’s Peacemaker)
- #7: Sam Eagle (the Muppets, parodying American conservatism)
- #6: Giant Eagles (Lord of the Rings)
- #5: American Eagle (clothing store)
- #4: Mighty Eagle (Angry Birds movie)
- #3: American Eagle (roller coaster at Six Flags)
- Matt confesses it’s the only coaster he’s ever ridden:
“The American eagle currently stands as the only roller coaster I've ever ridden. And I did it when I was 18 on senior ditch Day.” (16:36)
- Matt confesses it’s the only coaster he’s ever ridden:
- #2: Eddie the Eagle (either the real Olympic ski jumper or the movie)
- Dan clarifies: his #10 is the ski jumper himself, not the movie.
- #1: Bald Eagle (the bird itself)
Dan’s Definitive Top 10 Eagles List
[19:17–32:49]
- Includes:
- Eagle Man (insurance mascot)
- Eagle Foods (now-defunct grocer)
- Eagle Snacks (Anheuser-Busch snack brand)
- Fly Like an Eagle (Steve Miller Band song)
- Eagle Claw (fishing hooks)
- The Eagle family (famous broadcasters and comedians)
- Sam the Eagle (Muppets, as above)
- The Eagles (the band) – despite their reputation, notable for chart-topping hits and longevity
"Say what you want... But you can't argue... everybody at least has one... guilty pleasure song." (26:47)
- F-15 Eagle (fighter plane, undefeated in aerial combat)
- AMC Eagle (the original crossover SUV)
- Lunar Module Eagle (Apollo 11: “The Eagle has landed.”)
- #1: The "eagle" in golf (two under par on a hole)
"The golf Eagle is number one… because anybody has a chance to have this fabulous sports achievement." (32:49)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
Dan on Sports Analysis:
"It’s been a whole season of yeah, butts. I don’t think this game's a yeah, but." (06:09)
-
On the Eagles’ Offensive Troubles:
"There’s a really good Nick Foles video... breaking down how rudimentary the Eagles offense is, what their route tree is... compared it to Ben Johnson’s stuff—night and day." (06:40)
-
On the Eagles List:
“The committee did a horseshit job, and you can tell them that, because here’s your real damn list.” (19:17)
-
Matt’s Roller Coaster Story:
“And so now, Dan, at the age of 52, the American eagle currently stands as the only roller coaster I've ever ridden. And I did it when I was 18 on senior ditch Day. And I've never ridden a roller coaster since.” (16:36)
-
On the F-15 Eagle:
"The F15 Eagle is undefeated in aerial combat." (27:04)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 03:15–08:44 – Bears vs. Eagles game preview/significance
- 08:51 – NFL on a Friday ("blob year"), Black Friday excitement
- 09:55 – Cubs miss Dylan Cease; rotation urgency
- 13:13–19:17 – "Top 10 Eagles" segment intro and committee/official list
- 19:17–32:49 – Dan’s full breakdown of his own "Top 10 Eagles" with backstories
- 33:45–35:42 – Dan & Matt’s “DBU Picks” (betting advice for Bears/Eagles & Bulls game)
DBU Picks (Presented by MyBookie)
[33:45–35:42]
- Matt’s Pick: Bears +7 vs. Eagles – confident Bears covering and perhaps winning outright.
- Dan’s Parlay:
- Bulls vs. Hornets: Over 2.5 made threes for Kobe White
- Isaac Okoro Over 0.5 made threes
Tone & Style
- Direct, irreverent, and steeped in Chicago sports culture.
- Candid takes, playful ribbing, strong opinions, and plenty of inside jokes and local references.
- The Top 10 Eagles segment is loaded with tongue-in-cheek humor, pop culture nods, and deep-dive trivia.
For New Listeners
If you missed the episode, you’ll walk away understanding:
- Why the Bears-Eagles matchup is so meaningful for Chicago fans this season.
- The wider landscape of the NFC and skepticism about week-to-week overreactions.
- Some fun, offbeat “eagle” trivia and Chicago-centric sports humor.
- Dan and Matt's authentic, unfiltered approach—equal parts analysis and entertainment.
Best Entry Point: Jump in at [03:15] for the Bears/Eagles breakdown. For a belly-laugh, hit the “Top 10 Eagles” starting at [13:13].
Episode Highlights – At a Glance
| Segment | Time | |---------------------------------------|-------------| | Bears/Eagles Game Preview | 03:15-08:44 | | Friday Football & The 'Blob' NFC | 08:00-09:04 | | Cubs Free Agency Chatter | 09:55-11:52 | | Top 10 Eagles (Committee) | 13:13-19:17 | | Dan’s Definitive Eagles List | 19:17-32:49 | | DBU Picks (Sports Betting) | 33:45-35:42 |
Closing Note:
If you love Chicago sports talk spiked with razor wit, this episode is a perfect blend of smart analysis, spirited debate, and the sort of banter unique to Dan and Matt’s long radio partnership. They balance their regional loyalty with a sharp eye for broader trends, all while keeping things light with playful segments and local color.