Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast

Episode: Are Caleb Williams and the Bears actually good enough to win a Super Bowl?
Hosts: Dan Bernstein & Matt Abbatacola
Date: December 29, 2025

Episode Overview

In the heated aftermath of a close and challenging Bears loss, Dan Bernstein and Matt Abbatacola dive deep into whether the current iteration of the Chicago Bears—with rookie QB Caleb Williams and new head coach Ben Johnson—pose a real Super Bowl threat. The hosts break down the high-drama final plays, address budding offensive philosophies, analyze the glaring defensive shortcomings, and debate whether this team’s strengths can overcome its weaknesses on the biggest stage. The podcast is filled with game analysis, coach and player quotes, statistics, and classic Chicago football banter.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Accelerated Expectations and Division Win

Timestamp: 00:23–01:25

• The Bears, under Ben Johnson’s leadership, have rapidly reset fan and organizational expectations, clinching the NFC North by Week 18.
• “The transition that we've gone through as Bears fans... going into week 18 as NFC north champions and how Ben Johnson and his attention to detail and his leadership and his schemes... have accelerated that timeline so quickly for us.” — Matt (00:44)
• Both hosts acknowledge the excitement of the division title but insist it’s not the endgame—Super Bowl is the new bar.

2. Breakdown of the Last-Minute Hook & Ladder Play

Timestamp: 02:17–04:19, 08:29–18:02

• Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson both discuss the misaligned and rushed nature of the last play, a hook-and-ladder attempt that nearly won the game.
• Caleb Williams Quote:
  “We ended up getting lined up with not much time, and we were slightly lined up wrong... didn't have enough time to fix it... I’ve got to do a better job, you know, in those moments of yelling or whatever, making sure everybody hears me... But, you know, like I said, we had a shot.” (03:26, 05:57)
• Ben Johnson Quote:
  “It's on me. I didn't give [Caleb] the call fast enough, and so he's trying to piecemeal it together. I got to do a better job on that.” (04:52)
• Johnson’s emotional response in the postgame presser hints at frustration and belief that the play should have worked.
  “[Johnson] was a total red ass there... He's pissed.” — Matt (10:22)

Analysis of Execution

• Both hosts agree the play design was sound, but the pitch on the ladder came too soon, failing to adequately bait the defense.
• “They accelerated the pitch. Loveland did [it] too quickly... If he catches and turns with intent... you’ve already drawn the defender to you.” — Dan (15:19)
• Ultimately, Johnson called the play as a potential game-winner and was upset it didn’t finish the job.

3. Coaching Details & San Francisco’s Response

Timestamp: 07:12

• 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan intentionally avoided calling a timeout when he noticed the Bears scrambled, preferring to let a disorganized play unfold.
  • “He saw what they were doing as well. Instead of calling a timeout… he was like, all right, let's just let it fly.” — Matt

4. Chicago’s Defensive Struggles & Lack of Pass Rush

Timestamp: 01:25, 21:30–23:02, 37:05–47:30

• Defensive woes are highlighted—almost 900 yards allowed in the last two games, no consistent pass rush, and struggles containing mobile QBs.
• Ben Johnson on pass rush:
  “I mean, [Purdy’s] a dangerous player… and we certainly didn't affect him enough.” (22:02)
• Matt and Dan discuss several missed opportunities for sacks and the Bears’ problems maintaining pressure, comparing Brock Purdy’s TD dance play to painful previous moments as Bears fans.

5. Can the Bears Win the Super Bowl (With This Defense)?

Timestamp: 37:05–47:36

• Dan: “I don't think you can win a Super bowl with that anemic a pass rush.” (37:20)
• Matt counters with stats: The Bears are 11-5, often winning despite defensive lapses, and are NFL leaders in takeaways (+22 turnover differential, best in football).
• “We're talking about this year only... When it comes to takeaways, the Bears are the best team in football.” — Matt (38:18)
• When holding opponents under 24 points, Bears are 9-0.
• Historical context: Only a few Super Bowl teams have won with below-average defenses (2011 Giants, 2006 Colts, 2009 Saints).
• Matt: “They can certainly win a Super Bowl this year, even with that weakened pass rush.” (42:58)

6. Offensive Diversity & Philosophy

Timestamp: 29:14–35:19

• Notable, almost unprecedented equitable distribution of receptions among the Bears’ top four receivers (DJ Moore, Loveland, Odunze, Burden) — All within a handful of catches and yards.
• “I would venture to bet... there has never been a team with that kind of equitable distribution of catches and yards among four receivers.” — Dan (30:13)
• Demonstrates the offense’s “democratic” approach, taking what the defense gives.

7. Personalities, Locker Room Notes, and Injuries

Timestamp: 35:19–36:29

• Jalen Johnson was benched briefly in favor of Tyreek Stevenson after halftime; potential concern brewing in the locker room, but may relate to Johnson’s return from injury.

8. Looking Ahead: Playoff Positioning and Week 18

Timestamp: 25:24–29:12

• Bears must defeat Detroit for a real shot at the No. 2 seed; argument over whether to rest starters depending on other NFC games.
• Dan: “You are one Seattle loss away... from hosting the NFC Championship Game as the 2 seed.” (27:15)
• Both agree Ben Johnson will push for a full-effort win against Detroit, citing both competitive pride and playoff positioning.

9. Statistical Deep Dives

Timestamp: 40:47–47:36

• Bears are elite in takeaways and efficient in scoring; not so in total points allowed.
• Compared favorably to playoff teams in rushing yards and turnover differential; not so much in sack/pressure metrics.

10. NFL Quick Hits, Anecdotes, & Classic Banter

Timestamps throughout, e.g., 52:45–61:00

• Discussion of Philip Rivers’ late-career comeback with the Colts and what it says about the NFL QB landscape.
• Mike Tomlin and Miles Garrett drama over sack records.
• Playful debate over childhood cars and parental seating arrangements during long digressions (17:00–19:48).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Caleb Williams on the final play:
  “We gotta do a better job overall. Just execution... we’ll go back, we’ll figure it out... be truth tellers to ourselves.” (02:29)

• Ben Johnson on his own accountability:
  “It's on me. I didn't give him the call fast enough, and so he's trying to piecemeal it together. I gotta do a better job on that.” (04:52)

• On the risky hook-and-ladder call:
  “That was a game-winning play that I called... he’s probably been waiting all season for the perfect moment to pull that off.” — Matt (13:09–13:22)

• On defending CAN the Bears win as-is:
  “They can certainly win a Super Bowl this year, even with that weakened pass rush.” — Matt (42:58)

• On Bears’ “democratic” passing attack:
  “Show me another team ever that’s had a top four with that kind of equality of production... that’s amazing.” — Dan (31:24)

• Classic Chicago banter:
  “Players do. They could do their own private jets.” — Matt, on the Bears' flu-ridden travel woes (18:01)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |----------------------------------------------|-------------------| | Accelerated expectations, division win | 00:23–01:25 | | Final play analysis - Hook & Ladder | 02:17–04:19, 08:29–18:02| | Audio from Williams & Johnson, Presser Quotes| 02:29, 04:52 | | Shanahan’s Timeout Non-Call | 07:12–07:54 | | Ben Johnson's "red-ass" presser | 10:22–10:28 | | Offensive distribution stats | 29:14–31:24 | | Defensive analysis, pass rush debate | 21:30–23:02, 37:05–47:36| | Jalen Johnson Tyreek Stevenson subbing | 35:19–36:29 | | Week 18 preview & playoff ramifications | 25:24–29:12 | | NFL around the league: Colts, Steelers, etc. | 52:45–61:00 |

Conclusion

This episode delivered a comprehensive, passionate autopsy of the Bears’ narrow loss, dove into the philosophies and realities defining their 2025 campaign, and ultimately provided hope—tempered with realism—that Chicago may be closer to a Super Bowl shot than at any point in recent memory. The hosts’ blend of stat-heavy breakdown, locker room insight, and classic Windy City wit made for a compelling, must-listen experience for any Bears (or football) fan.

If you missed the episode, this summary brings you up to speed on the X’s, O’s, and emotions driving the Chicago Bears’ 2025 playoff push.