Podcast Summary: “Are the Chicago Bears Playoff Bound?”

Podcast: Forward Progress – A Chicago Bears Podcast
Hosts: Dan Bernstein & Matt Abbatacola
Date: November 11, 2025
Episode Theme:
This episode dissects the Chicago Bears' surprising 6-3 start, their playoff prospects, and the performance (and coaching) of rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. The hosts blend analytical and emotional reflection, with an interview featuring head coach Ben Johnson—a recurring focal point throughout the show. The conversation spans late-game struggles, sustaining success, individual player development, and even some on-brand NFC North snark.

Episode Overview

• Assessment of the Bears’ playoff chances after a 6-3 start and current NFC North lead.
• In-depth analysis of Ben Johnson’s press conference: honesty with team, coaching philosophy, and challenges ahead.
• Detailed critique of Caleb Williams’ rookie season, decision-making, and the offense’s growth.
• Injury and snap count updates, including potential changes at key positions.
• NFC North observations, with a focus on the Packers’ ongoing dysfunction.
• Historical context: the elusive quest for a 4,000-yard Bears passer and how Williams compares.
• Lighthearted and insightful banter—typical of longtime Chicago sports voices.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. State of the Bears: Real Contenders or Mirage?

• Standings Context (01:39):
  Dan and Matt kick off with excitement and caution, noting the Bears’ 6-3 record but reminding fans of divisional losses and a tough remaining schedule.
  • “Enjoy that squint at the standings while you can.” – Dan Bernstein [01:39]

2. Ben Johnson’s Post-Game Mindset

• On Team Performance (03:00):
  Johnson’s approach: candid with players about issues despite winning streaks. He emphasizes growth, future improvement, and his belief that the team hasn’t peaked.
  • “The best thing about us winning right now is we can come back and coach them hard… But yet, this isn't necessarily the style or the fashion that we want to hang our hat on long term.” – Ben Johnson [03:00]
• Balancing Critique and Confidence (05:20):
  • “It’s not his idealized roster yet… He might think they’re overperforming.” – Dan Bernstein [04:49]
• Promise of Progress (05:24):
  • “The best football this group of players can play has not happened yet… this group is going to play better in December than they are right now.” – Matt Abbatacola [05:24]

3. Execution and Accountability

• Inconsistency in Play (05:38):
  Johnson acknowledges improvements in penalties and red zone performance, but points to regression in catching and critical down conversions.
  • “…We still haven't put that whole collective 60 minutes, three phases together, yet we've seen glimpses of it throughout the season so far.” – Ben Johnson [05:38]

4. Coaching Wide Receiver Drops (07:14):

• Johnson’s Response: He favors acknowledging the issue, but not harping on it—using a parental, moving-on approach to avoid shaking receiver confidence.
  • “You talk about it and then you move on… You can make things worse by going overboard on some of this stuff. And that's not the intent.” – Ben Johnson [07:14]
• Presenter Jokes (08:14):
  • “Coach, I really don't want to catch wide receiver. Get out there.” – Matt Abbatacola [08:10]

5. Self-Evaluation as Play Caller (09:16):

• Johnson on Play Calling:
  Takes responsibility for rhythm issues and acknowledges some regrettable third-down decisions.
  • “I always look in the mirror… I didn't love our third down plan…I want those guys to understand that I take a lot of ownership in what we put on tape, as do they.” – Ben Johnson [09:16]
• Hosts' Perspective:
  • “It was interesting to hear him talk about yesterday, how he felt like they weren't efficient running the ball, yet they averaged 5.5 yards a carry.” – Matt Abbatacola [10:13]

6. QB Development: Caleb Williams Watch

• On Leaving the Pocket (13:01):
  Johnson says scrambling is a tactical asset—but not the foundation—and encourages Williams to take what’s there, but not to overexpose himself.
  • “It's something that we certainly want to utilize. It's not something that we want to necessarily feature each and every week, but when the opportunity presents itself, we have the ability to capitalize on it.” – Ben Johnson [13:01]
• Hosts’ Take:
  • “If you can get 10 or 15, get it… if you're running for four, it's probably not worth the hit.” – Dan Bernstein / Matt Abbatacola [13:36]

7. Caleb’s Fourth Down Decisions (14:04 – 16:28):

• Johnson on QB-Coach Dynamic:
  Review of key fourth down throws—some were strong improvisation, others “could probably hang in there.” Johnson uses “we” for collaboration, “he” for QB-specific critiques—highlighting collective investment but individual responsibility.
  • “When he is discussing decisions made within that play, he's using we… And part of that is to diffuse responsibility. Part of that is to globalize it… It's also an embrace.” – Dan Bernstein [17:12]
• On Trust and Timing:
  • “It's a work in progress… the more trust he has in his pass catchers… he'll continue to play within the rhythm… There will be times where he takes off and he runs with it.” – Ben Johnson [16:35]
• Improvement Noted:
  • “Against the Giants was the best and the quickest I saw Caleb Williams get to his checkdowns… best job of these nine games in getting that ball out the quickest.” – Matt Abbatacola [19:09]

8. Receivers: Trust Issues & Route Discipline (20:55):

• Host Analysis:
  Both question why veteran receivers and a young QB still struggle with being “in the right area,” especially against zone defenses. Scramble rules and non-conventional play execution discussed.

9. Injury and Snap Count Review (24:13 – 29:34):

• Quick Updates:
  • DJ Moore routinely in and out but returning to play.
  • Snap counts for defense/offense, key rotation points (esp. around Grady Jarrett’s workload).
  • Burden receives praise for making the most of limited snaps.
  • Special teams/return game called out as a weak spot.

10. Around the NFC North & Packers Problems (31:22):

• Snarky Observations:
  • Critique of the Packers’ offense and LaFleur’s coaching.
  • “There are already questions being asked about their handsome young coach and their general manager, Brian Gutekunst.” – Dan Bernstein [32:18]
• Running Joke:
  • Hosts poke fun at Green Bay’s odd online fan base and Matt LaFleur’s “romantic” appeal [32:32].

11. The 4,000 Yard Unicorn: Bears’ Passing Futility (37:00):

• Statistical Despair:
  • Despite solid totals, Caleb Williams is just 34th all-time in Bears single-season yardage through nine games.
  • “The Bears aren’t the only miserable passing franchise out there… Eagles have only had one 4,000 yard season ever.” – Dan Bernstein [42:27]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Bears’ Style of Winning:
  “We’re winning… but yet this isn’t necessarily the style or the fashion that we want to hang our hat on long-term.” – Ben Johnson [03:00]

• On Self-Evaluation:
  “When things aren’t… clicking, I always look in the mirror. I didn’t love our third down plan… that’s on me.” – Ben Johnson [09:16]

• On Caleb Williams as a Rookie:
  “It’s a work in progress… the more comfortable he gets within the offense and the more trust he has in his pass catchers, that they’re going to be where they’re supposed to be, that he’ll continue to play within the rhythm and the timing…” – Ben Johnson [16:35]

• On Drops:
  “You talk about it, and then you move on… You can make things worse by going overboard on some of this stuff. And that’s not the intent.” – Ben Johnson [07:14]
  “Coach, I really don’t want to catch wide receiver. Get out there.” – Matt Abbatacola [08:10]

• On QB Collaboration:
  “When he is discussing decisions made within that play, he’s using we… to globalize it, to make it… an embrace.” – Dan Bernstein [17:12]

• On Bears History and Caleb’s Yardage:
  “Halfway through a season, he’s 34th all-time on the list… He is currently about 130 off of Eric Kramer’s pace after nine games.” – Matt Abbatacola [38:30]

• On Packers’ Offensive Struggles:
  “There are already questions being asked about their handsome young coach and their general manager… Packers, 10th in passing yards, but their offense just doesn’t look right.” – Dan Bernstein [32:18, 34:28]

• Deadpan Banter:
  “He’s no Andy Reid, but he’s… handsome. Now that would be funny if there were fan fiction being written about Andy Reid.” – Matt Abbatacola / Dan Bernstein [33:02-33:16]

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Topic | Segment | Timestamp | |-------|---------|-----------| | Bears record/standings context | [01:39] | | Ben Johnson: Coaching after wins | [03:00][05:38] | | Receivers’ drops/Coaching philosophy | [07:14][08:10] | | Self-critique as play caller | [09:16][10:13] | | QB run game/Caleb Williams’ progress | [13:01][13:36][16:35] | | Fourth down decisions/“We” vs. “He” | [14:04][17:12] | | Trust with receivers/route discipline | [19:09][20:55] | | Injury, snap counts | [24:13][26:12][27:01] | | NFC North / Packers snark | [31:22][32:18] | | Bears’ 4,000-yard quest | [37:00][38:30][42:27] |

Summary Takeaways

• Bears’ Current Success is Real—but Fragile:
  The hosts acknowledge Chicago’s progress but highlight a “work in progress” vibe from both the head coach and rookie QB. Wins haven’t masked the clear offensive inconsistencies and occasional defensive lapses.

• Ben Johnson’s Approach:
  Openly addresses flaws while maintaining confidence; avoids scapegoating, instead focusing on team solution and mutual accountability.

• Caleb Williams’ Growth:
  Improved checkdowns and occasional flashes of improvisational brilliance, but trust/chemistry issues with receivers persist, particularly against zones and under pressure.

• Snap Counts & Player Rotation:
  Injuries and productiveness are closely monitored, with some calls for adjustments at certain positions; special teams remain a worry.

• Packers/Known Rivals:
  The NFC North remains wide open, with no team (including Green Bay) establishing offensive consistency.

• Historical Perspective:
  Even with incremental progress, Bears QB history is so dire that moderately successful rookie numbers look historic. Williams’ chase for the franchise’s first 4,000-yard season serves as both a statistical and emotional subplot.

• Unique Tone:
  The episode successfully blends Bears’ “hopeful cynicism” with deep analysis and classic local humor—making it must-listen for fans seeking honest, informed dialogue.

For Listeners:
If you want candid, well-informed breakdowns that dissect both X’s and O’s and the psyche of Chicago’s football fandom, this episode offers a “full 60 minutes” on what’s working and what must improve if the Bears are to end their playoff drought.