Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast

Episode: Bears - Cowboys, Must Win for Ben Johnson
Hosts: Dan Bernstein, Matt Abbatacola
Date: September 17, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode centers on the Chicago Bears’ looming matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, which both hosts categorize as a “must win”—particularly for new head coach Ben Johnson. Dan and Matt break down the stakes, analyze both teams’ glaring defensive struggles, and dive into the development—or lack thereof—of rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. Key Bears personnel issues, coaching accountability, and the culture of leadership both on and off the field are scrutinized in detail with characteristic candor and humor.

Main Discussion Themes & Key Insights

1. Bears vs. Cowboys: “Get Well Game” or Rock Bottom?

Timestamps: 00:15–06:32

• Both Chicago and Dallas have severe defensive problems. The Bears are giving up 9.9 yards/attempt (2nd worst), Cowboys 9.4 (4th worst).

• The defensive schemes, notably the “bend but don’t break” Tampa 2 under Matt Eberfluss, have failed on both sides: “They’re bend and break at this point.” (Dan, 01:28)

• Both teams are prone to surrendering explosive plays—Cowboys have given up eight 20+ yard and four 40+ yard pass plays, both league worsts.

• Quote:

  “If Colston Loveland cannot play in this game, if he cannot contribute in this game, something is really wrong because he doesn't have to know much in this game. Run straight, run the seam... run the seam and put your hand up.”
  — Dan, 03:44

• Despite the home field and national spotlight, Dan stresses that if the Bears are to reach even a modest seven wins, this is one they must secure.

2. Offensive Opportunities—And Worries

Timestamps: 04:32–10:39

• Matt questions whether the offense can take advantage: “What about this offense in these two games says they can compete in a shootout?” (05:50)
• Self-inflicted wounds (penalties, long 2nd/3rd downs, turnovers) plague any progress, despite a theoretically easier defense to exploit.
• Concern that Dallas will “run up the scoreboard,” especially as the Bears defense struggles to cover playmakers like CeeDee Lamb.
• Quote:

  “I just can't see the Bears defense stopping them from scoring and... I can't see the Bears offense getting out of its own way to match those points.”
  — Matt, 06:32

3. Personnel Issues and Depth Concerns

Timestamps: 13:23–20:59

• Bears are battered: Jalen Johnson (out), TJ Edwards (week-to-week), Kyler Gordon (week-to-week), Grady Jarrett (playing injured).

• Backups with limited upside or experience are being thrust into starting roles, leading to existential questions about the depth chart and drafting.

• Notable exchange:

  “What is there? You don't have to know the playbook to be a defensive tackle. What's stopping him from getting on the field?”
  — Dan, 15:27
  “That should be the position... yeah, get out on the field, stop the run, get the quarterback.”
  — Matt, 15:38

• Critique of recent draft picks—high selections (like Shemar Turner) and free agency signings are underperforming or inactive.

4. Front Office & Roster-Building Failures

Timestamps: 20:59–29:09

• Sharp criticism of GM Ryan Poles’ penchant for veteran signings (“stop signing 30-year-olds”), drafting special teams players early, and an inability to find contributors in rounds 1–3.

• “Maybe draft football players that can play on your team immediately... in the first round, definitely the second, maybe the third round...”
  — Matt, 20:59

• Matt & Dan ask: How many Pro Bowlers has Poles drafted?

  “Zero. And they just lost their one.”
  — Dan, 29:05

• The episode reflects deep exasperation at a lack of game-changing picks and the perpetual cycle of losing offseasons and drafts.

5. Coaching Accountability & Practice Habits

Timestamps: 37:03–46:05

• Breaking news during the episode: Ben Johnson tells media, “Our practice habits are yet to reflect a championship caliber team” (Dan, 43:36)
• Both hosts dissect whether this is an honest admission or a scapegoating tactic.
• Concerns raised about team culture: Are the players or coaches at fault? Is this a shot at the GM’s assembly of talent?
• Quote:

  “When publicly you indict the whole roster, privately everyone knows you’re not... you’ve got whispering going on about who’s dogging it at practice... This is the kind of thing that contributes to losing cultures.”
  — Dan, 45:20

6. Leadership Void on the Roster

Timestamps: 47:30–48:22

• Lack of “internal cops”:

  “That shit doesn’t slide when you have someone in the locker room step up and knock this shit off.”
  — Matt, 48:11

• Who leads the team? Discussion on candidates like Cole Kmet, but clear uncertainty lingers.
• Leadership, both from coaches and among players, is seen as a missing ingredient in building a winning culture.

7. Is Ben Johnson the Right Leader?

Timestamps: 38:16–44:09

• Matt shares his wife’s corporate-executive perspective: Johnson doesn’t project strong leadership qualities.

• Dan is not yet convinced this is a problem, but notes “his body language has been bad” since the 0–2 start.

• Quote:

  “If we're already talking about the fundamental essence of leadership, that should be determined at the job interview.”
  — Dan, 40:23

• The hosts debate whether early warning signs of leadership issues should alarm fans.

Memorable Quotes & Moments with Timestamps

• “They're bend and break at this point.” — Dan Bernstein, 01:28
• “If Colston Loveland cannot play in this game... something is really wrong.” — Dan Bernstein, 03:44
• “What about this offense in these two games says that they can compete in a shootout? Nothing.” — Matt Abbatacola and Dan Bernstein, 05:50–05:56
• “Stop signing 30-year-olds. It rarely helps.” — Dan Bernstein, 20:03
• “Zero. And they just lost their one.” — Dan Bernstein, 29:05 (on Pro Bowlers drafted)
• “Our practice habits are yet to reflect a championship caliber team.” — Ben Johnson (relayed by Dan), 43:36
• “When publicly you indict the whole roster... this is the kind of thing that contributes to losing cultures.” — Dan Bernstein, 45:20

Notable Segments & Timestamps

• Bears vs. Cowboys Defensive Struggles: 00:15–03:44
• Offensive Opportunities & Issues: 04:32–10:39
• Personnel Problems & Injuries: 13:23–20:59
• Draft/GM Critique: 20:59–29:09
• Culture/Practice Accountability: 37:03–46:05
• Leadership Discussion: 47:30–48:22

Tone and Style

Consistently passionate, irreverent, and unsparingly critical, Dan and Matt toggle between analytical and raw emotional takes, blending stats-heavy analysis with a fan’s exasperation. Their dialogue is peppered with inside jokes and deep football knowledge, all delivered in the language of true, long-suffering Bears followers.

Summary Takeaway

The consensus: This is a critical moment for the Bears, their new coach, and their front office. The matchup with Dallas is both a “must-win” and a microcosm of larger, systemic issues—shoddy drafting, leadership concerns, and questionable front office strategy. The episode crackles with urgency, skepticism, and a call for real progress—on the field and in the locker room.

Next Episode Preview:
Courtney Cronin joins the show for further inside perspective; discussion on Tom Brady’s broadcast "conflict of interest" follows.