Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast

Episode: Bears - Lions Post Game (September 14, 2025)

Hosts: Dan Bernstein & Matt Abbatacola
Podcast Network: 312 Sports

Episode Overview

This episode provides a raw, in-depth, and often biting analysis of the Chicago Bears’ humiliating 52-21 defeat to the Detroit Lions. Hosts Dan Bernstein and Matt Abbatacola take listeners through the game’s lowlights, coaching decisions, front office missteps, player performances, and the emotional aftermath. Their approach balances acute football analysis, candid fan frustration, and moments of sardonic humor, reflecting the voices of a fanbase reeling from another setback.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Disappointment & Low Expectations Met

• The hosts quickly make clear that while they did not expect a Bears win, they simply wanted the team to look competent.
  • “I didn't expect them to win this game. I wanted them to come out and at least look like an NFL football team. They accomplished that. Not, not a very good football team.” – Matt (02:14)
• Both agree that the Bears now resemble a "bad NFL team," a slight upgrade from the previous week, when they looked "embarrassing" and "unprepared" (02:34).

2. Roster & Coaching Criticisms

• Bernstein calls out troubling roster decisions visible even before kickoff: “My criticism ... began when I looked at the inactives and I saw two second round picks and a third round pick as healthy scratches.” (00:38)
• The lack of tight end involvement (especially rookie Colson Loveland) is a point of confusion and frustration:
  • “Cole Kmet has one target. He caught the ball … Is Colson Loveland okay?” – Dan (04:58)
  • Matt’s son: “Other tight ends catch the ball.” (05:13)
• The Bears’ much-hyped investment on the offensive line was unproductive: “If you can't get half a yard on fourth down there, I don't get it.” – Dan (05:38)

3. Defensive Collapse & Conditioning Questions

• Jared Goff “carved up” the Bears, going “22 of 27 for 330 yards, four touchdowns, no interceptions. An absolutely phenomenal performance against no pass rush to speak of—nothing.” – Dan (03:01)
• Lack of pressure on a stationary QB deeply frustrates both, with Matt noting, “He is not going to escape the pocket ... there should be something in the preparation to get after him.” (03:14)
• The Bears defense appears gassed and undisciplined:
  • “I’m very curious about the Bears’ conditioning ... This is not that—last week was gorgeous ... this week, climate-controlled indoor game, and yet it appears they're tiring.” – Dan (08:48)
  • Both Jalen Johnson and TJ Edwards suffered re-injuries (groin and hamstring), compounding the defensive woes.

4. Offensive Failures & Play Calling

• Early-game scripting produces good drives but zero results, repeating last week's pattern.
  • “Second game in a row where you don't get anything out of that [scripted opening drive]... you're supposed to learn to poke and prod a bit ... and we're not getting any of that.” – Dan (01:40)
• Reflecting on analyst Jonathan Vilma’s comment: “It quote, takes some pressure off Caleb and quote—the game had just started. What pressure are we taking off your number one overall goddamn pick?” – Matt (06:36)
• The Bears' inability to establish the run (other than Swift), get meaningful production from Kyle Monungai, and DJ Moore’s disappearance until garbage time are dissected.

5. Criticisms of Management & Drafting (Ryan Poles)

• Multiple premium picks are inactive or underutilized, and the Bears are absent high-impact talent.
• “Not a great day for Ryan Poles ... not to mention ... $68 million in contracts… for [a line that] can’t get half a yard on fourth down.” – Dan (05:38)
• Sarcastic takes about how Bears fans “should get Pablo Torre to investigate how Ryan Poles got this extension.” (22:51)

6. Garbage Time, QB Swap, and Narrative Risks

• Williams is benched in the fourth (with Bears trailing 52-21) for Tyson Bagent. Both hosts emphasize this was for injury avoidance, urging management to “be extremely clear” so fans/media don’t invent controversy.
  • “If they screw this up ... if they leave any wiggle room ... the fans will run through that door.” – Dan (52:04)

7. Reflections on the Lions, the Division, and Where the Bears Stand

• The gap between the Bears and the division’s top teams appears vast: "The top of the division is so far away from where the Bears are right now." – Matt (23:00)
• Playoff or even divisional competitiveness is declared impossible.
  • Matt: “You're not going to win a game in this division. You're going to go oh and six ... Not even a question in my mind. That's a bet I'd make right now.” (42:43)

8. Notable Statistics

• Lions: 511 total yards (334 passing, 177 rushing), 8.8 yards/play, Jared Goff: 23/28, 334 yards, 5 TDs, 156 QBR (14:49, 35:00)
• Bears’ offense: Intermittent sparks, but dreadful on money downs and empty on the scoreboard.

9. Fan and Commenter Interaction

• Several lively moments responding to YouTube live comments, including debates about Tyrique Stevenson and Montez Sweat’s on-field presence (17:19–18:13).
• Extended jokes about nonalcoholic spirits (“lyre”) and random college fandom bring levity (18:20–19:02, 29:33–29:52).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Expectations and Reality

• “It was supposed to be better than this. No matter what anybody wants to say ... I think we can all agree that this is not okay, that it was supposed to look better than this.” – Dan (20:40)

On Defensive Conditioning

• “Their eyes were tired. They look tired.” – Quoting Jonathan Vilma via Matt (10:11)
• “I’m very curious about the Bears' conditioning ... and yet it appears they're tiring.” – Dan (08:48)

On Quarterback Change & Messaging

• “This is simply to make sure [Williams] doesn’t get hurt in a lost game. ... But, wow, that is something.” – Dan (12:54)
• “If they screw this up ... the fans will run through that door.” – Dan (52:04)

On Offense & Draft Flops

• “You have a first round pick who is invisible. You have two second round picks and a third round pick or healthy scratches—not a great day for Ryan Poles.” – Dan (05:38)

On the Team’s Identity

• “What do the Bears do well? ... There is not one of those players or any part of their game that says, all right, we need to make sure we contain this aspect of their game. ... They show opportunities of a quarterback who can really throw a good ball, but he throws more bad balls than good balls.” – Matt (46:56–47:33)

Important Segments & Timestamps

| Segment Topic | Timestamp | |-----------------------------------------------|------------| | Roster/inactive criticism & opening blunders | 00:38–01:40| | Early offensive failures & scripted drives | 01:40–03:01| | Defensive struggles & Lack of pressure | 03:01–03:59| | Tight ends vanish from offense | 04:45–05:13| | O-line investment flop & short-yardage | 05:38–06:24| | Injuries & defensive conditioning concerns | 08:12–10:11| | Williams benched, messaging risks | 12:23–13:15, 49:45–52:13| | Division gap, Poles criticism, 0–6 prediction | 22:51–24:47; 42:19–42:43| | Notable statistics (Lions/Bears O, D, T.O.P) | 14:49, 35:00, 36:10| | Play action/complimentary football breakdown | 24:47–26:19| | Division schedule outlook | 30:21–33:04| | Loveland/rookie TE concerns | 33:48–34:41| | Postgame quotes, coach/GM accountability | 53:48–54:48|

Final Thoughts

• The episode is a cathartic venting session for Bears fans craving accountability and change, mixing deadpan humor with the underlying pain of chronic underachievement.
• Bernstein and Abbatacola remain deeply invested in the team's fate, voicing concerns not only as analysts but also as fans who “asked that they play better” and got humiliation instead.
• The message is clear: The Bears are a long way from relevance, and it's not just a coaching or quarterback issue—it's an indictment of years of poor roster management and missed expectations.

Next Game:
Bears vs. Cowboys, Sunday, Noon (Central) – “The Bears are already reeling ... Can you tell me now which games the Bears win on this remaining schedule?” (30:21)

Endnotes

• Ads, general YouTube intros/outros, and lighthearted digressions have been omitted.
• For ongoing Bears analysis and undeniably passionate breakdown, subscribe to Forward Progress and follow Dan Bernstein Unfiltered.