Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast
Episode: Bears Reporter, Kevin Fishbane
Date: October 1, 2025
Host(s): Dan Bernstein & Matt Abaticola
Guest: Kevin Fishbane (The Athletic, “Brilliant Breaking In” podcast)
Episode Overview
This episode of Forward Progress centers around a comprehensive status check of the Chicago Bears four games into their season. Hosts Dan Bernstein and Matt Abaticola are joined by The Athletic’s Kevin Fishbane to dissect the franchise’s progress, future outlook, and the pressing issues shaping the 2025 campaign. The conversation ranges from individual player performance and coaching philosophy to broader NFC North dynamics and future roster construction.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Kevin Fishbane’s New Podcast and Media Perspectives (00:18–05:28)
- Fishbane’s “Brilliant Breaking In” podcast: Kevin elaborates on his podcast featuring sports media figures like Joe Buck, who candidly discussed nepotism and dealing with early-career criticism.
- Quote: “He was so open about how he dealt with the criticisms of the nepotism and you know, being 21 years old and reading... really biting stuff...” – Kevin Fishbane (02:04)
- Media narratives in sports: Discussion of fan reactions to national versus local broadcasts, especially in Chicago baseball, and the broader role of media voices.
2. The Bears’ Current Landscape: Rebuilding or Stalled? (05:53–09:44)
- The “quarter-way” mark, balancing present and future: Discussion on how the Bears juggle trying to win now against long-term rebuilding needs.
- Dan draws parallels to previous Chicago rebuilds in baseball: “The Bears aren’t supposed to be rebuilding right now, but they are.” – Kevin Fishbane (08:17)
- Roster assessment: Who are the “foundational” players? Fishbane notes the lack of true, young stars and insufficient cap/draft capital compared to previous years.
3. Evaluating Defensive Linemen & Star Power Gaps (06:56–12:07)
- Montez Sweat spotlight: Sweat isn’t making the necessary individual impact for his cap number, though his presence benefits others (e.g., Odangbo, Dexter).
- Quote: “You are paying Montez Sweat to be that player... shouldn’t matter if he’s double and triple teamed.” – Kevin Fishbane (11:13)
- Defensive depth concerns: Bears need more “bedrock” pieces to emerge—both now and by season’s end.
4. Tight End Conundrum: Colston Loveland & Cole Kmet (12:07–17:38)
- Cole Kmet struggles: Underperforming as a top-third paid NFL tight end (“the drop was bad…magnifying” – Bernstein, 13:56). Discussion of balancing Kmet’s blocking value against Loveland’s upside as a pass-catcher.
- Loveland’s injury history & rookie growing pains: His “catch radius” and receiver-like skills are promising, but consistent health and production remain elusive.
- Quote: “The combination he has of his size and the smoothness that he runs his routes at, it’s really intriguing.” – Fishbane (15:41)
- Y vs. U tight end debate: Ben Johnson’s scheme flexibility and the challenge of deploying both Kmet and Loveland.
5. The Ben Johnson Era: Play-calling, QB Development, and Accountability (17:38–21:39)
- Play-calling mechanics: Questions arise around recurring issues with play-call delivery. Is Ben Johnson shielding Caleb Williams or struggling himself?
- Quote: “You have a head coach...a play caller for the first time...and you have a quarterback ...had some struggles just getting everything to the guys quickly and getting them to the line.” – Fishbane (18:29)
- Caleb Williams’s trajectory: Statistical improvement over last year despite a weak supporting cast, but accuracy and efficiency are still not at desired levels.
6. NFC North Check-in: How Do the Bears Stack Up? (24:44–26:55)
- Divisional landscape: Detroit emerging as a powerhouse post-Week 1, questions about Green Bay’s Jordan Love, and Minnesota’s inconsistency.
- Quote: “Lions took that week one game and...they did not enjoy what everyone said about them after week one.” – Fishbane (25:48)
- Bears’ future measuring stick: Loss to Minnesota may loom larger as the season develops.
7. Offensive Line Shuffle & Long-Term Plans (26:55–32:25)
- Theo Benedict’s ascension: The rare journey from Futures deal signee and Canadian right tackle to starting at NFL left tackle—a prime example of Bears’ O-line unpredictability.
- Quote: “I might have to put Mark Potash on the case...the last time a player signed a futures deal...then starts at left tackle for you.” – Fishbane (28:25)
- Future considerations: Continued uncertainty at both tackle spots, with a potential high pick or big-ticket free agent needed at LT if no incumbent proves reliable.
8. Run Game Woes and Scheme Identity (32:25–36:17)
- Internal discussions: The staff is still seeking its run-game identity amidst new players and mixed coaching influences.
- Quote: “There’s just this lack of cohesion...I thought the Raiders game was going to be maybe the get right game for the run game and that was very wrong.” – Fishbane (34:16)
- Scheme tendencies: Ben Johnson leans more on “duo” (double team blocking) than anticipated, deviating from the expected wide zone running game.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On Joe Buck’s authenticity:
- “He has become fearless in his self awareness and his willingness to discuss the stuff that he’s been through...It’s been so refreshing.” – Dan Bernstein (03:05)
- On foundational roster pieces:
- “You want to get to January and have a bunch of those bedrock guys.” – Kevin Fishbane (09:44)
- On the run game’s technical analysis:
- “Their yards before contact is really good...but their overall yards is bad...tells you your running back is just not hitting the right hole.” – Kevin Fishbane (33:40)
Key Timestamps for Important Segments
- 00:18–05:28 – Media, Joe Buck stories, Fishbane’s podcast
- 05:53–09:44 – Bears’ season outlook and rebuilding discussion
- 10:03–12:07 – Montez Sweat evaluation; defensive star power gaps
- 12:07–17:38 – Tight end analysis: Kmet vs. Loveland
- 17:38–21:39 – Coaching, play-calling issues, Caleb Williams update
- 24:44–26:55 – NFC North early-season round-up
- 26:55–32:25 – Offensive line upheaval, Theo Benedict, and future needs
- 32:25–36:17 – Running game struggles and schematic trends
Episode Tone
Analytical with a healthy mix of fandom and expert banter. The hosts and guest bring candor (“He hates everybody’s team”), humor (media sniping and Bears pessimism), and depth (“Is Darnell Wright your future left tackle?”), all while maintaining accessibility for both diehard fans and casual listeners. They never shy away from blunt truths about the roster but balance critique with optimism when warranted.
This summary captures the essence and key takeaways of the conversation. Whether you missed the episode or want to revisit the biggest Bears topics facing the team during the 2025 bye week, this guide covers every angle.