Bears Trade - "in the mix" / Playoffs and Division Title

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Forward Progress – Bears Trade, Playoffs & Division Title Hopes

Podcast: Forward Progress – A Chicago Bears Podcast
Hosts: Dan Bernstein & Matt Abbatacola
Date: November 5, 2025
Episode: Bears Trade – "in the mix" / Playoffs and Division Title

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Episode Overview

This episode of Forward Progress dives into post-trade deadline Bears talk, the implications of the team's latest move, the emerging identity under Ben Johnson, and a mix of game analysis and NFL news. Dan and Matt explore deeper team culture issues, discuss on-field highlights, and cast a critical (and sometimes comedic) eye over league happenings—all from a passionate Chicago Bears perspective.

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Main Discussion Points & Insights

1. Bears’ Trade Deadline Move and Its Significance

• Trade Recap:
  The Bears swapped 6th and 7th round picks to add depth at a thin position. While not earth-shattering, the deal is about more than just roster strategy.
• Message to the Team:
  Dan views the move as a symbolic gesture: “It’s not a huge deal...but the idea that we’re going outside the organization and we’re going to shore up a thin area of the team, we wouldn’t bother doing this if we didn’t think it was worth it.” [01:44]
• Front Office Philosophy:
  Matt notes the approach values continuity: “It didn’t cost anything...it sends a message that says we’re thin… We are eight games through, we’re 5-and-3, we're in the hunt for this division...and in the mix for the NFC playoffs.” [04:25]
• Player Potential:
  Dan highlights giving players with untapped potential (former high picks) another shot, noting the value of finding “what makes somebody a first round pick.” [03:10]

2. Selfless Football Under Ben Johnson

• Highlighting Roma Odunze’s Blocking:
  Dan praises “a supercut of Roma Odunze downfield and outside...engaging, being an aggressive blocker...[it’s] the kind of selfless football that Ben Johnson is teaching.” [05:36]
• Team Identity:
  Both hosts admire the culture shift, with Matt adding, “Great wide receivers love blocking downfield… When you’re contributing that way and being part of that team, it’s not always about the catches or the touchdowns.” [07:19]
• Coaching Details:
  “That kind of stuff will never go unnoticed by Ben Johnson,” says Matt, referencing attention to detail and praise in film sessions. [08:32]

3. Fun with Celebrations and Team Culture

• Darnell Wright’s Touchdown Cartwheel:
  The hosts are amused and impressed by offensive lineman Darnell Wright’s athletic “cartwheel” celebration after a touchdown:
  • “Dude is straight up and down and nails it.” - Matt [10:16]
• First Down ‘Kobe Bryant’ Celebration:
  Dan explains a new trend: “It is the Kobe Bryant call for a clear out…that’s what the Bears are doing, like, get out of our way.” [12:16]

4. Bears Player Recognition & Historical Context

• Colston Loveland Named NFC Offensive Player of the Week:
  • Two touchdowns, 118 yards vs. Cincinnati.
  • First Bears rookie tight end to win the award since Jeremy Shockey (2002).
    • “Very good...he caught 547 passes…37 touchdowns…just really solid.” - Dan on Jeremy Shockey [15:03-16:04]
  • Dan and Matt recall Jordan Howard as the last rookie Bear to receive the honor (2016).

5. Around the NFL: Trade Deadline Recap

• Jets Make Major Moves:
  • Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams traded: netting multiple 1st and 2nd round picks.
  • Dan: "They're playing Madden is what they're doing." [16:49]
  • Matt questions GM language: “I would call that a tear down, I think. And that's okay to call it a tear down.” [22:05]
  • Discussion about contracts fashioned for tradability (with “rolling guarantees”) and how that affects locker rooms and franchise direction. [23:51]
• Quarterback Class Debates:
  • The hosts discuss future quarterback prospects, notably skepticism around college QBs' NFL potential. [18:39–19:39]

6. Defensive Miscues: Bengals’ Jordan Battle

• Missed Tackle Stat:
  • Matt: "How many missed tackles did Jordan Battle have in the Bengals game?...15." [28:08–28:41]
  • Dan is incredulous: "There is no way one person missed 15 tackles. There's no way." [28:43]
• Jordan Battle’s Explanation:
  • The hosts play Battle’s postgame audio where he blames “misalignment,” but denies personal blame:
    • “I didn't say me. I said just, from the team perspective...misalignments.” [30:00–30:44]
  • Dan ridicules the self-defense: “You didn’t have time to wrap up because you were...somersaulting in the opposite direction like a tumbleweed.” [30:29]

7. Miscellaneous: Pop Culture and Social Media

• NBA/Bulls Sidebar:
  • A lighthearted detour as Dan shares Chuck Swirsky presenting Pope Leo with a Chicago Bulls jersey at the Vatican:
    • “An incredible Day at the Vatican, presenting Chicago's very own Pope Leo with an authentic, iconic Chicago Bulls jersey.” [40:30]
  • Both hosts riff on Bulls jersey trivia and imagine Vatican Bulls fandom. [41:48–43:46]

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Notable Quotes & Highlights (with Timestamps)

• On sending the right message with a small trade:
  “It’s not a huge deal...but...we wouldn’t bother doing this if we didn’t think it was worth it...We believe that’s the message that’s been sent. I think it’s a good one.” – Dan [01:44]

• On a culture of selflessness:
  “To watch in the run game, get out there and do it. Good job, Roma Odunze...if this is the kind of thing, the kind of selfless football that Ben Johnson is teaching...good on them.” – Dan [06:58]

• On Darnell Wright’s lineman celebration:
  “Dude is straight up and down and nails it.” – Matt [10:16]

• Explaining a new first down celebration:
  “It is the Kobe Bryant call for a clear out...that's what the Bears are doing, like, get out of our way. Clear out. All right, Clear out. We got this. Clear.” – Dan [12:16]

• On Jordan Battle’s missed tackles:
  “There is no way one person missed 15 tackles. There's no way.” – Dan [28:43]

• On the Jets' teardown:
  “I would call that a tear down, I think. And that's okay to call it a tear down.” – Matt [22:05]

• Pop culture sidetrack:
  “An incredible Day at the Vatican, presenting Chicago’s very own Pope Leo with an authentic, iconic Chicago Bulls jersey.” – Chuck Swirsky Tweet via Dan [40:30]

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Key Timestamps

• Trade deadline move/bears philosophy: [01:44–05:15]
• Roma Odunze’s blocking & Ben Johnson praise: [05:15–08:32]
• Darnell Wright’s cartwheel/celebration discussion: [09:39–12:55]
• Colston Loveland player of the week/historic context: [14:23–16:14]
• NFL trade deadline – Jets’ moves analyzed: [16:31–25:05]
• Discussion of Jordan Battle’s “15 missed tackles”: [28:01–33:10]
• Pop culture: Pope gets Bulls jersey: [39:52–43:46]

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Tone & Style

As always, Dan and Matt keep the tone lively—analytical but accessible, mixing fan enthusiasm with no-nonsense critique, and lacing sharp football insight with humor and pop culture references. They’re unafraid to poke fun at themselves, at other teams, and even at the lighter side of Bears fandom.

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Summary

This episode gives listeners a sharp look at how minor trades signal organizational priorities, how a focus on team-first effort is reshaping the Bears under Ben Johnson, and how ridiculous stats (like 15 missed tackles!) get dissected amid both laughter and serious analysis. Whether you want football breakdowns, offseason strategy, or the latest in NFL oddities (and Bulls jerseys at the Vatican), this episode delivers.

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Transcript

[A]

I'm Mike King from the podcast Profiling Evil. A place where true crime meets behavioral science. I spent my career investigating serial predators and studying the psychology behind them. Here we don't just talk about what criminals did. We explore why they do what they do. We expose manipulation and control, look at how offenders select their victims and uncover the ways that they try to avoid det. You can find Profiling Evil on your favorite podcast platform, Forward Progress, a Chicago Bears podcast with Dan Bernstein and Matt Abeticola on 312 SP.

[B]

We give you forward progress here on 312 sports. It is a Chicago Bears podcast. Those would be your five and three Bears. I'm Dan Bernstein, that's Matt Abaticola. We're brought to you by Beer Church Brewing, New Buffalo's brewery Pizzeria in a historic church wood fired Neapolitan pizza small batch craft beer brunch every day. Visit beerchurchbrewing.com I will. I know you will. Thank you.

[A]

I know you will.

[B]

I know you're getting thanks for the invite. Excited to do so.

[A]

I am.

[B]

The only problem you're gonna have is figuring out what you can because you're eating two meals there, I think is the plan.

[A]

Yeah, we're doing dinner Friday and then brunch on Saturday.

[B]

Okay. I haven't done brunch. So you're in charge of scouting all the brunch items and I'm sure that you will be able to taste whatever you want. So have fun there. The trade deadline has come and gone and the Bears made a small move and I don't think it's an insignificant one. As we discussed on dbu, that there's symbolic value in telling a team you're worth it, you're worth swapping a pick. It's not a huge deal. It really isn't. And they didn't decide to throw a bunch of draft picks into chasing this year with any kind of a rental. But the idea that we're going to go outside the organization and we're going to shore up a thin area of the team, we wouldn't bother doing this if we didn't think it was worth it. And it is. We're not just going to elevate somebody for the practice squad. We believe that's the message that's been sent. I think it's a good one.

[A]

Yeah. So they swapped the sixth and seventh round pick. They add a body to add some depth. A guy who, statistically speaking, isn't much different than Dio Dangbo, which doesn't say a Whole lot for the contract that Ryan polls brought him in for. But he's young and he has some years left on him and as far as NFL life is concerned and who knows, who knows what happens and maybe he's gets a little bit of a spark and he adds something to the Bears for the remainder of this season.

[B]

And I never mind giving high picks another chance. Something is in there. There's something that makes somebody a first round pick, a second round pick. There's something that coming out of college was in there. This goes for every sport. Yeah, you're going to get busts, but there's always something to unlock. There was a time when Kenny Williams did that with the White Sox for a long time. Whether it was Matt Thornton. I think Carlos Quentin was another one of just finding to this point underachieving first rounders. Who was the wide receiver that the Bears brought in from the Patriots a couple of years ago also, you know, he was like an X receiver, a go up and get it kind of guy and it didn't work out. But I, but I, I always kind of nod at somebody who at one point was a consensus reasonable first round pick among all of the NFL teams and all of these scouts who didn't say like holy crap, they drafted who in the first round. That if everybody believed it made sense at the time, maybe there's something still in there.

[A]

Yeah. And it may not have a significant impact. It, it, it could. Maybe he makes some plays. It didn't cost anything. Great for the future actually didn't cost him anything. You, you trade one round in late round NFL draft. Fine. Bears still have their eight picks as of right now for, for next year's draft in 2026. But it sends a message that says we're thin. We could have elevated a guy from the practice squad. We could have looked for someone in another practice squad. But we added a body because we are at eight games through. We're five and three. We're in the, in the hunt for this division, which is clearly right now the best division in football. And we're in the mix for the NFC playoffs. So let's, instead of being thin and creating more issues, let's bring a body here and see what can happen.

[B]

You know what else I like that's going on under Ben Johnson and I hope there's more possibility to reinforce some of these things and maybe we're not hearing about it externally. Have you seen the video that was put out of just Rome dunes a blocking from the last game?

[A]

I did not.

[B]

It's worth looking at because 15 was, was doing some work and even though he had three targets and no receptions and we get so caught up in fantasy and so many people are just looking at lack of production in those skill position categories. It is worth it to watch this supercut of Roma Dunes A downfield and outside and getting to his point. Not just brush block, not just getting in the way, but engaging being an aggressive blocker. Not just a willing oh, I guess I'll do this before I get into my route. But when you start talking about what what is seen in the positional rooms, what is seen in front of the whole team, we hear about running backs a lot, about pickups, about knowing their assignments and about making a pass possible because they impeded a linebacker or impeded a safety came across the formation and make a block. We don't hear it a lot about workman like wide receiver blocking. We will see it on a screen. We will occasionally see it on a, on a pick play or something like that. But to watch in the run game, get out there and do it. Good job Roma Dunes A and if this is the kind of thing, the kind of, the kind of selfless football that Ben Johnson is teaching that is getting people on, on board and that's an example that could be held up and say here's what we do and here's what it takes. Good on them.

[A]

Yeah. And if a team is going to be successful, you have to have that. And the great wide receivers love blocking downfield. They like getting the opportunity to hit to create open space for a running back or another receiver or a tight end. And yeah, I think he had three targets in the Bengals game that didn't have any catches. And it's been a couple of weeks now without a touchdown for Roma Dunes A. But when you're contributing that way and being part of that team, it's not always about the catches or the touchdowns. Yeah, we can't go many more weeks without those continuing because you have to have that as your number one guy.

[B]

I'm not saying just a blocker.

[A]

Yeah. But saying that you did. But those are elements of the game that you have to have as a number one wide receiver. It's not just about catching the ball, but contributing downfield and making blocks is a huge, huge, important part of what a team can do to be successful from a number one or number two wide receiver.

[B]

And I know there are things that are assumed that we know are reinforced as a on a team level and in front of everybody. But that's that that's the kind of thing that within Hallis hall should go a long way as far as weaving together the fabric of trust that builds good football teams.

[A]

Yeah. And I'm sure that's not something that goes unnoticed or unpraised within the walls of Hallis Hall. I'm sure in the locker room, that's something that Ben Johnson, knowing how he is so much into the detail of each specific play that he knows he will miss it. He will not miss it, but he will not miss taking the opportunity to praise it as well. And neither will the wide receivers coach in film, in film study. Because Antoine Randall L. Yes, the Bears. I mean, in his scheme, in his plays, Ben Johnson has an assignment, not only just an assignment and a location for every player on the field at that time to execute something to make this play work, down to the footwork, down to the positioning of their body. So that kind of stuff will never go unnoticed by Ben Johnson.

[B]

Good. Because I. It's been.

[A]

That's great. So I'm going to find that. I'll find a clip of it and.

[B]

Take a look noticed by forward progress. So make sure that. That the record reflects that. We can't get too, too fantasied out on the quality of play from a wide receiver.

[A]

Real quick. Only because you, you just mentioned that. Let's jump down real quick because when I saw what Darnell Wright did, I had to watch it multiple times.

[B]

It's great.

[A]

I needed. The first time I saw it, I'm like, who? Who is that? Then I was like, no, no, no, no. Watch it again. Then I was like, let's watch it a third time. Make sure this isn't like AI that just wasn't generated online somewhere. And it was legitimate. And I was completely blown away. When Darnell Wright is running downfield celebrating.

[B]

The Colston Loveland game winning touchdown.

[A]

Does a full out Cartwright. A Cartwright. Oh, Elizabeth, I'm coming again. He elbowed people down the field in the face. He did a full on cartwheel, dude. Not only did he. And it wasn't like one of those fat guys. My legs are kind of at a, you know, 60 degree angle. Dude is straight up and down and nails it.

[B]

He was running towards the end zone to celebrate and somehow was compelled not.

[A]

To do a cart. Right? But a cartwheel. Fire off a cartwheel. It was awesome too. I mean, and again. And you know, he's not. He's a. He's a. He's a big dude, but I'm not going to call him a Big fat fatty.

[B]

Now I'm thinking, could it be a Ben Cartwright? Could it be a Veronica Cartwright?

[A]

Isn't. Isn't that one of the characters from South Park?

[B]

Who?

[A]

Cartwright? Isn't Cartwright a guy?

[B]

Cartman.

[A]

Oh, Cartman.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

I don't know. I don't watch. But the fact that he. That he nails it. Bill Cartwright is on South Park. Well, is it still going on this year or they done. I know you wanted to shut him down.

[B]

No, I didn't want to shut him down. They had such a.

[A]

Well, that shit happens. You know, I said Cartwright. But the fact that he nails it, though, it's great. It's amazing.

[B]

And that's not the only Selly I want to. As the kids say, Selly.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

For celebration. I was wondering what the Bears were doing on first downs. That kind of like hand motion.

[A]

Yeah. So, yeah, I've noticed it and just never. I never thought anything of it that had meaning or greater significance to it.

[B]

So a lot of people are noticing that it is the Kobe Bryant call for a clear out. It's basically the Kobe Bryant isolation. Like, get out of my way. Just give me, give me. Let me take my guy. Give me room.

[A]

So that's the first down celebration.

[B]

Apparently for. That's where we've gotten so far. If we're. If it's wrong and if. Because other people adopted. I think LeBron has used other NBA guys and have adopted the Kobe sign where Jordan would literally just yell like the fuck out of our.

[A]

But no, he would. Yeah, he would verbally say something.

[B]

Punch you in the face.

[A]

If you kept coming, he would punch you in the mouth. Right.

[B]

Kobe was a little more diplomatic about it and had a specific signifier and it looks like that's what the Bears are doing. Like, get out of our way. Clear out. All right, Clear out. All right, Clear out. We got this. Clear.

[A]

Yeah, I've noticed it, but never knew that there was a greater meaning to it or what it. What it might be.

[B]

I like the fact that NFL teams have organized for. They like debating and adopting their first down celebrations. Yeah, it's no different than what's going on in baseball when the guy reaches base and looks back at the dugout and does, you know, a little hand. Everybody's got a thing.

[A]

Well, the Cubs were raising the roof. Miguel Amaya, I think. I think he started that.

[B]

They've all got a different thing that they do to just.

[A]

But no, I love the raise the roof though, because my favorite though is Saya Suzuki does it because he just looks Uncomfortable and awkward. And it's like, I know I'm supposed to do it, gotta do it anyway. Hey, fellow kids. All right, so we think it's the Kobe Bryant clear out. Okay.

[B]

I think so. Until I hear better.

[A]

Until you're otherwise. And that's what we're going.

[B]

Speaking of that play on which Darnell Wright, that little cartwheel or Cartwright celebration. Bears tight end Colston Loveland is NFC offensive player of the week. Two touchdowns, 118 yards receiving in Cincinnati. Can you name the last Bears rookie to be NFC offensive player of the week? If I give you the year.

[A]

Well, it.

[B]

Give me the year 2016.

[A]

Yes. I know exactly who it is. It is Bears running back.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Jordan Howard.

[B]

Very good.

[A]

Thank you.

[B]

It is Jordan Howard and he's the first rookie tight end to ever do it, to win it since Jeremy Shockey in 2002.

[A]

Oh, okay. Not for. Yeah. But he's the first Bears tight end. Yeah.

[B]

The first rookie Bears tight.

[A]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[B]

He is.

[A]

So. But. But the first tight end to do it since Jeremy Shockey.

[B]

The first rookie tight end, rookie tight end to do it since Jeremy Shockey.

[A]

Do you, without looking up top of your head, remember his career? Jeremy Shockey, because what wasn't it injured, kind of underwhelming? Yes.

[B]

Yeah. He came out like gangbusters and then I believe was dealing with some injuries. He might have been one of these, like, super peak value guys.

[A]

I'm sorry. Giants, right?

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

The Bears upcoming opponent. That's. That's.

[A]

Oh. Which by the way, DBU on Friday morning. Top 10 giants of all time. Top 10 giants of all time. And it's going to be a good one.

[B]

Tomorrow's my day to get to work on that.

[A]

Oh, dude, the committee, there's about a thousand names they're going through.

[B]

Yeah. Jeremy Shockey ended up having a really good career.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Really good career. He caught 547 passes. Okay. And he had 37 touchdowns. If you look at the tight end comps, players of career players with a career of similar quality and shape, his career comps. Wow. Look who's number one. Bob Trumpy. Oh, yesterday, Riley Odoms, Brent Jones, Charlie Sanders, Frank Wycheck, Steve Jordan, Wesley Walls, Zach Ertz.

[A]

Nice.

[B]

Milton Morin and Owen Daniels. So just really solid. Solid.

[A]

Solid. Yeah. Solid, solid guy. But I don't know why you said his name. I immediately thought left. Left something on the table as far as his career. Was it too many injuries? Is that what you said?

[B]

Maybe because he was. He began with the Giants they put him on IR in 2007. They traded him to the Saints in 08. The Saints released him three years later. Wow. Okay. Yeah, I think it was injuries.

[A]

Okay, Interesting. All right, I'm going to recap the stuff from yesterday that, that did take place in the NFL. So of course the trade deadline, we know what the Bears did. But just a quick recap of what took place yesterday as the jets made a lot of moves.

[B]

They're playing Madden is what they're doing.

[A]

Well, I mean, they're playing for next year and if I had any confidence in the organization, I would say that's really good, what they just put together. So after their moves yesterday of Sauce Gardner to the Colts, they got a first round pick in 2026, a first round pick in 2027. And then Adani Mitchell, wide receiver.

[B]

I don't know. Mitchell, I think. Right.

[A]

What is it?

[B]

Adonai.

[A]

Adonai is it.

[B]

It's the Hebrew, one of the Hebrew words for God.

[A]

Oh, you're exactly right. It sure is.

[B]

Adonai.

[A]

Look at you, Mr.

[B]

Religion. I better know that one.

[A]

If there's anything, you know.

[B]

Well, we can have.

[A]

There's a handful of things, you know.

[B]

There are several words for God. There's Hashem, which is the name. And that's what you would hear in Orthodox communities.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Because it's considered, it's considered insulting to even give God a name. So the Orthodox community just calls, literally says the name, or Hashem. And there's also Elohim, which has a different Yahweh than Adonai.

[A]

Yeah, Yahweh.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Adonai. Adonai Mitchell. Sorry about that there, young man. And then they also traded defensive tackle Quinn and Williams and received a 2026 second round pick and a 2027 first round pick.

[B]

Now, from what I'm reading, the 27 draft is considered at this point better than the 26 draft as far as.

[A]

Overall or for quarterbacks. Because for quarterbacks they need a quarterback. Unless they're going to ride with, with Fields for next year as well or try to put something together. But they need a quarter. If you're looking at quarterbacks, I mean, you got the.

[B]

What do you got?

[A]

You got the kid from Indiana who is probably one or two right now.

[B]

Yeah, but does he excite you as a pro? You know. I see.

[A]

Well, I mean, are you more excited? The kid from Oregon more? Yeah, yeah, but so those are probably 12 right now.

[B]

Well, you got, I mean, Ty Simpson, you've got. What is the kid from South Carolina Sellers.

[A]

Lenora Sellers.

[B]

Yeah. And I mean I'm not a huge fan of Garrett Nussmeier, but again, people love I said John Matier. Is Arch Manning going to come out? What do people.

[A]

Oh, dude, he, he's not ready for NFL football. I don't know. I don't know. Whatever you think, Arch Manning. But I've seen enough Texas games this year because before, before Vanderbilt and my love for Diego Pavia, I would watch Texas.

[B]

Yeah. As. From what I've seen, the only guy where I was like oh, like had some oh my God little moments as when I, when you could envision him doing at the NFL level was Dante Moore.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

But I, you know this is, it's early. These are just sort of.

[A]

No, no, no, for sure. And as it sits right now, I know we're only eight or nine games in through the season, depending which team you are. The draft sits Saints, Titans and then the jets are currently three.

[B]

I don't think. I mean the Saints are going to give shock every chance, right?

[A]

Yeah. So he's a second round pick from last year. And then of course the Titans are good at quarterback. So you know the jets have the chance to jump either one of those teams obviously with nine games to go for their, for their season. But even, even if, as it sits right now, those two teams are not taking a quarterback depending regardless of what you think of the depth of the quarterback right now for the draft.

[B]

So.

[A]

So that's what the jets did.

[B]

Well, look, anytime you can get three first round picks. Yeah. Even you don't use them all.

[A]

So I mean you're going to have five picks in the first two rounds in, in the next two years.

[B]

Boy, Woody Johnson's boys from his second marriage, Brick and Stick. It's seriously like they're playing Madden.

[A]

Brick and Bucket. They're going to.

[B]

Right?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Is it Buck and Bricket?

[A]

I don't.

[B]

Brisket and Buck. I don't know.

[A]

And then the jets also traded for quarterback Jasir Taylor from the Chargers. The Chargers received offensive lineman Trevor Penning from the Saints for a six round pick. The Cowboys. Oh, that's the Quinn and Williams we talked about. The Bears, the Seahawks. Rasheed Shahid, wide receiver for a fourth and fifth round pick. So a fourth round both next year. Fourth and fifth next year. Jaguars received Jacoby Myers from the Raiders for fourth and sixth round picks next year. We talked about the Cowboys yesterday because that was early on with Logan Wilson and the seventh round pick from the Bengals. So that's what happened yesterday. Obviously, I think the. Obviously, the most significant news is the jets and what they gave up on defensively. And it's interesting. I was reading the story about the jets and Darren Mogi, their general manager. Here's what he said. He said, watershed moment for the franchise. He traded Sauce Gardner, Quinnie Williams. He says, I wouldn't call it a tear down. I don't know what you would call it.

[B]

I would.

[A]

I would call that a tear down, I think.

[B]

And that's okay to call it a tear down? Yes.

[A]

Just don't say that. Don't. Don't think people are dumb to not and say, I wouldn't call it a tear down. He says, the goal is always to win. Look, these coaches and players work too hard every day, all day, with the goal of winning on Sunday. And that never changes because that's what the fans deserve, that's what the players deserve, that's what the coach deserve, and that never changes. So he makes those moves and he says it's not a tear down. Indianapolis kept getting richer and richer in their value, and eventually it was too good to pass up. He says about the potential trade. You never know how these things are going to unfold, and we always wanted to be in a position to potentially trade these contracts. So now Garrett Wilson and Sauce Gardner both signed extensions recently before the season, but they were. They were. They were built in a way, with upfront money in case the opportunity came along to trade them. That's how they designed the contracts, which. It just that it sounds backwards to me. It sounds. It sounds misguided. It's like, all right, here's a guy that we're going to invest in. Let's get it all up front.

[B]

It's like a prenup.

[A]

So we have an opportunity, if it works out, to get something great to come along, we'll trade these guys. You know what I mean? Like, it doesn't sound right. It doesn't.

[B]

I'm not sure the message it sends the player. Like, that's what I wonder. From a team perspective, the flexibility is great, right? I mean, you always want the flight. Why. Why not have the flexibility? There's no real downside to it. I just wonder from a player's perspective, unless there is something in there that converts some money to guarantees, like there could be. Why would a player agree to that necessarily?

[A]

A lot more money up front. So the jets weren't actively seeking the trade Gardener. They structured his contract in a way that would make him tradable. A manageable amount upfront money with Rolling guarantees. Yep. Wide receiver Garrett Wilson, 4 year 130, has the same type of extensions fashion the same way. So, yeah, so there's rolling guarantees, but it's structured in a way that makes him tradable. Like why, why have that in a guy you want to invest in and say, unless it's just. I'm reading it the wrong way because.

[B]

Then you're getting strictly business, maybe it's just administrative. And you're getting both because you, the thing about this league is one twisted ankle or the smallest things can create big changes to a career trajectory. And sometimes you move a coach, you get a new system and guys are different, fit. I just never think there's a downside to flexibility as long as there's an understanding with the player that here's what you're getting for allowing us this flexibility. It's sort of like why the Cubs didn't exercise the option on Shoda. Yeah, look, we, we like you, but we don't like a no trade on you for $60 million for the next three years. We don't like it that much. These are hard calls sometimes.

[A]

No, you're, you're right. And it's a, it's a good explanation of it. It just, it just doesn't, it doesn't sit well with me for, for some reason as a fan. I don't know.

[B]

Well, I know football is obviously a.

[A]

Huge business and yeah, I get it.

[B]

But in, in football, I never begrudge a player from wanting, for wanting more money up front.

[A]

Oh, 100%. Get as much as you can. And if they want to guarantee the whole thing, then God bless you, get after it.

[B]

I guarantee that you and yours are going to have a fabulous time this weekend at Beer church in New Buffalo, Michigan. And it doesn't really take long to get there. That's why New Buffalo is great. And this time of year, it's always gorgeous in southwest Michigan. I've always loved it there. And no matter where you're going in southwest Michigan, even if New Buffalo isn't your destination, New Buffalo should be a stop. And if you're with the kids, you're always looking for a reason to stop. And when you see this church here, this Civil War era church, can't wait. You can go worship everything they have there, particularly the pizza. And it's so much fun just to look through what they call their hymnal and their slogan. Drink, eat, repentance, repeat. You want to learn how to make pizza? Go have a pizza making. Party there year round. Groups up to 300 or if it's just you and your friends, call them up or check it out online. Just google Beer Church Pizza School and you can book a private class beerchurchbrewing.com and you will learn everything about real Italian Napolitan pizza, about how to stretch the dough and when to remove it from how to place it in the wood fire oven. Because it matters. They're pizzaiolos there know exactly where to put everything based on how much heat, where it turns, when the crust just kind of starts to bubble. I've done it and it's an absolute blast. But their small batch craft brewed beers can pair up with everything that you want there. And it's not just pizza. They're great sandwiches and salads and all of their apps. You should try what they call their communion bread and the drinks, the shots. If you want to have yourself a night, enjoy and like I said, great for kids, great to watch games. There is a huge patio where it's open year round, heated. Everywhere you look there's a game on and you can hang out. You could spend all day drinking, noshing, just hanging out at the wonderful space that is Beer Church Brewing in New Buffalo. Go toBeer Church Brewing dot com.

[A]

I saw an article talking about, you know, the recap of the NFL games this past weekend from Sports Illustrated. Do you know, Dan, how many, how many?

[B]

Many.

[A]

How many missed tackles did Jordan Battle have in the Bengals game?

[B]

Okay, can I ask for first tackle? Stats are often compiled by the individual teams. Did this come from an objective source watching film?

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Okay, this is like a piece.

[A]

This is not from, not from the bank.

[B]

How many, how many did Jordan Battle himself Miss?

[A]

Yes.

[B]

7.

[A]

No.

[B]

Higher?

[A]

Yes.

[B]

9?

[A]

No.

[B]

10?

[A]

No.

[B]

12?

[A]

Nope.

[B]

15?

[A]

Yes.

[B]

No way.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

There is no way one person missed 15 tackles. There's no way.

[A]

I can. I can recount at least 4.

[B]

I can too. That's not 15.

[A]

I know it's not, but they had him down as 15 missed tackles.

[B]

That's. Get out of my building.

[A]

This is what Jordan Battle had to say on Monday. He's meeting the media at the Bengals facility. So this is the day after the game and this is Jordan Battle.

[B]

Wait, I hope the question was what the hell is wrong with you?

[A]

Oh, just listen, just got to wrap.

[C]

Up, you know, called call. We had got a good call, you know, guys missing line before the snap, you know, and then obviously when he catches the ball, just wrap up making the tackle, get him on the ground, you know, and forcing the, you know, kick a field goal. You Know, the kicker wasn't cooking good, so he probably would have missed it. More of a secure tackle, you know, instead of just trying to do the big lay, the big hit without wrapping up, you know, just secure the tackle and get him down.

[B]

Did you say he was misaligned? Would you say he was misaligned?

[C]

You said what?

[B]

Did you say he was misaligned?

[C]

I said it was a little. Probably some misalignment issues, you know, before the snap, you know. I didn't say me. I said just from the team perspective, you know, from the front to the back, you know, misalignments, you know, and then just like I said, executing when he does catch the ball, just going down and get him on the ground, you know, force him to kick a field goal.

[A]

So that specifically was about the Colson Loveland play.

[B]

I didn't say me.

[A]

Oh, there's misalignment. Well, that wasn't me. Is the team okay?

[B]

Okay.

[A]

So he first says that it's a good call, but then they're misaligned. No, no, no, no. Not me. I wasn't misaligned. And then he's the guy who bounces off of Loveland, you know, and he says there, I got to wrap up instead of trying to deliver the big hit.

[B]

You didn't have time to wrap up because you were rolling, that you were somersaulting in the opposite direction like a tumbleweed.

[A]

Yeah, it looked like he got tumbled out of a car.

[B]

The problem there was misalignment.

[C]

Just got to wrap up, you know, called call. We had got a good call. Good call, guys. Misaligned before the snap.

[A]

Guys are misaligned.

[C]

And obviously, when he catches ball, just wrap up anytime. Get him on the ground, you know, enforcing the. You know, kick a field goal, you know, the kicker wasn't cooking good, so he probably would have missed.

[A]

I would have missed more of a.

[C]

Secure tackle, you know, instead of. Instead of just trying to do the big lay, the big hit without wrapping up, you know, just secure the tackle.

[B]

And get it down the kicker, he would have missed.

[C]

You said, what?

[B]

Did you say he was misaligned?

[C]

I said it was a little. Probably some misalignment issues, you know, before the snap, you know. I didn't say me. I said just from the perspective, you know, from the front to the back, misalignments, you know, and then just like I said, executing when he does catch the ball, just going down and getting him on the ground, you know, forcing the kick.

[B]

A field goal, a safety can't miss 15 tackles. Like, I don't believe that. Okay. I don't believe that. I would really. That there's no way. I'm sorry. There is no way an NFL safety in one game missed 15 tackles, and.

[A]

They had 19 more missed tackles going into that game than the next worst team in the NFL.

[B]

But you're. How do you not bench that guy? How is that not below replacement level? How can you not just be out there? 15 people should run into you and fall down accidentally.

[A]

I don't know how you or how other people watch games. Okay. And, you know, I, I, I watch the ball and there's certain things just given coaching kids. Like what? What things? I'm watching more than others, and I have to, I have to train myself to watch offensive line or defensive line movement. I'm watching other things. I don't watch defensive guys on other teams and missing tackles. I don't.

[B]

You're watching the guy on the Bears.

[A]

I've never noticed a guy more than I noticed Jordan Battle in that game against the Bengals, like, to a point during that game day where I said, who is number 27? It was that. It was. It was such a.

[B]

It was egregious.

[A]

So egregious. Yes. That I noticed it. And I don't notice that. I'm more noticing what the Bears guys are doing. I don't ever notice other guys on the other team not doing their jobs. Not as much as I noticed it so hard that I had to look up, who is 27 and what is he doing? Why is he on the field? So it was that bad?

[B]

Well, doesn't Al golden say, oh, he.

[A]

Looked like he was like a nap.

[B]

And whisper to somebody next to him. Do we have anyone else who plays safety?

[A]

Like, I was waiting for, like, someone to hand Al Golden a big thing of tapioca pudding. Here you go, coach. It's time. All right. And here's the crossword. No offense. Here's a big bowl of tapioca pudding.

[B]

Well, what do you mean? Here's the crossword.

[A]

I'm just saying. I said no offense. I said no offense. I just said, coach, here's your crossword. Is your tapioca pudding.

[B]

Young people can't do cross. Here's your people bad at their jobs.

[A]

They can, but young people generally don't. Just like young people don't pull a muscle in their neck brushing their teeth. Okay.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Congrats that you take that, mister.

[B]

Congrats on that. I guessed. Sneeze.

[A]

No, it was brushing my teeth.

[B]

I'll wait. You get It.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

That'll teach you dental hygiene.

[A]

I know. I'm done.

[B]

You're done.

[A]

I'm gonna get those ones. You can just pull out and soak overnight.

[B]

I am not allowed to floss with the bathroom door open.

[A]

Too noisy or. Okay.

[B]

Yeah, Beth says that something. Maybe I have a giant. What do you do? I don't know. She says I'm the loudest flosser. I don't know. I'm getting good reports from the dentist when it comes to my. My periodontal health.

[A]

You're okay, though, if she's. If she's concerned about the flossing. It's when you're breathing too loud that she gets irritated that you might have an issue.

[B]

Stop breathing.

[A]

Stop breathing.

[B]

Yeah, it just. She says that I am. I guess that, you know, 26 years of marriage, these are the kinds of things you deal with that I'm. That being. Being too loud a flosser.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

If that's my biggest issue, I guess I'm doing okay.

[A]

Yeah. And Jordan Battle did say that the kicker would have missed because he wasn't kicking very good.

[C]

Anytime get him on the ground, you know, enforcing the. You know, kick a field goal, you know, the kicker wasn't cooking good, so he probably would have missed it.

[A]

Yep.

[B]

All right.

[C]

You know, the kicker wasn't cooking good, so he probably would have missed it.

[B]

More of a. Gotcha, Jordan. Thank you.

[A]

There you go. So that's Jordan Battle.

[B]

All right. You know, sometimes you do notice stuff, and it's. It's funny that the way you describe that when we. When we talk about somebody jumping off the tape. When you watch college games, sometimes you're there to watch a certain player and you start seeing someone else. Yeah, I like that. I always pay attention to that. If I'm like, I'm watching a quarterback. Watching a quarterback. Like, you know, this wide receiver is always getting separation, or this guy is there. I. That is a little sports thing that I really like. When you. When somebody is good enough and you're conscious of it, when you're aware enough as a viewer or as a critic to say, all right, I'm going to look up this number. I'm. This guy's earned a little bit further research. That's a cool little sports thing to have happen.

[A]

Yeah. And it's generally a good thing.

[B]

It should be.

[A]

It should be. But not in this case. Like, seriously. I stopped myself, pulled up my phone, and I was like, all right, I got to look up this guy who is number 27 on the Bengals you know, there's one thing, though, that I'll never miss anymore. What is having a good breakfast. And it's because of my friends at Huell. You know, you shouldn't miss breakfast if you do it like I do. Was I was regularly just not eating breakfast. Generally not hungry in the morning or it's like now I'm like getting up and I'm getting a shower and I'm getting out the door and I'm getting on the train and I'm getting downtown. Just find I don't have the time to do it. But now I do because I have a new breakfast routine. And it all starts with Huel. And they're ready to drink meals. Each container has 35 grams of protein, 27 vitamins and minerals, and 6 grams of fiber. It is such an easy way for me to start my day. And the best part, they taste amazing. Huel complete ready to drink meals are gluten free and there are no artificial sweeteners. They're available in strawberry, banana, chocolate, chocolate peanut butter, and then what I had this morning, iced coffee, which was delicious. I can't decide which one's my favorite, but I do keep reaching for that chocolate peanut butter one. But I wanted to try them all, so I had the iced coffee this morning. Huel also helps me with my midday pickup with their blueberry, apple and peach flavored daily greens drinks, which is what I'm having right now. So this is, this is what I'm having right now. Right here.

[B]

This is it.

[A]

That's the one.

[B]

Let's see, I get it around here.

[A]

See that right there?

[B]

Can I taste it?

[A]

You can taste it. This is the apple, cucumber and mint. Apple, cucumber, mint.

[B]

That's right up my alley.

[A]

Yeah. So you think greens drink like it's gonna be, you know, it's gonna taste like outdoors or grass or, you know, not good. It's right.

[B]

That's really good.

[A]

Isn't it great?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Finish that one. I got a whole bunch.

[B]

There's a. There's an earthy. Oh, that must be the lion's mane mushroom.

[A]

Yes, sir. Is that good?

[B]

Yeah, it is.

[A]

Well, you start. Yeah, I'll start sharing those with you. Yeah. When I said. When I said the other day that you can't, you can't touch those. I. I decided that you. I should share them with you. So. So I want you to have some. So what Dan's drinking right there, that's the daily greens drink. And I was blown away by the taste, just like Dan was I was never a guy going for the green drink, but I love the Huel Daily Greens. They're full of vitamins, minerals, superfoods, electrolytes and antioxidants. They're developed by registered nutritionists and dieticians. With only 25 calories, they have 4 grams of fiber and only 1 gram of sugar. And here's some big news just this month.

[B]

Vegan, non gmo, gluten free. That's really good.

[A]

Yeah. Isn't it great?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I'll be honest with you. I was a little skeptical because Daily Greens, I've had green juices before, and it's not my thing. I just don't really enjoy the taste too much. So I'm like, all right, I'll give these a whirl. And it was so good. So if you notice, I don't have my other stuff anymore. I'm drinking those now during the day.

[B]

Can I really have the rest of this?

[A]

Yeah, absolutely.

[B]

Thank you.

[A]

So, good news, though. Big news, too. Huel has launched into Target stores nationwide just this month. Huel makes Healthy Eating simple. So you can try both products, the Ready to Drink Meals and daily greens with 15% off your purchase for new customers. With my exclusive code [e-mail] dbu that's h u e l.com dbu for 15% off your order, use my code fill out the post checkout survey to help support the show. That's huell.comdbu and if you notice, I said, Bro.

[B]

Products. I know you did.

[A]

I said, Bro.

[B]

I was waiting.

[A]

I said, Bro. I want to know who discovered who started his first Grambling. That was a great one. You didn't respond when I said riverboat Grambling.

[B]

Let's go, Gramble.

[A]

Let's go, Gram. And here's my favorite machine. It always pays out. You put in one of paper and.

[B]

You get four of coin. Jack Perot. That's the one.

[A]

Jack Pratt.

[B]

I know this is not necessarily apropos of forward progress, but can I just note what crossed in my timeline?

[A]

Yes.

[B]

I mentioned on DBU what a great job Zach Zaidman did as the Bulls broadcaster last night. And I was wondering, Where's Chuck? Where's Chuck? Where's Chuck Swirsky? And everybody said it was a fan of Chuck. It was a family thing. He missed it. I hope everything's okay. Chuck Swirsky just posted on his Twitter a picture of him at the Vatican handing Pope Leo a bull's jersey. No, no, that says Pope Leo.

[A]

No.

[B]

And it says an incredible Day at the Vatican, presenting Chicago's very own Pope Leo with an authentic, iconic Chicago Bulls jersey. It was a moment I'll never forget. I'm truly blessed to have this opportunity. I appreciate the Bulls for allowing me to miss a game eating room in Vatican City.

[A]

Wait, where? Wait, it's under. It's under his.

[B]

It's @ctsbulls. And there's a picture on the Pope's actual Twitter account. Pontifex. Hey, big Bulls. Hey, Bob. Check this out.

[A]

Oh, my God. That's awesome.

[B]

It's the Pope. He's getting a Bulls jersey.

[A]

That's amazing.

[B]

Pope Leo 14.

[A]

Wow. Now, he better wear that sometimes. He can put that over his stuff, right?

[B]

How about that? He gave him a modest bou. Zealous number, too. How about that?

[A]

Wow.

[B]

How about that number 14?

[A]

Well, isn't he Leo the 14th?

[B]

I know, but it ends. So can you name all the bulls 14s here?

[A]

God, no. All right. Oh, is Boozel is 14.

[B]

Malcolm.

[A]

He.

[B]

Wayne Seldon.

[A]

Dude, that's insane.

[B]

You know who else wore this? Craig Hodges. D.J. augustine. Daquan Cook. The great Tate Armstrong. Matt Gukas.

[A]

Chuck Swirsky handed Pope a Bulls jersey. All right, well, now I have a new assignment for you.

[B]

Eating rim in Rome.

[A]

Now I have a new assignment for you. I need you to get to the Vatican and give, give, give Pope Leo A3. 1, 2, 3, quarter, zip. Quarter.

[B]

Oh, those are hot. Those are hot. Give Bob from Dalton his tree. One, two.

[A]

God, that's amazing. Holy crap.

[B]

I got this for you. What do you think?

[A]

That's awesome. Hey, Pope.

[B]

Wow. Your Holiness. This is a DJ Augustine number 14.

[A]

That's really cool.

[B]

Just like St. Augustine.

[A]

Very cool. And having just been at the Vatican, what a treat. Good for him. Man, that's awesome. That's so cool. Sorry.

[B]

I'm sorry to derail.

[A]

He gave the Pope a Bulls jersey.

[B]

It's only. He's got to wear it every day.

[A]

Wait.

[B]

Gotta wear it every day.

[A]

Is this. Is this Bob's first Bulls jersey?

[B]

Yes.

[A]

I'm gonna say. No, I'm gonna say that he's. He's had.

[B]

He had an artist Gilmore.

[A]

I think he's. He's had a Bulls jersey before.

[B]

I don't think so.

[A]

I do.

[B]

I think it's his first.

[A]

All right, we'll have to find out.

[B]

I think it's his first.

[A]

We'll have to get a special Vatican reporter.

[B]

Like a bad boy Pistons jersey or something.

[A]

Maybe we could send someone to the Vatican as a special reporter.

[B]

He was probably too cool. To have a Bull. He probably had like a, like an original Penny Hardaway or something.

[A]

I don't know. I think he had a Bulls jersey. I think he had a Jordan jersey.

[B]

Awesome.

[A]

I think he had a Jordan jersey for sure.

[B]

So happy to be here representing the Chicago Bulls.

[A]

All right, well, that wraps up Forward Progress for today. And what a great way to end it. Chuck Swirsky given the Pope a Bulls jersey. That's great. That's great. All right. Well, thanks for jumping in today again. Thanks for being with us yesterday. Two of you jumped in on our special live breaking Bears news trade deadline episode. We did. We threw together and people jumped in.

[B]

We didn't know what to do. Hey, let's. You want to hit the go live? Yeah.

[A]

Thanks for doing that. Thanks for jumping in with us. Remember, Bears Giants this weekend? I know we have a couple more shows this week. We have a Giants reporter lined up for our show Friday. So we'll get a little inside look on the Giants as we get ready for Bears Giants on Sunday. And our live post game show on Forward Progress. Make sure you subscribe to all of the 312 sports shows. So that's Dan Burnson Unfiltered Forward Progress. And organizations win championships. They all have their own YouTube page. Go to them.

[B]

Subscribe.

[A]

Click on the little bell icon so you get the alerts when we do go live in the middle of a day because you never know, it may happen again. You want to be here for it. So he's Bernstein. I'm a Vaticola. This is forward progress on 312 sports forward progress, a Chicago Bears podcast with Dan Bernstein and Matt Abeticola on 312 Sports Sports.