Forward Progress: A Chicago Bears Podcast

Episode: Bears WIN and Take First Place in the North
Hosts: Dan Bernstein & Matt Abbatacola
Date: November 17, 2025

Episode Overview

This week, Dan and Matt revel in the Bears' critical win over the Vikings, vaulting Chicago into first place in the NFC North. They analyze how the Bears have crafted a winning season despite their flaws, break down key moments from the Vikings game, scrutinize quarterback Caleb Williams' development, and ponder the larger implications for both the division race and the evolving team identity. The duo’s hallmark candor and blend of humor and hard-nosed analysis are on full display as they challenge expectations for the remainder of the season.

1. Bears Take Command: From 0–2 to First in the North

• [01:45] Matt jokes about missing a sponsorship tie-in calling Paul Charchian “Beer Charch,” but pivots: "What we have is a first place Chicago Bears team. They have taken the North. They've taken it."

• [02:31] Both hosts acknowledge the fragility of this lead:

  • Dan: “Now will they give it back?"
  • Matt: “Yes, for the moment. They have planted their flag.”

• [02:43–03:13] Recap of the wild season so far, referencing both low points (early losses to the Vikings and Lions) and the league-wide mediocrity:

  • Dan: "This truly is the season of the NFL Blob."
  • Matt: "And the Bears are blob kings."

• Season Record Context: Bears are now 7–3, having won 7 of 8 after a shaky start.

2. The Bears' Unlikely Success Formula

• Riding the Blob: [04:05] Dan: “...they’re not really a very good team at times. ...In the areas of defense...they’re very good at red zone offense, they’re very good at third down efficiency, they’re very good at takeaways...”

• Penalty Discipline: [05:06] Matt on earlier issues: “They had been bad when it comes to penalty discipline as well.” Dan: “They've cleaned that up.”

• Road Warriors: Unlike typical middling teams, these Bears have wins on the road—a resilience uncharacteristic of a “blob team.”

3. Key Moments & Analysis: Bears vs. Vikings

Special Teams Breakthrough

• The Game-Changing Return ([07:50–10:01]):

  • Matt highlights finally seeing Devin Duvernay break a big return: “...the first time that we had seen Duvernay get up to speed.” [08:14]
  • Praise for Josh Blackwell's pivotal block.
  • Dan: “He just went right full speed and didn't break stride the entire...It was set up perfectly and it was ideally called.” [08:35]
  • Both relieved there were no penalties — a common risk on returns.

• Special Teams Woes Generally:

  • Dan: “The Bears, their Special teams are 31st in the league on kick returns...” [10:01]
  • Discussion about whether Richard Hightower’s job is safe.

Caleb Williams & Ben Johnson: A Telling Exchange

• Terse Review from Ben Johnson ([11:17–11:41]):

  • After Williams throws for 193 yards (16/32, 68.9 rating), Johnson gives the shortest of answers:
    • “Hard to say. I gotta look at the tape.”
    • Multiple playbacks of this sound drop, with both hosts noting this is unusually brusque for Johnson.
    • Matt: “Was it terse or was it brusque?” Dan: “It was very deliberate.”

• Reading Between the Lines:

  • Dan: “To me it says something that that was his answer yesterday. He could have very easily elaborated if he wanted to.” [12:47]

4. Offensive Identity & The Path Forward

Caleb Williams' Confidence and Weapons

• Williams' Comments ([14:30]):

  • Caleb Williams: “...We haven’t scratched the surface of how talented, how special we are on this side of the ball. And I’m excited to show it...it's coming.”
  • [15:14] Matt discusses Williams’ optimism, focusing on developing receivers like Colston Loveland.

• Who Are the Playmakers?

  • The offense repeatedly features a different leading receiver each week; no true star stat-accumulator.
  • Dan lists top stat leaders:
    • Luther Burden: 19 catches (138th in NFL)
    • Rome Odunze: 39 (39th)
    • DJ Moore: 31 (73rd)
    • Tight ends: Loveland/Commet 24/16 (32nd/39th among TEs)
  • Matt: “The play is the play. Everything else is subservient to the right play.” [17:44]

Offensive Construction & Future Moves

• Examining '11' and '12' Personnel ([22:25–26:56]):
  • Both analyze starting offense; Matt openly questions DJ Moore’s place going forward and suggests the team may move to more two-tight-end looks.
  • “I’d like to shore up Theo Benedict a little bit, whatever that’s going to take, because...his bad plays are real bad.” [24:00]
  • Dan: “If you’re looking at the starters, there might be a couple opportunities for some changes going into next year. But this is what the offense is going to look like.” [39:52]

Quarterback Execution

• Williams' Misses Deep ([27:01]):
  • Matt: “No, he was overthrowing deep balls. How many times did I write down? …At least two. Right.”
  • Dan: “I got three.”
• Message to Caleb: “I’m not asking for offensive conservatism. I’m asking for execution.” [27:45]

5. Looking Ahead: Playoff Picture & Division Foes

Remaining Bears Schedule ([28:33–29:18])

• Steelers, Eagles, Packers (twice), Browns, 49ers, Lions.
• Tough December loom: poised to “play their best football” per coach Ben Johnson.

NFC North & Opponent Storylines

• Vikings Dissatisfaction:

  • [30:11] JJ McCarthy at the podium postgame: “Absolutely sucks. Absolutely sucks.”
  • Head coach KOC cagey about replacing McCarthy: “I’m not going to get into all that right now.” [31:02]
  • Both agree if not for injuries, the Vikings would've likely started Carson Wentz.

• Around the League Quick Hits:

  • [34:07] Matt misses "Meatball" Dan Campbell as Lions head coach gets more studious.
  • [35:13–36:15] Bears’ hosts discuss the jarring differences in Eagles’ offense and defense as a future matchup.
  • [37:08–38:14] Gripping insights on the toll the modern NFL takes on running quarterbacks.

6. Defensive Records & NFL Trends

• [43:04] Dan notices Myles Garrett is on pace for the single-season sack record (needs 8 in 7 games).
• Also, Broncos’ defensive front could challenge the 1986 Bears team sacks record.

7. Notable Quotes

• “This truly is the season of the NFL Blob.” – Dan Bernstein [02:43]
• “The Bears are blob kings.” – Matt Abbatacola [03:11]
• “In the areas of defense...they’re very good at red zone offense, they’re very good at third down efficiency, they’re very good at takeaways...” – Dan Bernstein [04:21]
• “Hard to say. I gotta look at the tape.” – Ben Johnson (on Caleb Williams’ play) [11:17, repeated]
• “We haven’t scratched the surface of how talented, how special we are on this side of the ball.” – Caleb Williams [14:30]
• “The play is the play. Everything else is subservient to the right play.” – Matt Abbatacola [17:44]
• “Absolutely sucks. Absolutely sucks.” – JJ McCarthy, Vikings QB [30:11]

8. Segment Timestamps

• First place Bears & Blob Kings: [02:31–03:13]
• Special teams breakthrough: [07:50–10:01]
• Ben Johnson’s review of Williams: [11:17–11:41]
• Williams on offense’s potential: [14:30]
• Offensive construction & personnel: [22:25–26:56]
• Caleb Williams' deep ball issues: [27:00–27:59]
• Playoff projection & schedule: [28:33–29:18]
• JJ McCarthy’s "Absolutely Sucks" moment: [30:11]
• Myles Garrett sack record discussion: [43:04–44:54]

9. Thematic Takeaway

Dan and Matt embrace the “blob king” identity as the Bears win imperfectly but decisively, and urge fans to enjoy the chaos of a competitive NFC North. They keep the coaching staff accountable ("Hard to say. Gotta look at the tape") while maintaining optimism that, with more offensive growth and improved execution, the Bears could be peaking at exactly the right time. The looming December schedule and playoff hunt promise high drama ahead.

Next Up:
Can the Bears keep the crown? Will Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson deliver the “best football” promised for December? Catch more analysis with Forward Progress on 312 Sports.