Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast

Episode: Bears Win - One for the Record Book
Hosts: Dan Bernstein & Matt Abbatacola
Date: November 3, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of Forward Progress dives into the Chicago Bears' wild, high-scoring 47-42 victory — a game instantly cemented in the record books for its drama, offensive fireworks, and historic moments. Dan and Matt break down the electrifying fourth quarter, Caleb Williams’ development, Ben Johnson’s play-calling acumen, key individual performances, and where this game stands in Bears and NFL history. The hosts bring passionate fan reaction, expert analysis, and a hefty dose of humor — all while keeping their expectations high.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Colston Loveland Game-Winner

• Loveland’s Touchdown Catch (02:04-03:12, 30:42-32:27):

  • Dan and Matt relive Caleb Williams' remarkable game-winning throw and Colston Loveland’s incredible run-after-catch, weaving past three defenders.
  • Quote:
    “It almost looked like something from an action movie.”
    — Dan Bernstein (02:28)
  • Discussion of the strategy, play design, and timing — Ben Johnson "hunting" a specific defensive look all game to unleash this play.

• Rookie Usage & Opportunity (05:00-05:32):

  • Matt questions why Loveland, a first-round pick, isn’t drawing more targets sooner:
    “If this kid has this ability… why is he not getting more opportunities and more targets?”
    — Matt Abbatacola (05:13)

2. Caleb Williams’ Growth & Expectation Management

• Williams’ Performance Review (17:28-18:14):
  • Ben Johnson praises Caleb for being turnover-free, using his legs to extend drives, and managing crucial moments.
• High Standards for Caleb (19:39-21:37):
  • Matt admits struggling with impatience, holding Williams to an elite NFL standard, not just as a Bears quarterback.
  • Quote:
    “I want him to perform at a level that not many quarterbacks perform… and he’s just not doing it at my speed. But I believe he will get there.”
    — Matt Abbatacola (21:07)

3. Ben Johnson’s Offensive Identity

• Explosive Plays (06:39-07:32):
  • The Bears, under first-year head coach Ben Johnson, lead the NFL in explosive play rate (14.1% of plays go for 20+ yards).
  • Quote:
    “The Chicago Bears by percentage have the most explosive offense in the NFL. Midway through year one of Ben Johnson, I thought that was significant.”
    — Dan Bernstein (06:59)
• Trick Plays & Creativity (23:50-27:31):
  • Ben Johnson treats "trick plays" as routine, designed to exploit defensive tendencies.
    “He doesn’t think of them as trick plays. They're plays… All plays are designed to trick sometimes.”
    — Dan Bernstein (25:23)

4. Locker Room Vibes & Player Personalities

• Victory Speech & Game Balls (10:02-13:32):

  • Lighthearted recap of Ben Johnson’s celebratory locker room routine, players’ reactions, and the youthfulness in the room.
  • Quote:
    “And I know it wasn’t pretty, but don’t apologize for a win in this league, guys. Don’t apologize. We did what we had to do.”
    — Ben Johnson (10:48)
  • Caleb Williams’ basic but earnest "captain" speech and rookie joy (“This is so fun. We got to keep winning…”).

• Player Fun & Youth (13:14-14:12):

  • The hosts note Caleb’s youthful personality — references to doing The Gritty and sounding like a college kid organizing a Madden session.

5. Kyle Monungai's Breakout & Smart Running Back Room

• 176-Yard Rushing Day (17:46-18:41, 39:43-41:49):

  • High praise for rookie Kyle Monungai’s physical, relentless running, and his place on the Bears’ all-time single-game rushing list (#18).
  • Quote:
    “I think the win was just the craziest part. I think that’s the craziest game I’ve been a part of.”
    — Kyle Monungai (36:42)

• Intelligent Room (37:40-38:24):

  • Discussion about the high academic pedigree of the Bears’ running backs (e.g., Brittain Brown’s Duke degree, Monungai’s Big Ten academic honors).

6. Historic Perspective & Statistical Nuggets

• Where Does This Game Rank? (34:27-36:00, 43:52-46:26):
  • The 58-yard TD to Loveland ranks as the fifth-longest game-winning play in NFL history.
  • Bears’ 576 total yards: their sixth-highest ever, and first time surpassing 570 yards since 1980.
  • Reference to famous Bears offensive outbursts, and how this game fits in team lore.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Loveland’s Catch:
  “He’s bounced around between three defenders and is surprised to still find himself on his feet.”
  — Matt Abbatacola (02:04)

• On Ben Johnson’s Philosophy:
  “He was waiting for a very specific coverage. Hunting the coverage, hunting it, sniping it.”
  — Dan Bernstein (04:29)

• On Bears’ Explosive Offense:
  “That’s considered an explosive… It is his fundamental philosophy of offense.”
  — Dan Bernstein (06:39)

• On Locker Room Vibe:
  “And I also have red Gatorade… bring Cool Ranch. And we’re going to do a rebuild.”
  — Dan Bernstein, joking about Caleb’s "giant child" energy (14:15)

• On Williams’ Development:
  “He’s not being graded as a Bears quarterback… it would be silly and insulting to compare the number one overall draft pick under Ben Johnson to a history of Bears quarterbacks. Correct? I’m not doing that.”
  — Dan Bernstein (20:29)

• On Trick Plays:
  “I think to him they're just plays… all plays are designed to catch the defense, show the defense something they don't know.”
  — Dan Bernstein (25:23-25:59)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Colston Loveland TD Play Recap: 02:04-03:12, 30:42-32:27
• Discussion on Rookies & Targets: 05:00-05:32
• Explosive Plays Stat & Bears’ Offense: 06:39-07:32
• Locker Room Audio & Ben Johnson’s Speech: 10:02-13:32
• Caleb Williams’ Growth Expectations: 19:39-21:37
• Trick Play Philosophy: 23:50-27:31
• Ben Johnson & Caleb Williams’ Postgame Comments: 15:13-18:14, 27:41-28:44
• Kyle Monungai’s Career Day: 17:46-18:41, 39:43-41:49
• Bears Historic Offensive Output: 43:52-46:26

Podcast Tone & Style

• Passionate, knowledgeable, and unfiltered — Dan and Matt combine serious analytical breakdowns with the heartfelt emotions of lifelong Bears fans.
• Frequent friendly ribbing, pop culture nods (action movies, video games), and self-awareness about the "curse" and history of Bears football.
• High standards for the team; unwilling to accept merely relative progress.

Final Takeaways

• This was a defining, record-book Bears win: dramatic, flawed, but full of hope and offensive promise.
• Caleb Williams and Colston Loveland continue to emerge, even as the hosts demand more rapid growth.
• Ben Johnson’s philosophy and locker room leadership are changing the franchise’s narrative.
• The Bears’ next stretch (Giants, Vikings, Steelers, Eagles) offers a proving ground.
• Celebrate the win — but always expect more.

For passionate Bears fans or NFL observers, this episode highlights why 2025 might be a turning-point season for the Chicago Bears, offering both instant-explosion offense and a vision for the future.