Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast
Episode: Brian Wacker - Baltimore Sun / Chicago Bears - Baltimore Ravens Preview
Date: October 24, 2025
Hosts: Dan Bernstein & Matt Abbatacola
Guest: Brian Wacker (Baltimore Sun - Ravens Beat Writer)
Overview
This episode of "Forward Progress" dives deep into the Chicago Bears' impending matchup with the Baltimore Ravens. Dan Bernstein and Matt Abbatacola welcome Brian Wacker of the Baltimore Sun for an insider's perspective on the Ravens’ current state, key injuries, organizational mindset, John Harbaugh’s job security, and the upcoming challenge against the surging Bears. The discussion is candid, filled with insights on roster issues, coaching philosophies, and locker room dynamics, offering listeners a comprehensive preview from both a Chicago and Baltimore vantage point.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Ravens Health and Key Injuries
- [01:15] Brian Wacker shares that the Ravens are largely healthy, but major questions remain about Lamar Jackson's readiness after limited practices and left tackle Ronnie Stanley's lingering ankle issues.
- "Lamar Jackson, he was out there for a third straight day on the practice field. He was limited the past two days so it'll be interesting to see ... Was he a full participant? Was he limited? ... They've got to weigh that, right? Like is Lamar Jackson ready to play?" – Brian Wacker [01:15]
Ravens' Mindset Facing Tough Odds
- [02:30] Dan asks about the organizational approach to a daunting record and dwindling playoff hopes (Ravens at 1-5).
- Brian emphasizes a "playoff mode every week" mentality and notes the statistical rarity of teams making the playoffs from this position.
- "You've got to play, as Derrick Henry said yesterday, you've got to play every game like it's your last ... Only one team since 1970 has ever made the playoffs after starting 1-6." – Brian Wacker [03:12]
The Impact of Injuries and Internal Friction
- [05:04] Matt inquires whether the Raven’s struggles are purely injury-related.
- Brian attributes much to injuries, especially Lamar Jackson's absence, but also highlights player dissatisfaction with scheme creativity and roles, and coaching inexperience in the defense.
- "There's been some disconnect from players on offense ... They feel like they're not being as creative as they could be, doing a lot of the same things they were a few years ago." – Brian Wacker [05:21]
- Points to rookie LB Teddy Buchanan calling plays and defensive coordinator Zach Orr’s inexperience.
John Harbaugh’s Job Security
- [07:44] Dan probes how much of Harbaugh's “capital” has been spent weathering this crisis.
- Brian supports Harbaugh’s job security given his track record, only allowing that a disastrous finish would warm his seat but not likely result in firing.
- "When you're an 18th year head coach, you're going to get some leeway. And as he should ... I don't feel like his job is imminently in danger." – Brian Wacker [08:12]
Ravens Offense: Scheme Criticism and Todd Monken
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[12:25] Dan presses for details on players’ dissatisfaction with offensive creativity.
- Brian describes how the offense has become predictable over three years under OC Todd Monken; teams now have plenty of tape, and personnel packages have sometimes led to internal confusion.
- "It's a very delicate balance ... to try to manage that, to make sure guys are getting the ball that, you know, can impact the game." – Brian Wacker [12:50]
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[15:33] Dan and Brian swap stories about Monken’s "old-school," colorful personality and coaching roots.
- "Yes, he is that character ... he's entertaining, insightful, informative, fun to deal with." – Brian Wacker [16:32]
Locker Room Culture & “Pinball-Gate”
- [18:00] Matt asks about the much-discussed removal of the Ravens' pinball machine from the locker room.
- Brian laughs it off as mostly symbolic, a mild consequence to “eliminate distractions,” but blown out of proportion outside the building.
- "It's sort of like you're a kid ... you get in trouble ... your parents ground you ... it's just a matter of 'hey guys we need to focus.'" – Brian Wacker [18:11]
Fan Sentiment & Organizational Perspective
- [21:23] Matt notes that when small locker-room stories get outsized attention, fans sense the season may be lost.
- Brian draws the contrast between the building’s no-quit mentality and a fan base that feels deflated.
- "Certainly the Ravens fan base has a much different view than the people in the building. ... Week eight ... they can't lose more than one or two games." – Brian Wacker [21:23]
Derrick Henry and Offensive Identity
- [22:16] Dan discusses Henry’s statistical dip and the simple game plan of stacking the box versus the run.
- Brian highlights the absence of Jackson amplifying defensive focus on Henry, plus inconsistent guard play is hurting the run game.
- "With the RPO stuff they do ... that changes the equation for defenses significantly. You just can't do that stuff with Cooper Rush." – Brian Wacker [23:32]
Scouting the Bears & Matchup Outlook
- [25:06] Matt asks for Baltimore’s perception of the Bears.
- Brian acknowledges the Bears’ surge, especially with the running game, and flags this as a critical test for a Baltimore defense that’s been vulnerable on the ground.
- "This is a team that's on a roll right now, four in a row ... offensively, kind of has some things going...this is a Bears team that can run the ball." – Brian Wacker [25:17]
Tight End Uncertainty & Trade Deadline
- [26:04] Dan explores Ravens’ tight end dynamics (Mark Andrews vs. Isaiah Likely) and possible trade maneuvers.
- Brian sees Likely as the future, no extension talks for Andrews, and notes Eric DeCosta's cautious approach with trades—potentially buying or selling hinges on results over the next weeks.
- "I think all signs kind of indicate that Isaiah Likely is going to be their guy. I don't think there have been really any talks ... for Mark Andrews." – Brian Wacker [27:15]
Memorable Quotes & Moments
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On playoff odds:
"Only one team since 1970 has ever made the playoffs after starting 1-6. That was 1970 Bengals."
– Brian Wacker [03:12] -
On the Ravens offense:
"If this team was 5-1 versus 1-5 and guys weren't getting certain catches ... there wouldn't be that grumbling, right? Because winning cures all."
– Brian Wacker [12:50] -
On Todd Monken's coaching style:
"He's entertaining, insightful, informative, fun to deal with."
– Brian Wacker [16:32] -
On the pinball machine saga:
"To me, this is not a big deal ... I think a lot of people are making it a bigger deal than it really is."
– Brian Wacker [20:09] -
On Derrick Henry's challenges:
"You lose a guy like Lamar for a few games and all of a sudden people don't have to worry about another threat in that backfield."
– Brian Wacker [23:32]
Notable Segment Timestamps
- Ravens Injury Status & Lamar Jackson: [01:15 - 02:30]
- Desperation/“Playoff Mode” & Team Outlook: [02:30 - 05:04]
- Injury Impact & Locker Room Rumbles: [05:04 - 07:44]
- Harbaugh’s Security and Pressure: [07:44 - 11:35]
- Lamar Jackson’s Game Readiness: [11:35 - 12:25]
- Offensive Staleness & Monken’s Style: [12:25 - 18:00]
- Pinball in the Locker Room: [18:00 - 21:23]
- Fan Apathy vs. Internal Focus: [21:23 - 22:16]
- Derrick Henry’s Current Ability: [22:16 - 25:06]
- How Ravens View the Bears: [25:06 - 26:04]
- Tight End Depth & Trade Talk: [26:04 - 29:44]
Additional Rapid-Fire NFL and Bears Notes
- [32:10] Bears Injury Report: Several starters limited or held out. DJ Moore’s status (hip) is uncertain.
- [32:22] Speculation on Lamar Jackson’s likelihood to start is leaning toward playing, but not definitive.
- [33:37] Fun sidebar: Hosts debate unpredictable NFL matchups and make “gut feel” picks, notably the Jets' first possible win.
- [37:35] Bears press conference tidbits and local food promotions discussed in trademark playful banter.
Tone & Style
The episode maintains a uniquely Chicago sports-talk blend of irreverence, passionate analysis, and sarcasm. The conversation is both journalistic and conversational, and Brian Wacker offers straight, detail-oriented answers with a beat writer’s candor. The hosts throw in playful pop culture references and personal anecdotes, giving fans a sense of community while delivering genuinely insightful football analysis.
For Further Updates
- Follow Brian Wacker: @BrianWacker1 for real-time Ravens updates.
- Subscribe to Forward Progress on YouTube for post-game Bears analysis and instant reaction shows.
Whether you’re a diehard fan or just catching up ahead of game day, this episode delivers everything you need to know about the Ravens’ state of play, potential pivot points, and how Baltimore respects (and fears) Chicago’s current form.