Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast
Episode: Caleb Leads the Bears to Victory
Hosts: Dan Bernstein & Matt Abbatacola
Date: November 10, 2025
Overview
This episode of Forward Progress recaps the Chicago Bears' 24-20 win over the New York Giants, focusing on Caleb Williams' quarterback play, defensive improvements, timely contributions from key Bears defenders, and strategic notes for the upcoming Steelers matchup. Dan and Matt break down game film, discuss the state of the Bears and their playoff outlook, react live to breaking NFL coaching news, and bring classic Bears fandom humor and emotion to the discussion.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Bears' Win Over the Giants (01:27–04:34)
- Typical Bears Fashion: The team played poorly in stretches before coming together in clutch moments.
“They do so in what has become their typical fashion of spending too much time playing bad football until it matters and they play good football and then everybody finishes up. Happy, happy, happy.” – Matt Abbatacola (01:39)
- Giants QB Situation & Coaching Instability: Dan calls attention to Jackson Dart's injury history and questions the Giants' direction.
- Run Game Analysis: Both teams were weak defensively against the run, but the Bears' run defense showed notable improvement against Giants running backs.
2. Defensive Performance & Standouts (04:34–09:56)
- Situational Defense: Bears improved against the run on first down but allowed too much on ensuing downs, especially before Dart's injury.
- CJ Gardner-Johnson’s Impact: Three sacks, a forced fumble, and strong coverage performances over the last two weeks.
“What would it look like without him these last couple weeks...? He’s had a significant impact on these games, particularly in yesterday’s game with Edwards being out and with most of your secondary injured.” – Dan Bernstein (05:35)
- Montez Sweat’s Sack Streak: Now third Bear with four straight games with a sack, alongside Richard Dent and Khalil Mack.
- Young Players' Contributions: Austin Booker and new Bear Joe Tryon-Shoyinka made positive impressions with energetic play and run stops.
3. Breaking News: Giants Fire Brian Daboll (10:31–12:56)
- Live Reaction:
“The Giants have just fired Brian Daboll.” – Matt Abbatacola (10:31)
- Context & Analysis: Poor start in three consecutive seasons, questionable goal-line decision, and 11 straight road losses contributed to Daboll’s dismissal. Both hosts expect Daboll to find another NFL job, particularly as an offensive coordinator.
4. Deep Dive: Caleb Williams’ Game Film (14:36–19:11)
- Drop Count Disagreement: Matt had 7, Dan had 6 drops (see analysis below).
- Williams’ Performance:
- Some misses, including a costly overthrow to Rome Odunze in the end zone.
- Bears’ receivers (notably DJ Moore and Zaccheaus) struggled with drops, but Williams made several high-quality throws.
- Giants pass coverage and linebackers earned praise for making things difficult.
“I think overall he played pretty well. There are a couple that I have question marks on...but again overall I thought Caleb played a really nice game.” – Dan Bernstein (18:01)
- Player Opportunities: Calls for increased snaps for Luther Burden following a solid showing.
5. Special Teams and O-line Highlights (19:11–22:15)
- Darnell Wright's Highlight Block: His “Hulk-like” one-handed shove of Brian Burns remembered as a potential career highlight; former track & field shot put background noted.
- Offensive Line Physicality: Wright’s play strength and technique praised and compared to iconic hockey moves (spinorama).
6. Refereeing & Announcer Critique (22:45–27:57)
- Headshot Non-Call on Caleb Williams: Hosts were frustrated with Greg Olsen’s apparent double standard on QB head contact, especially missing a penalty when Williams was kneed in the head.
“That should have been a penalty. Doesn’t matter if he’s just jumping over his head...he hit him in the head, period.” – Dan Bernstein (25:19)
- More Critique: Calls overlooked in end-zone coverage against Bears defender Tyrique Stevenson, and general frustration with announcers missing key moments.
7. Bears Playoff Outlook & NFC Landscape (28:00–32:36)
- Playoff Odds: Athletic’s simulator puts Bears at 0.3%, reflecting pessimism over schedule difficulty and overall play despite the 6–3 record.
- Remaining Schedule:
- Vikings
- Steelers
- Eagles
- Packers
- Browns
- 49ers
- Lions (January)
- Fans’ Emotional Reality: Hosts balance excitement over 6–3 start with realism about the team’s high bar for improvement.
“It is okay to hold the Bears at a high, a high bar and a high level of expectation because their coach Ben Johnson says they’ll be playing their best football in December.” – Matt Abbatacola (31:44)
8. League Roundup & Storylines (39:03–44:13)
- Jonathan Taylor’s Big Game: Cited as an MVP candidate alongside Drake Maye and Matthew Stafford.
- AFC/NFC Standings Check:
- Patriots, Broncos, Colts, and various division races.
- Skepticism about the Broncos despite their record.
- Bears emerging as potential "coach-killers" given the recent firings after losses to Chicago.
- Injury Updates: Minimal concerns from Bears-Giants game; Luther Burden returned strong from concussion.
Timestamps for Key Segments
| Segment | Timestamp | |------------------------------------------|---------------| | Bears Game Recap & Run Game Analysis | 01:27–04:34 | | Defensive Performance & Standouts | 04:34–09:56 | | Breaking News: Giants Fire Daboll | 10:31–12:56 | | Caleb Williams Film Breakdown | 14:36–19:11 | | O-line Highlight: Darnell Wright | 19:11–22:15 | | Referee & Announcer Critique | 22:45–27:57 | | Bears Playoff Probability/NFC Outlook | 28:00–32:36 | | Around the League: MVPs/Standings | 39:03–44:13 |
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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On Bears' Recent Clutch Play:
“They do so in what has become their typical fashion of spending too much time playing bad football until it matters and they play good football and then everybody finishes up. Happy, happy, happy.” — Matt Abbatacola (01:39)
-
On Giants’ QB Jackson Dart’s Health:
“I’m just not sure that you want Jackson Dart going out there with his fourth concussion protocol for this waste of a season.” — Dan Bernstein (03:12)
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Live News on Giants’ Coaching Fire:
“The Giants have just fired Brian Daboll.” — Matt Abbatacola (10:31)
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On Defensive Impact of CJ Gardner-Johnson:
“He’s had a significant impact on these games, particularly in yesterday’s game with Edwards being out and with most of your secondary injured.” — Dan Bernstein (05:35)
-
On Darnell Wright's O-line Strength:
“...just to knock him away like Hulk in one of the CGI scenes in a Marvel movie.” — Matt Abbatacola (19:52)
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On Frustration with Refereeing:
“That should have been a penalty. Doesn’t matter if he’s just jumping over his head. He kneed him the back of the head.” — Dan Bernstein (25:19)
-
On Bears Playoff Aspirations:
“It is okay to hold the Bears at a high, a high bar and a high level of expectation...they’ve got a long way to go and they’re going to have to prove that against much better teams.” — Matt Abbatacola (31:44)
Tone, Language & Closing
The episode maintained an authentic, candid, and witty tone—mixing fandom, hard analysis, and humor. Dan and Matt’s banter and real-time reactions, including live breaking news, gave the podcast immediacy and personality. For committed Bears fans, the meticulous film review and playoff talk gave plenty of substance; for casual listeners, the league-wide perspective and entertaining anecdotes (including food reviews at Beer Church Brewing) kept it fun and engaging.
Summary
- The Bears moved to 6-3 with a close win over the Giants, with Caleb Williams showing resilience despite drops and a stingy Giants coverage unit.
- Big defensive plays from CJ Gardner-Johnson and Montez Sweat were crucial, with Sweat joining franchise legends with his sack streak.
- Live during the show, Giants head coach Brian Daboll was fired—a move the hosts predicted.
- Playoff hopes are distant but not impossible; the team must improve against a tough upcoming schedule.
- Notable issues with refereeing and TV commentary were discussed, especially concerning player safety.
- The show closed with lighthearted talk about food and a look around the league, keeping the tone upbeat yet realistic about the Bears’ remaining challenges and fan expectations.