Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast

Episode: Caleb Williams - Climbing in Draft Class Position
Date: November 7, 2025
Hosts: Dan Bernstein & Matt Abbatacola

Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into the state of the Chicago Bears ahead of their matchup against the New York Giants at Soldier Field, focusing on injury updates, offensive strategy, player development, and broader NFL trends impacting the team and league. Dan and Matt discuss Caleb Williams’ progress as a rookie quarterback, share thoughts on various Bears playmakers, dissect play-calling nuances, and touch on national NFL news and narratives. The tone is insightful yet relaxed, blending analytical breakdowns with humorous asides and raw fan emotion.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Bears Injury Updates and Roster Changes

• [00:58] TJ Edwards (strong-side linebacker) has undergone hand surgery and will be out temporarily, but is not placed on IR. Expect more snaps for Noah Sewell and the recently returned Amen Ogbongbemiga.
  • “It’s too bad. They had just gotten TJ Edwards back and now he’s gone again.” - Matt [01:38]
• Giants kicker Graham Gano is out with a neck issue. Younghoe Koo has been signed in response.

2. Weather Outlook and Game Plan Adjustments

• [03:41] Soldier Field forecast: likely snow, strong winds (20–30 mph), temperatures in the mid-30s.
  • Anticipate a ground-heavy approach from both teams due to weather and both defenses struggling against the run.
• Giants have allowed a league-worst 5.5 yards per carry; Bears also near the bottom at 5.1.
  • “Hopefully the Bears can keep their running game on track as it has been the last couple weeks.” – Dan [04:12]

3. Player Prop Bets, Big Men Tricks & Ben Johnson’s Playbook

• [05:04] Matt took the “over” on DJ Moore receiving yards (45.5), arguing the conditions favor short yardage and screens, particularly given the Giants' formidable defensive front.
  • “The screen pass is going to be critical for the Bears. We know that DJ Moore has been utilized as a screen target because of his ability to break tackles.” – Matt [05:19]
• [07:35] Discussion of Darnell Wright’s athleticism and potential use in creative offensive sets; a running joke about his “cartright” move (cartwheel).
  • Both suspect Ben Johnson, who hints at calculated trick plays, could showcase Wright in motion soon.
  • “He didn’t just throw that out there for no reason...I believe Darnell Wright will, at least one play within the lower half of the red zone, be in motion one time.” – Dan [08:42, 09:17]

4. Narrative Fatigue and Player Backgrounds

• [12:00] Fed up with repeated “Idaho farm boy” stories about Colston Loveland (Bears tight end).
  • “Please stop. I think we can retire this story. Everybody in Gooding, Idaho has always said he was going to grow up to be a great football player...I get it.” – Matt [13:11]
• Light-hearted discussion of Idaho travel, Canadian fishing lodges, and awkward experiences with extremist memorabilia. [15:30–17:30]

5. Roma Odunze Family Social Media “Drama”

• [17:35] Rome Odunze’s father publicly complained about his son’s targets; hosts downplay it as a typical parent move, not a legitimate controversy.
  • Emphasize Rome's maturity and selfless play, citing a Bears media post highlighting his blocking.
  • “The overwhelming preponderance of evidence shows that Rome’s got this. He’s got it on the field, he’s got it off the field.” – Matt [18:48]
  • “He’s not one of those [elite] guys right now…he needs to develop more as a young player.” – Dan [22:46]
  • “My belief is: let your coaches coach. Listen to your coach.” – Matt [20:30]
  • Rome currently leads the Bears in targets.

6. NFL Talk: Mental Health and Tragic News

• [25:22] Brief acknowledgment of Marshawn Nyland's (NFL player) suicide; hosts promote the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988).

7. Special Teams Evolution: Kicking, Punting, and Ball Doctoring

• [26:41] Effects of relaxed NFL rules on “K-balls” — kicks and punts are longer than ever.
  • “Turns out getting to break the ball in the week before the game means you get an extra 4 to 7 yards per kick.” – Quoting Chris Kluwe via Matt [28:31]
  • All-time punting leaders are current players (except Shane Lechler).
  • Vivid description of how Bears once doctored footballs for roundness.

8. Week 10 NFL Preview & Commentator News

• Recap of Thursday’s Broncos-Raiders game (“If you missed, you’re okay for missing…”), and preview of Bears-Giants, Falcons-Colts (in Berlin), and more Week 10 matchups.
• Adam Amin to call the Berlin game with Drew Brees, after Fox replaced Mark Sanchez.

9. Caleb Williams and Draft Class Context

• [32:44] Caleb’s clutch throw vs the Bengals analyzed; hosts praise it as one of his best “hole shot” throws this year.
  • “That throw from Caleb Williams…he really threw a beautiful ball on that particular play.” – Dan [34:56]
• Comparison to rookie peers Bo Nix, Jaden Daniels, and Drake May; Williams’ up-and-down moments are typical for first-year QBs.
  • Bo Nix inconsistent (“dude’s all over the place”); Daniels’ durability reinforced as a concern. [35:29]
  • “It’s not only Williams himself, but everybody else involved in some of these comparisons within the cohort.” – Dan [36:59]

10. “The Blob”: The NFL’s Parity Problem

• [37:09]–[38:40] Dan formally surrenders to the chaos of the 2025 NFL season, embracing “The Blob”—the unpredictable morass of barely differentiated teams:
  • “I am 100% fully bought into the Blob…I’m done looking ahead at anything in this particular season.” – Dan [37:09]
  • Matt encourages, “Find peace in the NFL Blob.” [38:23]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Darnell Wright’s athleticism:
  “It is a cartridge. And he said that he’s athletic…and looking forward to see what he can do. Maybe this is the week—maybe conditions are gonna make it even more ripe for an opportunity to just let a big man rumble with it.” – Matt [07:45]
• On Rome Odunze’s media response:
  “He says look, it doesn’t reflect. He doesn’t speak for me. I speak for me.” – Matt [18:48]
• On parity and unpredictability (“The Blob”):
  “Embrace the Blob…there is serenity in the Blob. Find peace in the NFL Blob.” – Matt [38:23]
• On Caleb Williams’ throw:
  “That throw on that touchdown, maybe not positioned perfectly…but that for me is easily one of Caleb’s top five throws this year so far.” – Dan [34:39]
• On trick plays and coaching philosophy:
  “He doesn’t look at trick plays…anything that’s legal out of a legal formation…if they’ve practiced it enough, he’s completely willing to call it just like he’s willing to call a dive play.” – Matt [10:33]

Important Timestamps

• Injury/roster news: [00:58] – [03:41]
• Weather and run game focus: [03:41] – [06:26]
• DJ Moore, offensive play design: [05:04] – [09:17]
• Narrative fatigue on Loveland and Idaho: [12:00] – [15:45]
• Roma Odunze family drama: [17:35] – [25:04]
• Mental health/suicide prevention: [25:22] – [26:41]
• Kicking/punting revolution: [26:41] – [30:04]
• Week 10 matchups and commentator swap: [31:19] – [32:44]
• Caleb Williams, rookie QBs analysis: [32:44] – [37:09]
• NFL parity “Blob”: [37:09] – [38:40]

Episode Tone and Flow

Dan and Matt balance analytical rigor with authenticity and humor—mixing football X’s and O’s with candid reactions to media narratives and league-wide stories. The hosts bring a veteran fan’s stoic perspective to the modern NFL’s volatility while poking fun at their own frustrations, biases, and traditions.

This summary captures the essential themes, insights, and recurring jokes of the episode, making it accessible and informative for those who missed the conversation.