Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast

Episode Title: Caleb Williams delivers against the Packers – Leads Bears to the Playoffs
Hosts: Dan Bernstein & Matt Abbatacola
Date: December 22, 2025

Episode Overview

In this pivotal episode, Dan and Matt break down the Chicago Bears’ thrilling victory over the Packers, which clinched their playoff berth and advanced their season record to 11–4. The duo dissect Caleb Williams’ performance, explore why this Bears team feels different (and not a fluke), and give extensive insight into Ben Johnson’s game plans and leadership. Listeners get both a deep analytical dive and plenty of raw fan emotion about the Bears’ playoff breakthrough, the AFC/NFC landscape, and the pressures and mindset driving Chicago forward.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Bears Clinch Playoffs with Win Over Packers ([02:10])

• Bears now 11–4, securing their spot in the NFC playoffs.
• Dan notes the historic improbability: “The Bears are... one of five NFC teams that have clinched a playoff spot. There’s only two remaining in the NFC. Two up for grabs.” – Matt ([02:27])
• Discussion of playoff standings and contenders across both conferences.

2. Is This Bears Team Legit? Fluky or for Real? ([03:35] – [09:16])

• Statistical Analysis: Dan cites Mike Sando/Athletic research that since 2000, the Bears are the only team among 319 who have a winning record in games where they’ve trailed in the final two minutes 10 or more times.

  “Winning from behind is not a sustainable formula. Enjoy it while it lasts. And I am. I absolutely am.” – Dan ([04:58])

• Recap of fan doubts—“burning it all down” during comebacks.
• Matt insists recent stretch (Eagles win, domination of Browns, two against the Packers) proves it isn’t a fluke:

  “These last four weeks show me that this is not a fluke team. This is a team that can win the Super Bowl this year.” – Matt ([09:13])

3. Defensive Issues: Pass Rush Concerns ([09:21])

• Discussion of the Bears’ defensive front, issues with pass rush, and Montez Sweat’s highlight sack.
• Dan points out inconsistency: “That front four isn’t... it’s non-existent in the run... there’s no pass rush for the front four.” ([09:24])
• Both agree more aggressiveness—“I'd rather he be too violent and too stupid than the opposite.” – Dan on Austin Booker ([10:01])

4. Ben Johnson's Philosophy and Game Management

A. Keeping Team Poise in Big Moments ([12:15])

“We got a lot of guys that don’t have playoff experience... We talk about keeping our poise and what it takes to win these games. And, you know, I think we’re going to continue to get better and learn how to handle [the moment]...” – Ben Johnson ([12:38])

• Focus on mental composure, with criticism reserved for “stupid” penalties (DeMarco Jackson, Jalen Johnson), not for aggressive play that didn’t lead to points.

B. Play Calling: Fourth and One “Cute” Play ([16:01])

• Ben Johnson describes adding trick plays late in the practice week; the failed snap was just poor execution, not a poor call.
• Dan emphasizes the need for fans (and himself) to adjust to Johnson’s aggressive, innovative style:

  “I know it myself that I'm going to have to learn how to change and accept some of that stuff because that’s what the Bears hired.” (Dan, [20:01])

C. Ben Johnson's Emotional Control ([20:40])

• Johnson deliberately maintains “steady Eddie” composure on the sideline.

  “My job on game day is... not only just call the offensive plays but make sure that we’re managing our timeouts correctly and the penalties and everything... it’s hard to do that if I get too emotionally up and down. That’s just what I’ve learned about myself over the years.” – Ben Johnson ([20:42])

• Discussion of how various coaching temperaments have succeeded in the NFL.

5. Caleb Williams’ Leadership & Mindset

A. O-Line Nicknames—“The Avengers” ([25:16])

• Caleb Williams refers to his O-Line as “The Avengers,” giving out individual nicknames (“Hulk,” “Red Hulk,” and “Dr. Strange”).

  “...to the offensive line, I was just, you know, giving my thanks of Hawk and Red Hulk and Dr. Strange and all those guys.” – Caleb ([26:11])

• Dan and Matt theorize who matches with which nickname, giving fans a look at team culture.

B. Next Steps in Caleb’s Development ([29:57])

• Matt: “What’s the next step in Caleb’s progression?”
• Dan: “Make the layups and improve your timing. That’s it.”
• Deep dive into Williams’ ability to stay even-keeled, his elite performance on 3rd down when trailing, and how Ben Johnson might “unlock” that pressure game mentality in all phases.

  “When the stakes are higher and the pressure is greater, his breathing gets calmer, his heart rate goes down. He lives for those moments and we see that on display.” – Matt ([30:24])

• Extensive stats: “On third down when trailing this season... 7 TD (1st), 144.7 rating (1st), 71.1% completions (2nd), 10.5 YPA (3rd), no INTs (7:0)” – Matt ([33:06])

6. In-Game and Around-the-League Quirks ([40:01] onward)

• Pro Bowl voting: Bears lead all NFL teams in votes for their players, with Caleb Williams 4th overall ([40:33]).
• Fun banter about strange endings to games, officiating inconsistencies, and peculiarities in gameplay strategy.
• Concerns and commentary on player safety and concussions after notable in-game incidents ([48:44]).

7. Culture Moments: Cheese Grater Hat ([50:07])

• Bears’ “cheese grater” hats, a nod to their rivalry with Packers fans (“cheeseheads”), become locker room discussion.

  “Get over it. You lost. Go grate your cheese. You’re fine.” – Dan ([50:03])

Memorable Quotes & Moments

“The Bears are the only one of the 319 teams over 25 years to trail in the final two minutes 10+ times and have a winning record... Enjoy it while it lasts. And I am.” – Dan ([04:58])

“People were done with Ben Johnson. Caleb Williams, this isn't the guy. Put in Bajans. Whatever. You left those voicemails that are now our property!” – Dan ([05:53])

“These last four weeks show me... This is a team that can win the Super Bowl this year.” – Matt ([09:13])

“My job on game day is... not only just call the offensive plays but make sure that we’re managing our timeouts correctly and the penalties and everything... it’s hard to do that if I get too emotionally up and down. That’s just what I’ve learned about myself over the years.” – Ben Johnson ([20:42])

“To the offensive line, I was just, you know, giving my thanks of Hulk and Red Hulk and Dr. Strange and all those guys.” – Caleb Williams ([26:11])

Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------| | 02:10 | Bears clinch playoff spot: reactions and standings | | 03:35 | Is the Bears’ late-game magic sustainable or fluky? | | 04:58 | Statistical evidence for/against Bears' comeback success | | 09:16 | Defensive worries: pass rush and front four analysis | | 12:18 | Ben Johnson on team poise and penalties | | 16:01 | Fourth-and-one play: philosophy, criticism, learning | | 20:42 | Ben Johnson: keeping emotions steady | | 25:16 | Caleb Williams “Avengers” O-line nicknames | | 29:57 | Discussion: The next step in Caleb Williams’ progression | | 33:06 | Williams’ clutch stats: elite 3rd down/trailing performance | | 40:33 | Bears’ dominance in Pro Bowl fan voting | | 50:07 | Cheese grater hat: culture and rivalry with Packers fans |

Final Thoughts

This episode captures the momentum, skepticism, and excitement buzzing through the Bears’ franchise and fanbase as they reach the playoffs led by rookie star Caleb Williams and orchestrated by analytical whiz Ben Johnson. Dan and Matt provide an expert blend of stats, scheme breakdowns, and humor, all while holding the team—and themselves—accountable to the high standards of Chicago football. If you’re looking for both deep football insight and the emotion of living and dying with the Bears, this is essential listening.