Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast

Episode: Caleb Williams - First Road Win

Hosts: Dan Bernstein & Matt Abbatacola
Release Date: September 29, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode dives into the Chicago Bears’ improbable 25-24 road victory over the Las Vegas Raiders—Caleb Williams’ first road win, which levels the Bears' record at 2-2 heading into the bye week. Dan and Matt provide analytical breakdowns, acknowledge how chaotic and “grimy” the win was, and debate what it reveals about the state of the Bears, their rookie quarterback, and the ongoing team culture reboot under new head coach Ben Johnson.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Game Context & Emotional Tone

• The Bears enter the bye at 2-2 after a wild, “ugly but beautiful” win in Las Vegas.
• Both hosts emphasize the emotional lift of winning these types of games—especially after previous heartbreaks (“They were on the right side this year... this isn't—did I hear Caleb Williams correct? It's his first road win.”—Matt, 00:57).
• The performance, though uplifting, did not follow a blueprint anyone would recommend: giving up 240+ rushing yards and surviving four turnovers without fully capitalizing.

2. Breakdown of the Game: Execution, Errors, and Turning Points

a) Defensive Issues and Historic Context

• The Bears allowed 240+ rushing yards but still won—a feat not seen since November 11, 1979.
  • “First time the Bears had won a game in which they allowed 240 or more yards rushing since… 1979...I remembered this as the Ricky Watts game.” —Dan, 07:12
• Turnovers saved the day: Bears’ defense forced four, spotlighting the importance of tight execution even when the offense is sputtering.
  • “They forced four turnovers...but why didn’t it matter more? It’s got to be converted.”—Dan, 33:01

b) Playcalling & Coaching Adjustments

• Dan and Matt highlight troubling offensive habits, especially a repeated ill-fated swing pass:
  • “Ben Johnson, stop running this play… Max Crosby sniffed out that play real quick… One of those is going to get picked off and taken the other way.” —Matt, 05:52-06:29
• Ben Johnson’s mid-game tackle substitutions are discussed, notably using Ozzie for a “spark”—unusual phrasing for an offensive lineman.
  • “How often does a right tackle provide a spark?...This is the first time I’ve heard a right tackle [do that].” —Dan, 14:46-15:15

c) Special Teams Decisiveness

• Scott Daly (long snapper) identified a “tell” from the Raiders’ snapper in film study, leading directly to Josh Blackwell’s game-saving blocked field goal.
  • “Cool stuff, hearing about how it actually happened… these games when the tiniest things tend to matter for the biggest reasons.” —Dan, 04:25-05:15

3. Player Focus

a) Caleb Williams: The Grimy First Road Win

• Williams’ performance was far from flawless (one interception, another almost-pick) but he executed when it counted:
  • “He was just good enough to get them downfield...made some plays...lucky not to have an interception returned.” —Matt & Dan, 09:54-10:08
• Williams credits the win to full team execution and emphasizes belief, trust, and “building something special.”
  • “We marched down the field...those are the moments you dream about...a confidence builder, a culture builder for us...especially my first one on the road.” —Caleb Williams, 23:24-24:32

b) DeAndre Swift & the Run Game

• Swift’s role and effectiveness as featured back are debated.
  • “I still don’t think DeAndre Swift is good…I think DeAndre Swift would be a really good backup in this offense...not the main guy.” —Dan & Matt, 26:29-26:45

c) Defensive Standouts & Concerns

• Tyreek Stevenson gets praise for a strong follow-up game (interception & fumble recovery).
• The lack of push from highly paid pass rusher Montez Sweat is noted:
  • “If you’re going to give me the fact Sweat hasn’t been effective because of attention...then everybody else, win your matches.” —Dan, 32:32

d) Roster Flux & Health Updates

• Ongoing uncertainties at tackle (Braxton Jones vs. Benedict), injury recoveries (Grady Jarrett, Colston Loveland, Cairo Santos), and IR returns (Austin Booker, Travis Homer, Amen O Bung Bemiga) are explored, with some optimism for the weeks ahead.

4. Team Culture & Messaging

• Both Coach Ben Johnson and Williams repeatedly say, “We’re building something special.”
• Johnson’s coaching points (as echoed by Williams): get the run game going, use early/fast completions, take shots downfield.
  • “Those are not things that Caleb is saying. Those are what Ben Johnson is teaching to the team.” —Matt, 25:41
• The win, though ugly, is framed as a growth and culture opportunity—giving players real “muscle memory” of overcoming adversity that can carry forward.

5. Penalties & Continued Growing Pains

• Penalties (8 for 60 yards) are hurting the offense—especially given lack of efficiency elsewhere.
  • “Penalties, too. It’s still too much. False starts, illegal shifts... Those are simple things that you clean up really easy.” —Matt, 35:01

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Bears’ style of victory:
  “I would also say improbable and unsustainable...It gives you something early to say, we did this together, and it doesn't have to be gorgeous.” —Dan, 12:31 & 24:32

• Caleb Williams, on the fourth-quarter drive:
  “Those are the moments you wish for. Those are moments you dream about. Being able to have those moments and come through is important...a confidence builder, a culture builder...” —Caleb Williams, 23:24-24:32

• Coach Ben Johnson, on overcoming adversity:
  “It's easy to get frustrated, but we don't panic. We just don't. It's not who we are, and that's not what we do...Everybody stayed the course. No one panicked whatsoever.” —Ben Johnson, 12:46

• Matt’s summary of the offense:
  “So it's not going to look like that high-speed Lamborghini offense that we want, that we expect from Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams, the number one pick, Roma Dunes A, who is emerging as a star wide receiver in this league.” —Matt, 27:54

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:18 — Immediate reaction to Bears’ improbable win; context for season at 2-2 entering bye.
• 04:25 — Scott Daly’s film study and key special teams play (blocked field goal).
• 05:52-06:55 — Playcalling critique: persistent issues with the swing pass; Crosby's batted pass.
• 07:12 — Historical perspective on Bears winning despite huge rushing yards allowed.
• 10:36 — Red zone efficiency, failed capitalizations, and the “blob game” aspect.
• 11:32-13:36 — Ben Johnson post-game: building “something special,” handling frustration, and the importance of “character wins.”
• 14:18-16:39 — Offensive line changes, uncertainty at tackle, and Max Crosby’s disruption.
• 22:26 — Breakdown of the game-winning drive; its importance to Williams’ development.
• 24:32 — Caleb Williams on confidence, culture, and building something special.
• 25:41 — Matt identifies Ben Johnson's main coaching points echoing through the team.
• 26:29-27:00 — Hosts debate DeAndre Swift’s role and capability as main back.
• 32:32-33:36 — The need for others to step up on defense, especially with Sweat drawing extra attention.
• 34:22 — Ben Johnson speaks directly about the value—and missed opportunities—of the turnovers forced.
• 35:01 — Penalties and general sloppiness that must be addressed during the bye.

Themes & Takeaways

• Resilience and Grit: The Bears didn’t play pretty football, but found a way to win. The experience of “winning ugly” is seen as vital for a young team and quarterback.
• Coaching Identity in Progress: Ben Johnson’s culture-building efforts are echoed by leaders on the field. Clear priorities: fix the run game, simplify passing, selectively strike deep.
• Roster is in Flux: The current Bears are a work-in-progress with only a handful of foundational players. Many current contributors may not be long-term fixtures.
• Areas of Concern: Run defense, offensive penalties, and consistency on both sides of the ball remain major issues to address coming out of the bye.

For Bears Fans

If you skipped this episode, you missed a lively, honest conversation balancing analytical breakdowns with fan emotion. Dan and Matt celebrate the win, scrutinize every detail, and do not shy away from the Bears' deficiencies. The episode is a microcosm of “Forward Progress”—unflinching, deeply informed, and passionate about the Bears’ evolving story.