Transcript

Dan Bernstein (0:01)

Ted 219219.

Matt Abaticola (0:08)

Forward progress a Chicago Bears Podcast with Dan Bernstein and Matt Abeticola on 312 sports.

Dan Bernstein (0:19)

Life is good right now for your Chicago Bears and we talk about the Bears on Forward Progress, a Chicago Bears podcast here on 312 Sports Chicago. I'm Dan Bernstein, that is Matt Abaticola. We're brought to you by Beer Church Brewing New Buffaloes Brewery Pizzeria in a historic church wood fired Neapolitan pizza small batch craft beer brunch every day. Visit beerchurchbrewing.com I will take dominating the line of scrimmage, I will take causing a bunch of turnovers and I will take the idea of running that football until they stop it to get a win over a team that you should beat. And they did. It didn't have to be pretty. It doesn't have to be pretty. And with all the concerns about the passing game, you can, you can at least rest comfortably knowing the Bears can win a game without having their quarterback have to be great or even good.

Matt Abaticola (1:24)

Well, I don't think we needed that game yesterday to tell us that we knew that already. The Bears don't need Caleb Williams to be good, well, efficient, consistent to win football games. Now that can't continue moving forward for a long period of time throughout this season.

Dan Bernstein (1:44)

Right.

Matt Abaticola (1:45)

You're going to come up against a defense that's going to stop your run. You're not going to get four takeaways every game. Those things aren't sustainable for the next 12 games of the season. Caleb Williams is going to have to perform to win games. But what this does tell us, Dan, is that Ben Johnson and his coaching staff are doing a spectacular job in game planning and preparation for their opponents each week. And it's something that we're not used to in Chicago over the last several years with our coaching stats. But Ben Johnson, the Ben Johnson factor is absolutely incredible and is having a significant impact on what this roster can do right now in the NFL.

Dan Bernstein (2:27)

I think there's no question that he and this is going to sound weird. What I learned yesterday was how a coach that prides himself on a whiz bang clever offense and prides himself on plays and play calling and sequencing and play design can call a humble smash mouth football game that you don't have to always prove yourself some weeks do what works, get out of there with the win and pick a better time for showing off. Matt Nagy never learned that until the power to call plays was was wrested away out of his Control and handed off to his offensive coordinator. I love the fact that Ben Johnson was proud of how many times they ran the ball and proud of the defense and made it Dennis Allen's day after the fact. You don't always have to do everything every single game. I think it shows a professional security. I think it shows for a young coach and an inexperienced head coach. It's only the sixth game he's ever coached and for him to be like, yeah, we're going to, we're going to have to do this kind of ugly today and be fine with it and be more than fine, be excited about it and be happy about it. Now, behind the scenes today, I'm sure he's going to love to get to correct all the stuff because he's always thinking of how it's going to look when everything's rolling. I also know he, he is aware he doesn't have the personnel here to do that yet. He's still figuring that out. This is in progress, that we're seeing this. And to accept and celebrate an ugly win, this isn't one you put in your portfolio necessarily.

Summary

Forward Progress – Chicago Bears Beat Saints at Soldier Field

Podcast: Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast
Hosts: Dan Bernstein & Matt Abbatacola
Date: October 20, 2025
Episode Theme:
A detailed, passionate breakdown of the Bears’ gritty 26-14 win over the New Orleans Saints at Soldier Field. The episode features a nuanced look at the Bears’ “ugly win,” the performance of rookie QB Caleb Williams, the Ben Johnson coaching effect, and the trajectory of this evolving Chicago team. The hosts blend analytical precision with authentic fan emotion, critiquing, praising, and questioning the franchise’s journey under new leadership.

1. Episode Overview

Main Purpose:
Dissect the Bears' victory over the Saints—how it happened, what it means, and what it tells us about the team’s development under head coach Ben Johnson and rookie QB Caleb Williams.
Tone & Approach:
Blunt, honest, data-driven, with humor and personal asides. The hosts balance optimism about the team’s progress with skepticism about lingering issues, especially on offense.

2. Key Discussion Points & Insights

A. The Nature of the Win: Smashmouth, Ugly, but a Win

Dan Bernstein (00:19):
“It didn’t have to be pretty. It doesn’t have to be pretty. ... The Bears can win a game without having their quarterback have to be great or even good.”
The Bears dominated the line of scrimmage, forced turnovers, won via the run game—winning "ugly" is still winning.
Matt Abbatacola (01:24):
“I don't think we needed that game yesterday to tell us...The Bears don't need Caleb Williams to be efficient, consistent, to win football games. Now, that can't continue... Caleb Williams is going to have to perform to win games.”

B. The Ben Johnson Effect

Coaching Adaptability:
Johnson planned a “humble, smashmouth football game,” prioritizing victory over style—a contrast from past regimes (e.g., Matt Nagy).
Dan Bernstein (02:27):
“This is going to sound weird. What I learned yesterday was how a coach... can call a humble smashmouth football game... to do what works, get out of there with the win, and pick a better time for showing off...”
Low Ego, High Standards:
Johnson cares about “getting the Chicago Bears a victory”, not personal acclaim or an offensive identity.
Matt Abbatacola (04:29):
“He doesn't have this huge, massive ego... It's about getting the Chicago Bears a victory... Ugly wins are still wins.”
Winning While Developing:
Johnson is “never satisfied”—using wins as teaching moments. The “luxury” is winning while still having “lots to clean up.”
Dan Bernstein (09:09):
“The ability to build off of flawed victories is such a luxury. It is such a sweet spot for Ben Johnson right now…”

C. Penalties and Team Discipline

The team is still "sloppy" (05:16), with too many penalties—a lingering concern even amid progress.
Ben Johnson (06:31):
“I was hopeful that Game six we would play cleaner football than that.”
Johnson is attentive to these issues and willing to bench undisciplined players; expectations are “high.”

D. Defensive Development and Standout Players

Defensive Dominance:
Defense set the tone: 44 yards allowed rushing, 4 sacks, 4 turnovers.
Ben Johnson (15:00):
“This game really started and finished there with our defense. They just did a phenomenal job throughout.”
TJ Edwards:
Highlighted as the “heart and soul” of the defense upon his return.
DeMarco Jackson:
Notable despite limited snaps, made a key play negating Kamara—demonstrated depth.

E. Offensive Line and Running Game

O-Line Chemistry:
The line is coming together; both ball carriers (DeAndre Swift, Kyle Monangai) were “physical, violent.”
Ben Johnson (17:33):
“...It was just going to take a little bit of time to get our O line on the same page...”
Kyle Monangai's Emergence:
Comparing him to David Montgomery: “between the tackles banger,” trusted in big roles.
Roschon Johnson relegated to special teams—discussion on RB depth and roles.

F. Caleb Williams' Evolution and Challenges

Passing Game Concerns:
Williams is not developing as quickly as hoped: regression, slow processing, struggles in the “secondary” (scramble) playbook.
Ben Johnson (20:30):
“We haven’t hit our stride yet offensively... The passing game wasn’t nearly efficient enough for us here today.”
Dan Bernstein (21:56):
Raises the big question: "Some guys have it, some guys don’t... I don’t know yet. I don’t know if he’s got the it.”
Both hosts wrestle with patience vs. expectations for Williams' progress; trust in Johnson's vision, but uncertainty remains.
Caleb Williams (35:07):
On struggles: “Days like today, I would say, are needed just in the sense of... it gives you a little bit more to be able to look back on something and figure out what.”
Scramble/Secondary Playbook Issues:
Williams and Johnson want big plays out of broken plays (scrambles), but execution and decision-making under pressure have “gotten worse.” Williams expresses frustration, commits to improvement, but admits to missed opportunities.
Caleb Williams (41:43):
“If we complete the passes that, you know, I missed. I missed about five or six, I think, on the run, which is extremely frustrating for me…”

G. Injuries & Roster Implications

Tyrique Stevenson (shoulder) and Cole Kmet (back) suffered injuries. Kmet’s run-blocking lauded; passing-game from TEs “non-existent.”
Defensive back depth is a concern, especially with Jalen Johnson already out.

3. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Ben Johnson’s Growth and Philosophy:
- “What we're learning...it's not about the Ben Johnson offense. It's about the Chicago Bears getting a W.” — Matt Abbatacola, 04:29
- “The ability to build off of flawed victories is such a luxury. It is such a sweet spot for Ben Johnson right now.” — Dan Bernstein, 09:09
- “I was hopeful that Game six we would play cleaner football than that.” — Ben Johnson, 06:31
On Caleb Williams’ Struggles:
- “Some guys just can never be taught to see certain things...I don’t know if he’s got the it.” — Dan Bernstein, 21:56
- “I missed about five or six, I think, on the run, which is extremely frustrating for me...” — Caleb Williams, 41:43
On Defensive Physicality:
- “44 yards rushing. I saw four sacks and four turnovers...credit to Dennis Allen and his crew one more time. They are, they're doing a great job getting us the ball on offense with great field position.” — Ben Johnson, 15:00
On Penalties and Discipline:
- “It's usually well-coached teams aren't penalized often... Right now, I'm very excited about Ben Johnson, but it doesn't help his resume that his team keeps getting penalized...” — Dan Bernstein, 05:18
Humor & Chicago Flavor:
- “Stop being negative. Yes. Ben Johnson. Stop it now. Damn it.” — (sarcastic back-and-forth on coaching standards), 07:00
- On media fixating on deep-dish pizza: “Every time we come here, we have to show it. No, you don’t.” — Matt Abbatacola, 38:35

4. Timestamps for Important Segments

Opening & Mood Setting: 00:19 — “Life is good right now for your Chicago Bears…”
Coaching Adaptation & Ben Johnson’s Philosophy: 02:27
Penalties & Discipline Discussion: 05:13
Defensive Standouts & Game Play Breakdown: 12:19–15:00
Ben Johnson’s Postgame Comments: 15:00–15:53; 17:33 (run game); 20:30 (offensive execution)
Discussion of Caleb Williams’ Development: 21:56–24:00, 35:07–37:09, 41:43–42:34
Scramble Play/Secondary Playbook: 24:36–27:40
Injuries: 45:43–47:31
NFL Trivia & Fun Facts: 50:21–54:58

5. Miscellaneous Highlights

Run Game Progress: Bears now have 21 passing plays of 20+ yards through six games (vs. 20 all last season).
Montez Sweat’s Impact: Sack, forced fumble, fumble recovery—“Do that every game.”
Trivia Segment: Only one NFL player (Terrell Owens) has scored a touchdown against every team; four QBs have beaten every team (Peyton Manning, Brett Favre, Tom Brady, Drew Brees).
Fun with Scores: Bears scored 25, 25, and 26 points in consecutive weeks—a statistical anomaly.
Chicago Food Asides: Strong opinions on deep dish pizza and local food traditions amid football talk.

6. Conclusions & Takeaway Themes

Grit Over Flash:
The Bears are finding success with an unflashy formula—defense, run game, and adaptability—under Ben Johnson’s evolving leadership.
Coaching Maturity and Security:
Johnson’s willingness to win ugly, bench undisciplined players, and call out mistakes without spin marks a new chapter.
Quarterback Future Uncertain:
Caleb Williams’ growth is slower than hoped. The staff remains cautiously optimistic, but “it factor” questions linger.
Room to Improve, But Reason to Believe:
Chicago fans, and the hosts themselves, aren’t taking anything for granted, but the trajectory under Johnson is inspiring new hope.

Recommended Listening Segments

Ben Johnson’s philosophy & coaching growth: 02:27–07:00, 09:09–11:37
Caleb Williams’ candid reflections: 35:07–37:09, 41:43–42:34
Defense and O-line discussion: 12:19–18:37
Game management, in-game decisions: 31:44–34:49

For Bears fans and NFL observers alike, this episode captures a team (and city) at an inflection point: wrestling with progress, setbacks, and—perhaps for the first time in a while—a real reason for forward progress.