Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast

Episode: Chicago Bears Improved Run Defense
Date: October 15, 2025
Hosts: Dan Bernstein & Matt Abaticola

Episode Overview

This episode of Forward Progress dives deep into the Chicago Bears’ recent improvements, focusing on their run defense and a methodical shift in offensive identity under coach Ben Johnson. Hosts Dan and Matt blend sharp X-and-O analysis with characteristic wit, exploring key play-calling changes, player performances, coaching philosophy, and injury updates. The episode features direct clips from Bears head coach Ben Johnson, lively banter, and Stat-driven insights, making it essential listening for any Bears fan looking to understand the team’s recent turnaround.

Main Discussion Themes

1. Forming an Offensive Identity & the Power of Muscle Memory

• Dan opens by emphasizing the importance of building “muscle memory” through repeating successful concepts, especially in adverse, road conditions.

  “When you start getting the muscle memory of stuff that worked… you can go in adverse conditions on the road, in the rain—they know we want to run the ball and we can run over that right side or left side and start moving stuff.” (02:05)

• The coaching staff, led by Ben Johnson, is lauded for gradually identifying what personnel and play-calling fits the team, emphasizing adaptation over sticking with preconceived plans from training camp.

2. Game Plan vs. Washington: Attacking the Edge

• Matt highlights the Bears’ targeted approach exploiting Washington's weakness on outside run defense.

  “They invested a lot... on the interior defensive line and their edges have had a difficult time… that goes into the second and third levels as well with secondary players not filling gaps.” (04:20)

• Ben Johnson’s usage of DeAndre Swift’s speed to hit the perimeter paid off, reflecting both preparation and adaptability.

3. Defensive Improvements Against the Run

• The Bears’ run defense, long a sore spot, is improving, especially with the return of linebacker T.J. Edwards.

  “Getting Edwards back was huge… they held their running backs to 61 yards. That's significant because they were running the football up and down the field in their first four games.” (05:44)

• Excluding quarterback scrambles, the Bears clamped down on traditional ground attacks, a notable turnaround from earlier in the season.

4. Shanahan Offense Influence and Run-Action Expansion

• Dan repeatedly notes the Bears’ run concepts are drawn from the Shanahan playbook, opening up both play-action and boots for Caleb Williams.

  “If you really get it going in that direction, boy, do you have some chances with the boot game, with the play action game, RPOs, with the athleticism and the off-platform throwing ability of Caleb Williams.” (06:35)

• The expectation: as the run game gels, passing, especially to tight ends (e.g., Colston Loveland), will become more explosive.

5. Caleb Williams’ Rolling Out & Accuracy

• Matt raises concerns about Williams’ accuracy when rolling right, citing a large gap between his expected and actual completion percentage.

  “His expected completion percentage… number one in the NFL at 71%. His actual… at 61. That's a huge gap.” (08:21)

• Dan attributes most right-side rollout inaccuracy to desperation throws under pressure, not mechanical issues.

  “It's usually a late, can’t hurt, could help [throw], rather than tucking and sliding for two yards.” (09:00)

6. In-Game Execution, Option Routes & Explosive Plays

• Communication issues between Williams and receivers, especially on option routes, are flagged.
• Ben Johnson's offense is still hunting consistent “explosive plays”—20+ yards—often tied to deep in-routes and run-after-catch opportunities.
• DeAndre Swift’s 55-yard TD run was highlighted as a key turning point in the win.

Direct Insights from Coach Ben Johnson

DJ Moore & Injury Updates

“DJ didn't make it back on the plane with us… The good news is that he's back in Chicago now and we'll take him day by day. But we did get good news there from that visit. And that was a groin injury.” (13:14)

Relationship with Caleb Williams

“The more time that we’re spending together, the more that we’re getting on the same page of why we like things, why we’re calling it, what we’re looking for. I think it’s going to help him play faster… we’re banking reps as we go.” (15:55)

Offense Learning from Failed Plays

“You always learn more from a failure… that fourth-and-one, we felt good about that play call there and in hindsight still do… We just didn’t come through on it.” (22:35)

Offensive Line & Running Game Progress

“Our run game as a whole, not just the tackles, but the entire unit, that’s the best we’ve played collectively as a group… that’s why we were so efficient running the ball.” (23:49)

Highlighted Player Performances & Stats

• Darnell Wright (Tackle): Labeled “spectacular” for his ability to reach the second level and execute combo blocks in the run game.

  “Darnell Wright was spectacular… taking on sometimes two blocks on those really successful run plays for DeAndre Swift.” (25:09)

• DeAndre Swift (RB): 14 attempts on just 36 snaps; highly efficient, instrumental in stretching Washington’s defensive edges.
• Defensive Snap Counts: Notable heavy rotation on the defensive line.
• Key Defensive Standouts: Brisker, Edwards, Stevenson, Edmonds, Wright, Bayard with 100% snap participation.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On recognizing Washington’s weakness:

  “They saw the weakness and they took advantage of it and they game planned for it properly.” – Matt Abaticola (05:44)

• On Swift’s long TD run being the emotional spark:

  “That play by Swifty, the 55 yard touchdown, that was really the spark that we needed to reignite us—really the whole team.” – Ben Johnson (13:43)

• On DJ Moore’s mysterious groin issue:

  “I don’t know, maybe his penis fell off.” – Dan Bernstein, jokingly (15:07)

• On building emotional resiliency:

  “What Johnson keeps telling his team is to stay level. Whether you’re up or whether you’re down. Execute, execute, execute, and it comes down. That is how you build resiliency.” – Dan Bernstein (18:38)

• On the improved run defense ranking:

  “The Bears are no longer 32nd in defense yards per carry… they’ve dropped down to 5.7 yards per carry. That’s significant.” – Matt Abaticola (30:01)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Offensive Identity & Muscle Memory: 01:27–04:15
• Targeting Washington’s Defense: 04:15–06:31
• Shanahan Offense & Run Game Consequences: 06:31–08:14
• Caleb’s Rollout and Passing Concerns: 08:14–10:47
• Ben Johnson Postgame Presser Sound: 13:03–13:43, 15:55–17:34
• Fourth-and-One Play Call Analysis: 22:23–23:13
• O-line Praise & Run Efficiency: 23:49–25:21
• Run Defense Stats Update: 30:01–30:18
• Snap Counts & Player Participation: 30:39–34:11
• Weather Impact on Upcoming Game: 35:04–36:14

Additional Notes

• Programming Teases:
  • Upcoming Saints Top 10 episode (26:04, 44:49)
  • Postgame live shows after every Bears game
• Fun Tangents:
  • Jokes about DJ Moore’s injury, pizza parties, and gang statistics in Chicago; lively back-and-forth that showcases the hosts’ chemistry (15:07, 34:28)
  • Unexpected segment on “salmon snagging” and Chicago riverfront gangs (39:26–42:18)
• Host’s Summary of Emotional Tone:
  • Encouragement about steady improvement, cautious optimism about new offensive identity; hosts’ sarcasm and humor keep the energy high.
• Coaching Mindset:
  • Echoed repeatedly: don’t get too high or low, learn from mistakes, continue building off what’s working.

This episode masterfully blends deep analytics, coaching philosophy, and locker-room banter, providing clear-eyed optimism on the Bears’ development while staying true to the passions and anxieties familiar to every Chicago football fan.