Forward Progress - Chicago Bears Podcast
Episode: Chicago Bears - New Orleans Saints Postgame (Oct. 19, 2025)
Hosts: Dan Bernstein & Matt Abbatacola
Summary by: [Your Name Here]
Main Theme & Purpose
This episode is a live postgame breakdown of the Chicago Bears' 26-14 win over the New Orleans Saints at Soldier Field. Dan Bernstein and Matt Abbatacola dissect the Bears' fourth consecutive victory, focusing on the team’s powerful run game, the underwhelming play of rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, defensive takeaways, and coaching decisions by Ben Johnson. The episode is a balance of analytical critique and raw fan emotion, examining not only what went right but also lingering concerns for Chicago’s playoff potential.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
The Run Game Dominance
- The Bears won decisively by dominating on the ground, racking up 222 rushing yards.
- DeAndre Swift: 19 carries, 124 yards (6.5 avg.), including multiple explosive runs.
- Kyle Manungai: 13 carries, 81 yards, staking his claim as the backup RB over Roschon Johnson.
- Swift showcased improved vision and patience:
“DeAndre Swift... looked like a different running back. ...they’re blocking so well...I even saw DeAndre Swift burst out...slowed down, pulled back for a little patience, a little stutter step and then accelerated again...Looks like a better running back.” – Matt (01:32)
- Ben Johnson’s creative run calling and versatile schemes—including inside runs, outside zone, double-teams, and using TE Durham Smythe as a fullback—were highlighted as a key X-factor.
Caleb Williams’ Struggles
- Williams’ lackluster performance stood out amid the team’s success.
- He failed to capitalize on open receivers, had poor timing, and almost threw multiple interceptions.
- Dan was frank:
“Caleb Williams is terrible. I don't know what is going on overall, his timing...” – Dan (04:51)
- Bears’ victories have come “not because of Caleb Williams,” though he hasn’t actively cost them games either (07:03).
- Concerns linger about timing, decision-making, and chemistry with the center and receivers.
Defense: Takeaways and Standout Performers
- Bears now lead the NFL in takeaways (estimated 10th INT of season).
- Key Play: Tremaine Edmonds’ tipped interception (thanks to Edwards’ tip and DeMarco Jackson’s initial coverage).
“Boy, he [Montez Sweat] was today where he had the strip sack, the forced fumble... and another tackle for a loss that mattered late. ...He made big plays at big important times.” – Dan (02:41)
- Montez Sweat silenced critics with a strip sack, forced fumble/recovery, and big plays at key moments.
- Kevin Byard is having a Pro Bowl–level season.
- Defensive scheme mixed coverages and frequently used three linebackers on early downs to shut down the run.
Nitro Bullet Points
- Injuries: Concerns about Tyrique Stevenson (shoulder), Cole Kmet (back—important for run-blocking), and the overall health of the secondary.
- Penalties: Bears flagged 10 times for 92 yards—a point of frustration for Dan:
"They didn’t clean up the penalties. They were giving up way too many. ...That is absolutely 100% unacceptable." — Dan (22:28)
- Kicker Competition: Jake Moody went 4/4 on FGs; possible kicker controversy when Cairo Santos returns.
- Receiving Corps: Limited production—DJ Moore led with 3 catches for 43 yards; Rome Odunze disappointed; injuries impacting availability.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “This was the DeAndre Swift–Kyle Manungai game. ...An old-fashioned run, dad, football, stopped the run, you win a lot of football games...” – Dan (32:23)
- “It’s a luxury to say, yeah, the Bears decisively beat a bad team at home in a game they were favored to win. And they won and covered. So if we're able to nitpick here, I think you enjoy that.” – Dan (21:47)
- “If Montez Sweat can affect games like this, if he matters this much, things are going to be good.” – Dan (31:57)
Important Timestamps
- 00:16 – Recap of Bears’ win, running game stats, and setting postgame agenda.
- 01:32–02:41 – Analysis of the run game, offensive line performance, and DeAndre Swift’s emergence.
- 02:41–04:38 – Praise for the defense, key turnovers, and Montez Sweat’s big game.
- 04:38–07:03 – Early injury talk, issues with Caleb Williams, and transition to technical difficulties.
- 09:00–14:00 – Detailed breakdown of offensive line schemes, blocking variations, Ben Johnson’s adaptability, and play-calling philosophy.
- 21:30–23:30 – Penalties, “run it until they stop it” philosophy, nitpicks in a solid win.
- 26:00–28:00 – Special teams/kicker analysis, Moody’s performance, and possible future decisions.
- 29:00–32:00 – Defensive scheme insights, injuries, remaining concerns, and a call for improvement despite winning.
- 32:21–32:57 – Final thoughts: old-school running football, identity-building, and closing optimism.
Flow & Tone
The episode maintains a passionate, knowledgeable, and sometimes irreverent Bears-fan tone—mixing deep tactical insights with unfiltered fan frustration, banter between the hosts, and a sense of cautious optimism about Chicago’s trajectory.
For Listeners Who Missed the Episode
This postgame breakdown is essential for anyone who wants to understand not just “how the Bears won,” but what’s sustainable and what still needs fixing—especially at quarterback. The episode is both a celebration of a convincing win and a warning that bigger challenges lie ahead until the offensive passing game falls into place. The coaches and fanbase have much to be pleased about, especially in the trenches, but questions about discipline, injuries, and Caleb Williams’ readiness for the NFL spotlight dominate the conversation going forward.
Next episode drops tomorrow afternoon with more in-depth analysis, injury updates, and review of Bears/NFL news.