Forward Progress: Chicago Bears - New York Giants Postgame Recap

Podcast: Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast

Hosts: Dan Bernstein & Matt Abbatacola

Episode Air Date: November 9, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into the Chicago Bears’ gutsy 24-20 comeback victory over the New York Giants. Dan and Matt dissect how the Bears, despite playing a sloppy and at times uninspired game, managed to elevate in the fourth quarter—thanks largely to rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and a defense that made big plays in key moments. While critical of both coaches and players, the hosts strike a balance between skepticism and optimism, exploring what this win means for the trajectory of the team as they move to 6-3 on the season.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Bears' Sloppy Offensive Performance Early

• Lack of Rhythm & Execution: Both hosts agree the Bears’ offense was “off the entire game” (Matt, 02:05), pointing to issues with rhythm, timing, drops by wide receivers, and questionable play-calling.
• Caleb Williams’ Inconsistency: Williams struggled for much of the day, especially with hot reads and reacting to pressure, until the final two drives.
  • “He was having problems with hot reads all game until those final two drives. And he was brilliant… This was in the end… a win because Caleb Williams was their quarterback.” — Dan (03:37)

2. The Fourth Quarter Turnaround & Clutch Play

• Caleb Williams’ Clutch Factor: Williams’ ability to slow the game down in pressure situations is a recurring theme.
  • “When the pressure is highest, he slows down. Everything slows down for him.” — Matt (04:12)
• Discussion over whether Caleb can translate this poise and focus to other parts of the game, not just late moments.

3. Play-Calling and Coaching Critique

• Ben Johnson’s Game Management: Questions were raised on several play-calling decisions, especially the lack of commitment to the run and failure to exploit the Giants’ weak run defense.
  • “I don’t think they ran the ball enough today… Where was the damn screen game? The Giants were begging to be screened.” — Dan (08:14)
• A Lucky Outcome?: Hosts concede that poor play from the Giants’ coaches and the injury to Giants QB Jackson Dart may have been contributing factors to the win.

4. Defense Delivers in Key Moments

• Montez Sweat & C.J. Gardner-Johnson: Both stand out as critical difference-makers with sacks and key tackles in the clutch.
  • “C.J. Gardner-Johnson… this was a savvy pickup by Ryan Poles… That sack was huge.” — Dan (06:55)
  • Gardner-Johnson: 9 tackles, 2 sacks, forced fumble — “What an exceptional game… in game number two with the Chicago Bears. He’s been here just over a week now.” — Matt (34:17)
• Jaquan Brisker & Other Contributors: Brisker’s late pass break-ups and hard tackling were highlighted as pivotal (10:12).

5. Officiating Controversies & Broadcast Commentary

• Inconsistent Flagging on QB Hits: The hosts bristle at Fox’s Greg Olson for focusing on one penalty but ignoring a dangerous hit on Caleb Williams.
  • “Don’t lecture me… not say that… when Caleb Williams gets kneed in the back of the head after giving himself up.” — Matt (11:59)
  • “A knee to the head… that is absolutely… dangerous…” — Dan (13:10)

6. Personnel Notes: Who Helped and Who Hurt

• Noah Sewell’s Difficult Day: Both hosts agree linebacker Noah Sewell struggled and that the Bears “missed T.J. Edwards” (17:10, 22:39).
• Luther Burden’s Emergence: Both urge for more snaps for Burden, noting his toughness and playmaking (17:06).
• Special Teams Woes: Devin Duvernay’s ineffectiveness in the return game is a notable disappointment (17:36).
• Darnell Wright’s “Gymnastics”: The rookie lineman’s athleticism, including a somersault recovery, delighted the hosts (18:27).

7. The ‘Blob’ and NFL Parity

• Chicago is “a blob team”—capable of beating anybody or losing to anybody.
  • “The smarter football mind in me… still thinks the Bears are a blob team.” — Dan (08:14)
• Ongoing commentary on NFL’s week-to-week unpredictability and the importance of building belief and confidence as a franchise.

8. Penalties and Discipline

• Clean Play Wins Games: The Bears managed only three penalties, while the Giants had ten—a major difference (02:05, 20:30).
  • “That’s how you beat a bad team… when you don't hurt yourself like the Bears have been known to do this year, you can find a way to win…” — Matt (02:05)

9. Summary of Key Stats (Team & Player Highlights)

• Caleb Williams (QB): 20/36, 220 yds, 1 TD, 0 INT; 63 yds rushing, 1 TD
• DeAndre Swift: 13 carries, 80 yds; 5 catches, 18 yds
• Rising Stars: Colston Loveland (4 catches, 55 yds), Luther Burden (3 catches, 51 yds)
• Drop Issues: Seven drops by Bears receivers (29:11)

Notable Moments & Quotes

• Caleb Williams on Late Heroics
  “This was in the end… a win because Caleb Williams was their quarterback.” — Dan (03:37)
• On Defensive Standouts
  “C.J. Gardner-Johnson… that sack was huge.” — Dan (06:55)
• On Officiating Double Standard
  “Don't lecture me… and not say that… when Caleb Williams gets kneed in the back of the head after giving himself up.” — Matt (11:59)
• On the ‘Blob’ State of the Team
  “Still thinks the Bears are a blob team. Still thinks the Bears are capable of beating anybody and losing to anybody.” — Dan (08:14)
• Colston Loveland’s Catch:
  “Colston Loveland made a remarkable fingertip catch. And especially coming on the heels of the missed connection before, that was… it was Loveland that kept that alive with a terrific play.” — Dan (21:23)
• C.J. Gardner-Johnson Postgame:
  “I love winning. I guess these guys love winning. It's a great feeling and we're all happy.” — Gardner-Johnson via locker room (42:34)
• Big Picture Takeaway
  “The seeds of belief in your coach… the fact that they think they're good might be more important than whether or not I think they're good or whether you think they're good.” — Dan (43:08)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Early Game Summary and Bears’ Offense Struggles: 00:58–03:34
• Caleb Williams’ Late-Game Turnaround: 03:34–05:48
• Defensive Key Plays (Sweat & Gardner-Johnson): 06:55–08:14
• Coaching and Play-Calling Criticism: 08:14–09:11
• Special Teams & Individual Performances: 17:06–19:46
• Discussion on Drops, Penalties, and Discipline: 20:30–22:39, 29:11–30:17
• Key Offensive Stats Recap: 30:45–34:17
• Locker Room Quotes: 39:10 (Ben Johnson), 42:34 (Loveland & Gardner-Johnson)
• ‘Blob’ Theory & Building Belief: 44:07–45:13
• Outlook and Next Week: 47:58–50:48

Conclusion & Outlook

Despite many warts—sloppy offense, missed opportunities, and questionable play-calling—the Bears escape with a win that says as much about belief and resilience as it does about talent. The team’s ability to limit penalties and rally in the fourth quarter, particularly behind Caleb Williams’ composure, forms the backbone of current optimism. Ben Johnson’s learning curve as head coach and the emergence of new defensive stars were also major storylines.

With the Vikings up next and a possible shot at first place in the NFC North, this win—ugly but meaningful—may mark a true turning point in a season defined as much by mental toughness as by football precision.

Next Episode Tease:
Special guest Tim Jenkins joins later in the week to preview the upcoming Vikings matchup and dive further into Bears QB play.

Memorable Closing Quote:
“They are absolutely making this worth our time on Sundays… Even if they're beating teams that are… and they're beating a bunch of horseshit quarterbacks, the fact that they think they're good might be more important than whether or not I think they're good or whether you think they're good.” — Dan (43:08)

Compiled by Forward Progress Listener Recap Team