Forward Progress – Chicago Bears Playoff Push

Podcast: Forward Progress – A Chicago Bears Podcast
Hosts: Dan Bernstein & Matt Abbatacola (312 Sports)
Episode: “Chicago Bears Playoff Push | Ben Johnson, Ozzie Trapillo & NFC North Race”
Date: December 16, 2025

Overview

This episode, recorded in the heat of Bears-Packers week with the Bears sitting at 10-4, is jam-packed with playoff permutations, injury updates, deep roster talk, and candid analysis of emerging stars and coaching strategies. Dan and Matt mix sharp X’s and O’s breakdowns with classic Chicago sports banter, focusing predominantly on what it’ll take for the Bears to clinch a playoff spot and how key injuries and coaching decisions are shaping the home stretch.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Playoff Scenarios & Bears-Packers Stakes

• [00:39] Playoff permutations are at the forefront. A Bears win plus a Detroit loss or tie will secure playoff entry.
• “We actually have playoff permutations to discuss. It's the first time we actually have a flowchart with outcomes that can get the Bears in.” — Dan (00:39)
• They debate the possibility—and undesirability—of a tie, emphasizing beating the Packers (“A tie is not a loss. Correct.” – Dan, 01:30).

2. Injury Updates: Luther Burden & Rome Odunze

• [02:25 & 05:40] Both top receivers are hobbled (Burden’s ankle, Odunze’s foot/heel), with unclear outlooks for Saturday.
• Audio clips from Head Coach Ben Johnson express a “day-to-day” status for Burden, with a slight undercurrent that he may not play (03:35–04:10).
  • “His ankle is something we're still working through...it's more of a day by day type deal.” — Ben Johnson (03:35)
• On Odunze, Johnson says, “All options are on the table… may need to protect him from himself.” (05:40)
  • “He wants to be out there ... but... we may need to protect him from himself.” — Ben Johnson (05:40)

Hosts’ Takeaways:

• Matt interprets Johnson’s comments as signals Burden likely won’t play. Dan remains more guarded, suspecting classic coach misdirection (04:14–04:49).
• Interesting note: Odunze's foot/heel issues trace back to October, possibly underlying performance dips (08:07–09:29).

3. Coaching, Credit & Staff Dynamics: Ben Johnson's Leadership

• [07:03] Johnson’s willingness to credit assistants by name—specifically Press Taylor on the Burden play design—“That’s a guy people want to work for,” Dan notes (07:03).
  • “That's really cool. That's great for a head coach to credit someone on his staff publicly.” — Dan (07:03)
• Both hosts contrast this with prior Bears coaching regimes, highlighting Johnson’s deliberation both in game-planning and roster-building (16:24–17:08):
  • “He's very deliberate in everything he does. Like talking about Press Taylor, they're very deliberate in what they're looking for.” — Matt (16:38)

4. Wide Receiver Depth & Offensive Game Plan Adjustments

• [11:38] If Burden and Odunze are out, Bears likely start DJ Moore, Olamide Zaccheaus, and possibly Jeda Walker—a thin group lacking proven production (11:38–12:32).
  • “That's trouble.” — Dan (11:50)
• Possible personnel: Emphasis may shift to tight ends (Loveland, Kmet) whose versatility is vital in both run and pass attack (13:31–14:10).
• Practice squad elevations (JP Richardson, Maurice Alexander) are on watch and noted as likely special team contributors if needed.

5. Roster Philosophy: “Bring Your Guys” vs. Deliberate Fit

• [15:54] The Poles/Johnson regime is deliberate in finding familiar players with specific fits—a marked change from previous front offices who often just chased “who beat them recently” (18:03–18:28).

6. Offensive Line Transformation & Ozzie Trapillo’s Breakout

• [28:45–33:36] The hosts marvel at the transformation of the O-line. All three recent additions (signings/trades) are working out, and rookie LT Ozzie Trapillo is holding his own against top-tier pass rushers (like Myles Garrett).
  • “This is one of the best offensive lines in football. Let's say it. It is.” — Dan (30:59)
• They praise coaching (Dan Roushar) but especially the player’s development and how great practice habits translate on Sundays.
• “How rare it is to have this level of developmental acceleration during the season.” — Dan (31:01)
• Ben Johnson reflects on the chemistry between C Drew Dalman and QB Caleb, and how Dalman's intelligence and communication have stabilized protection (26:20–28:15).

7. Quarterback Development: Caleb Williams

• [20:48–21:53] Ben Johnson lauds Caleb’s growth in poise and anticipation, especially against the Browns’ pass rush.
  • “He was anticipating what coverages they were going to be in...a step in the right direction.” — Ben Johnson (21:33)
  • Joke exchange about “whatever he ate for breakfast yesterday” becoming his pregame ritual.
• [33:00] Caleb now owns the NFL record for fewest interceptions (12) in a quarterback’s first 1,000 passes.
  • “He's really good though at not throwing those interceptions, but he's going to give up those sacks. If you're being asked to stay in the house while it's burning, that's going to happen at times.” — Matt (34:28)

8. Defensive Line & Andrew Billings’ Usage

• [35:02–40:33] Dan pitches a theory: Billings’ growing size suggests possible instructions to “get bigger” and be a true space-eater, a departure from fit-obsessed prototype matching.
  • “If you're going to be this guy, don't literally half-ass it. Whole asset, double.” — Dan (37:06)
  • They speculate about the team's targeted body weight plans and Billings’ future fit.

9. Throughout: Humor and Banter

• Numerous classic moments:
  • “If you like football, it'll make your dick hard.” — Dan, reacting to a Jonah Jackson blocking highlight (22:16)
  • Extended riff comparing Andrew Billings’ physique to an “exploded tube of biscuits”; body pillow jokes; debates over classic movies Dan’s never seen.
• Ongoing running jokes around their Forward Progress logo ("Forward Progress Phil"), body pillows of favorite players, and the bizarre history of “Dick’s Insider” grocery store rewards.

10. Around the NFL: Monday Night Football & Coaching Riffs

• [45:25–47:53] They play a clip of a frustrated Troy Aikman and discuss Mike McDaniel’s shift in postgame tone, riffing on whether he’s “doing a bit” or just getting worn down.
  • “This place sucks. We should go somewhere else.” — Dan, fictionally channeling McDaniel (47:53)

Notable Quotes & Moments with Timestamps

• “We actually have playoff permutations to discuss. It's the first time we actually have a flowchart with outcomes that can get the Bears in.” — Dan (00:39)
• “His ankle is something we're still working through...It's more of a day by day type deal with him.” — Ben Johnson on Burden (03:35)
• “He wants to be out there and helping...may need to protect him from himself.” — Ben Johnson on Odunze (05:40)
• “That's really cool. That's great for a head coach to credit someone on his staff publicly.” — Dan on Johnson crediting Press Taylor (07:03)
• “This is one of the best offensive lines in football. Let's say it. It is.” — Dan (30:59)
• “If you like football, it'll make your dick hard.” — Dan on a trap block (22:16)
• “If you're going to be this guy, don't literally half-ass it. Whole asset, double.” — Dan on Andrew Billings (37:06)
• “You've got to stay in the house when it's burning.” — Ben Johnson’s philosophy for QB play (33:06)
• “He's really good though at not throwing those interceptions, but he's going to give up those sacks. If you're being asked to stay in the house while it's burning, that's going to happen at times.” — Matt (34:28)
• "Forward Progress Phil." — Naming the podcast logo character (56:33)

Segment Timestamps

• Playoff scenarios & Packers preview – 00:39–02:11
• Injury updates & hearing from Ben Johnson – 02:25–06:06
• Odunze’s timeline & stats deep-dive – 08:07–09:29
• Roster depth & wide receiver contingencies – 11:38–15:48
• Bears’ deliberate roster approach vs. history – 16:24–19:32
• Offensive line development & Trapillo focus – 28:45–34:47
• Caleb Williams, sacks vs. INTs, and record – 33:00–34:47
• Billings’ fit/body theory – 35:02–40:33
• Monday Night Football reaction (Troy Aikman/McDaniel) – 45:25–48:43
• Classic banter, closing jokes, ending – 51:00–end

Conclusion

This episode delivers a full suite of Chicago Bears analysis: playoff hopes, injury intrigue, emerging offensive line dominance, and the kind of granular, passionate fan talk that sets Forward Progress apart. Dan and Matt’s blend of sharp insight, deep roster recalls, and old-school humor offers Bears fans an essential listen, whether looking for serious analysis or just a laugh.