Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast

Episode: "Colston Loveland makes history in win over Green Bay"

Date: January 12, 2026
Hosts: Dan Bernstein and Matt Abbatacola
Podcast: Forward Progress on 312 Sports

Episode Overview

This episode of Forward Progress recaps the Bears’ electrifying playoff victory over the Packers with analytical insight, emotional reactions, and a deep dive into game moments that defined the win. Hosts Dan Bernstein and Matt Abbatacola focus on Colston Loveland's historic performance, Caleb Williams’ leadership, defensive adjustments, and the growing intensity in the Chicago–Green Bay rivalry. The pair also preview the upcoming divisional matchup against the Rams, touch on coaching philosophies, and discuss the emotional rollercoaster experienced by Bears fans everywhere.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Bears’ Comeback Win Against Green Bay

• The Bears overcame a 21–3 halftime deficit, scoring 25 points in the fourth quarter for one of the biggest comebacks in NFL playoff history ([02:20]).
• Caleb Williams set the sixth-most passing yards in Bears postseason history after just one game ([02:20]).
• The offense had zero snaps with a lead in all three games vs. Green Bay this season ([16:17]).

Defensive Adjustments: Stopping the Packers

• Jaquan Brisker was brought down to help stop the run; increased blitzing and run support changed the game ([04:43]).
• DeMarco Jackson’s strong play after filling in for the injured T.J. Edwards ([05:43]).
• Discussion about Andrew Billings’ limited production and how his absence aided defensive improvements ([09:13]).

Rams Game Preview

• The Rams’ offense, featuring Puka Nacua, Devante Adams, and tight ends Tyler Higbee and Colby Parkinson, presents major matchup problems ([06:47]).
• Matt Stafford’s effectiveness, despite his previous cold-weather struggles, is analyzed ([47:08]).

Coaching and Rivalry Fire: Ben Johnson’s Approach

• Ben Johnson stirred headlines with his unapologetic declaration: "Fuck the Packers. I hate those guys… The city of Chicago, Green Bay, it needs to be a rivalry. It's something I fully recognize and I'm a part of. I don't like that team. George [McCaskey] and I have talked, and we're on the same page." ([12:54])
• The hosts note that this attitude, even if partly performative, fuels the city and fires up the fanbase ([13:55]).

Colston Loveland’s Impact & Rookie Achievement

• Loveland is praised for both his production and his rare ability to earn trust as a rookie tight end ([23:46]).
• Ben Johnson details Loveland’s classroom and practice ethic: "He's one of the first ones in the building every single day… always studying his playbook while eating breakfast… the last one off the practice field" ([23:46]).
• Loveland’s key block helped spring DeAndre Swift’s controversial touchdown run ([26:52]).
• Both Johnson and Caleb Williams highlight Loveland’s maturity, work ethic, and future potential ([28:17]).

Caleb Williams’ Emotional Evolution & Leadership

• Williams showed intense, uncharacteristic emotion on the sideline—yelling and “palms up” frustration when details were missed. Williams: “Just not doing our job… that's where my frustration was coming from” ([20:22]).
• Ben Johnson plans to talk to Williams about emotional discipline: "We want to be as stoic and steady for our guys as we can be" ([21:14]).
• Focus on the importance of quarterback leadership, “the quarterback is his extension … you're representing me” ([23:16]).

Coaching Philosophy: Preparation and Resilience

• Ben Johnson had shown the Patriots–Falcons 28–3 Super Bowl comeback to the team in training camp, knowing both Grady Jarrett and Joe Thuney were on the roster from those teams:
  "I think it's just a good lesson... There's a lot of time left. And that was my message to the group, reminding them this has been done before… turn this thing around into a game we’ll never forget." ([32:08])

Signature Game Plays Broken Down

• Fourth-and-8 Jumpman Throw (to Roma Odunze)
  Caleb Williams: "It's fourth down, I gotta put the ball in play… Rome made a great catch adjusting to the ball… put it upfield, awkward angle, easier for Rome to catch." ([39:40]) Bernstein: “Dropped it right in there like he handed it to him. Stupid. An all-time great Bears pass, an all-time great throw. That was the season right there.” ([40:43–40:52])

• DJ Moore Touchdown — Screen Fake
  Williams: "Worked on it for 3–4 weeks… perfect moment, coach calls it… DJ made a great catch, go win the game." ([41:17]) Bernstein: "This is a play the Bears stole from the Washington Commanders—exact same concept, exact same lineup, saved for this moment." ([41:49])

• Two-Point Conversion Package
  The Bears immediately went into a "13" (three tight ends) set, spread them out, and got Colston Loveland a one-on-one mismatch for the conversion.
  Matt: "They came out under center, then when they saw personnel, checked to shotgun and spread out… easy open." ([31:03])

Off-field & Locker Room Moments

• Ben Johnson’s fiery postgame remarks and lack of apology; clear endorsement from owner George McCaskey ([12:54], [50:13]).
• Emotional impact on the city and fans—hosts retell personal reactions involving adrenaline, sleeplessness, and how the win sent the city “walking on air” ([00:22], [17:04]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On the Rivalry

"It wasn't just, fuck the Packers, right? … He said, 'I hate those guys,' … 'I don't like that team. George and I have talked, and we're on the same page.' All right, so he's not saying, 'Yeah, I went a little overboard.' He did not walk it back. He has doubled down."
— Matt Abbatacola ([12:54])

"It's not real, and it's not a criticism either. But it doesn't matter that it's not real... he's doing it for his owner, for his team, for the city."
— Dan Bernstein ([13:55])

On Colston Loveland

"He's always studying his playbook while he's eating breakfast. He's always the last one off the practice field… He's been the model of consistency … just scratching the surface."
— Ben Johnson ([23:46])

“We got a home run with him… One of the hardest workers on this team. He's there late, he's there early … body language, all of that… I'm excited for what's to come.”
— Caleb Williams ([28:17])

"It is so hard to be a good rookie tight end, let alone a great one..."
— Matt Abbatacola ([26:47])

On Caleb Williams’ Leadership

"We want to be... as stoic and steady for our guys as we can be… I'll talk to him and see if he felt like he could have handled it better."
— Ben Johnson ([21:14])

"You're representing me. When things are crumbling around you, you can't look like they are... you can't show it, because I'm not going to."
— Dan Bernstein ([23:20])

On Signature Play (Fourth-and-8 Jumpman Logo Throw)

“Dropped it right in there like he handed it to him. It was stupid. An all-time great Bears pass, an all-time great throw. That was the season right there.”
— Dan Bernstein ([40:43–40:52])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Bears Comeback Win & Emotional Fallout: [00:22] – [03:14], [16:17] – [17:31]
• Defensive Adjustments & Linebacker Performance: [04:21] – [06:47]
• Rams Preview & Matchup Concerns: [06:47] – [08:09], [45:51] – [47:08]
• Ben Johnson's Postgame Fire & Rivalry: [12:54] – [15:53], [50:13] – [53:26]
• Colston Loveland Praise & Tight End Discussion: [23:46] – [27:05], [28:17] – [31:32]
• Caleb Williams’ Sideline Emotions & QB Leadership: [20:22] – [23:39]
• Coaching Philosophy & 28-3 Comeback Identity: [32:08] – [34:57]
• Fourth-and-8 ‘Jumpman’ Throw: [39:40] – [40:52]
• DJ Moore Touchdown Play Design: [41:17] – [43:02]
• Two-Point Conversion Mismatch: [31:01] – [31:32]
• Fan Experience, Reactions, and "Over/Not Over" Debate: [57:21] – [59:14]

Additional Insights & Context

• Game Ball Discussion: Scrutiny over Montez Sweat’s impact—one key play justifying the game ball ([08:16]).
• Upcoming Weather: Rams game will be played in 9–16ºF weather, with possible effects on Stafford ([45:51], [47:08]).
• Coaching Consistency: Long-term issues in team identity, referencing the Ditka era and the Lovie Smith “Beat the Packers” mantra ([51:01]).
• Bears Offense Rhythm: Dilemma between emphasizing run game and getting Williams into an early rhythm ([36:06]).

Podcast Tone

The episode is equal parts analytical and emotional, combining “fan on cloud nine” energy with deep, granular breakdowns of Bears' on-field tactics and culture. Dan and Matt's rapport is punchy, candid, and irreverent (“Fuck the Packers” is both quoted and celebrated). They balance direct criticism, inside jokes, and joyous celebration, always circling back to the experience of being a Bears fan in a historic moment.

For New Listeners

Whether you missed the game or want to revisit its excitement with in-depth analysis and raw Chicago football energy, this episode captures the emotional highs, crucial details, and transformative performances behind the Bears’ playoff win—and looks ahead to what it means for the next chapter.

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