Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast

Episode: Is Ben Johnson out for REVENGE or just another WIN?

Date: January 2, 2026
Hosts: Dan Bernstein and Matt Abbatacola

Overview

This episode dives deep into the Chicago Bears’ pivotal Week 18 matchup, specifically focusing on head coach Ben Johnson facing his former team, the Detroit Lions. Dan and Matt question whether Johnson is fueled by a desire for revenge or simply seeking another strategic victory. The hosts also discuss the evolution of the Bears' season, staff movement rumors, NFL hiring practices, and the surprising news of Troy Aikman’s consulting role with the Miami Dolphins. True to their form, the conversation balances football analysis, behind-the-scenes insights, and classic Bears fan humor.

Main Theme

Is Ben Johnson playing for payback?
The heart of this episode is the emotional and strategic dimensions of Ben Johnson’s motivation as the Bears head into a potentially statement-making game against his former employer, the Lions. Central to the conversation: is Johnson out for revenge following an embarrassing previous loss, or is he too disciplined to let personal feelings dictate his coaching?

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Ben Johnson’s Revenge Factor

• How much does this game mean to Johnson?

  • Matt and Dan debate whether Johnson wants payback after being booed and bested by Detroit.
  • Dan: “His heart, he wants to avenge this particular loss, but his head knows better… he would stop short of anything that would irresponsibly expose his players to injury.” (01:22)
  • Matt: “He 100% wants to have a victory to shove it up their asses…he's going to do everything within his power to make that happen.” (02:03–02:56)

• Will he make a statement or stay disciplined?

  • Both agree Johnson won’t jeopardize health or the game plan for revenge, but will take any safe opportunity to make his mark.

2. "Cookie" Plays and Tactical Surprises

• Johnson's reputation as a creative play-caller:

  • Dan speculates Johnson might have a special “cookie” play ready as a wink to the Lions.
  • Dan: “He’s got a little Christmas cookie, a little New Year’s thing in there…” (04:40)
  • Mention of unusual plays (e.g., named plays like “Stumblebum,” offensive linemen catching passes) as possible game day surprises.

• Notable moment:

  • Matt, joking: “This is a dude who took his shirt off in the locker room to celebrate so Chicago fans could get hot dogs. You think he doesn't want to put 60 on these motherfuckers?” (02:57)

3. Personal and Professional Motivation

• Taking the Detroit crowd’s treatment personally:

  • Matt argues that booing and racking up 52 points in Johnson's return made it personal.
  • Matt: “There's no way he's not taking this personal…he got booed, and players participated. That's like, hey, without you, we put 52 points on you!” (07:28–08:26)

• Mutual respect with Dan Campbell:

  • Dan suggests Johnson may avoid a move that would directly embarrass Campbell.

4. How Teams Change During a Season

• Looking back at the first Bears-Lions meeting:
  • The Lions dominated offensively, but the Bears and their key players have evolved.
  • Matt: “Colson Loveland had zero catches on one target…just to see the difference now…and for the progression of Loveland and a Burden.” (09:24–10:01)
  • Dan points out Johnson’s ‘long-game’ approach, setting things up strategically for later in the season.

5. Bears’ Coaching Staff Futures and NFL Hiring Dynamics

• Current speculation around Bears assistants:

  • No expectation that Dennis Allen will be poached; staff cohesion likely for now, unless Super Bowl success draws attention. (11:26–16:01)
  • Discussions around the Rooney Rule and opportunity structures for coaches like Eric Bieniemy and Antoine Randle El.

• Developing young coaching talent:

  • Debate about Declan Doyle’s growth under Johnson, limited by not calling plays in real games. (16:34–18:37)

6. Troy Aikman & the Ethics of Media Figures Consulting for NFL Teams

• Revelation: Troy Aikman joining the Dolphins’ GM search as a consultant.

• Dan’s concern:

  • Ethical dilemma of Aikman, currently ESPN’s top commentator, influencing Dolphins management—potential conflict of interest.
  • Dan: “Wouldn't the bosses at ESPN have some concerns about your number one analyst…being in large part responsible for the hiring of a general manager?” (19:07–22:03)

• Matt’s counterpoint:

  • Believes it’s a relationship-building move, not decisively problematic:
  • Matt: “I see it as…what relationships does he have that I don’t have, that maybe he could open doors or coordinate things easier in this search?” (22:15–23:32)

• Wider discussion:

  • Whether this is a first step toward a post-broadcasting front office career for Aikman.
  • Fun, irreverent exchange about proper idioms (“rub elbows, not wieners”) (29:57–31:15).

7. Bears’ Management and Outsourcing Football Decisions

• Critique of Bears’ historical reliance on outside consultants:
  • Dan and Matt recall the Jerry Angelo-era search firm and agents like Trace Armstrong influencing hiring.
  • Criticizes lack of internal football wisdom and relationships within Bears management. (32:03–34:05)

8. NFL News & Bears Postseason Hopes

• NFL notes:

  • Myles Garrett closing in on a sack record (36:04).
  • Justin Jefferson’s comments about J.J. McCarthy—hosts doubt Jefferson’s sincerity about the QB (36:36–37:47).

• Playoff outlook and Forward Progress live post-game show:

  • Announcement of a special live episode after the Bears-Lions game with an interactive YouTube chat for fans (38:19–40:40).
  • Hosts joke about the Super Bowl path and “defending” a theoretical championship (18:37, 40:07).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “He 100% wants to have a victory to shove it up their asses…He’s going to do everything possible.”
  Matt, on Ben Johnson’s true motivation (02:03–02:56)

• “He’s got a cookie in there. He’s got a little Christmas cookie, a little New Year’s thing in there…”
  Dan, on the likelihood of a trick play for Detroit (04:40)

• “There's no way he's not taking this personal…That's like, hey, we put 52 points on you. Without you. That's what we did.”
  Matt, on Detroit’s message to Johnson (07:28–08:26)

• “Wouldn't the bosses at ESPN have some concerns about your number one analyst doing this and being in large part responsible for the hiring of a general manager by a team on which he's commenting?”
  Dan, voicing concern about Troy Aikman (19:07–22:03)

• “Rub elbows. Yes. Elbows, not wieners.”
  Dan and Matt, in classic offbeat banter (29:57–31:15)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Ben Johnson’s Motivation & Revenge: 00:22–03:09
• Playcalling Surprises & Lions-Bears History: 03:09–08:26
• Coaching Staff Future & NFL Hiring Dynamics: 11:26–18:37
• Troy Aikman Dolphins Consulting Ethics: 19:07–32:03
• Bears Management, Outsourcing Decisions: 32:03–34:05
• NFL News & Justin Jefferson Commentary: 36:04–37:47
• Forward Progress Live Postgame Details: 38:19–40:40

Tone & Takeaways

• The hosts blend analytical football breakdowns with authentic fan emotion and off-the-cuff humor.
• Fans get a nuanced look at coaching psychology, the evolution of the Bears, and the peculiarities of NFL management culture.
• Unique moments—like the “hot dog shirtless celebration”—capture both the intense and quirky sides of fandom and coaching.
• Listeners gain both practical football knowledge and a sense of the unique camaraderie and candidness that defines “Forward Progress.”

For Next Time

Keep an eye out for the Bears' results, any flashy “cookie” plays from Ben Johnson, and join the hosts live after the game for immediate reaction, playoff mapping, and more Bears conversation.