Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast

Episode: Patrick Finley / Sun-Times Bears Beat Reporter
Date: October 30, 2025
Host(s): Dan Bernstein & Matt Abbatacola
Guest: Patrick Finley (Chicago Sun-Times Bears Beat Reporter, Hallas Intrigue Podcast Co-Host)

Main Theme

This episode features an in-depth conversation with Patrick Finley, tackling the state of the Chicago Bears during the first half of Ben Johnson’s inaugural season as head coach. The discussion mixes analytical breakdowns and authentic fan reactions on topics including new signings, quarterback development, offensive identity, locker room dynamics, and Bears' place in the NFL's evolution.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. C.J. Gardner-Johnson Signing and Locker Room Dynamics

Timestamp: 02:11–03:57, 21:09–22:57

• Patrick Finley describes the C.J. Gardner-Johnson signing as “a little desperate,” born out of injury necessity among defensive backs.
• Finley: “The reason that C.J. Gardner-Johnson is available is because he’s difficult... He has a tendency to pitch a fit.” (02:34)
• The Bears must manage a player known for disruptive behavior in a locker room that’s otherwise healthy and strong on leadership.
• The signing is double-edged: if Gardner-Johnson stays focused, he could help, especially with Kyler Gordon out. But risk remains if chemistry is disrupted.
• The hosts question the wisdom of touting “discipline and self-control" while bringing in a high-risk personality.
• Finley: "Ben says yesterday, well, nothing's more important than our locker room... Actions speak louder than words sometimes." (22:26)

2. Caleb Williams’ Development & Fan Expectations

Timestamp: 06:55–12:34

• Discussion on the intense pressure for Caleb Williams to be the “first good quarterback [the Bears have] had in 105 years.”
• Finley: “It’s just a lot of pressure... The fan base lives and dies, not only game by game, but quarter by quarter. And I don’t think that’s a healthy environment for anybody.” (07:38)
• Coaching staff shares some concerns fans have—specifically bad decisions and struggles in key moments—but is more measured, with a long-term developmental outlook.
• Finley: “If they knew by end of the season that he is a keeper... that would be a tremendous success regardless of record.” (08:30)
• Williams' growth is visible, especially in understanding NFL offenses and making “flash plays” only a handful of people alive can execute. But basic fundamentals and consistency remain a concern.
• Finley: “His ability to avoid sacks is a tremendous step forward...” (09:29)

3. Greatness, Expectations, and Goalposts for the Bears’ QB

Timestamp: 10:51–12:34

• Discussion shifts to whether fans and media have “moved the goalposts” in what they expect from Williams.
• Finley thinks the Bears internally still want Williams to be the best in his draft class, not just competent.
• Finley: “He needs to be the reason why they win games... And that has not been the case this season.” (12:01)

4. Offensive Struggles — Scripted Plays, Red Zone and Run Game Identity

Timestamp: 12:34–20:53

• The Bears' offense struggles to move the ball effectively after scripted plays, most glaringly in the red zone where indecision from Williams and personnel limits exist.
• Finley: “They need to turn these threes into sevens and I think that falls on to Caleb more than anybody. But it's also a personnel issue.” (13:38)
• Discussion on how Ben Johnson and the Bears approach “scramble rules”—structure amid broken plays. Receivers have not always been attentive; improvement is sought post-bye (14:02–15:01).
• Williams’ chemistry with top target Rome Odunze is a plus, but the hosts question whether he locks in too much.
• Finley: “If, you know, Caleb’s not getting to the third and fourth read very, very often, that needs to get better.” (15:29)
• Dan Bernstein advocates for a greater commitment to a wide zone run identity, leveraging OL strengths.
• Finley: “I think that he is agnostic... a fan of whatever works... I think you need to be able to run power in the red zone.” (18:10)
• Finley sees an above-average O-line for the first time in years—the run game must get more efficient, especially down near the goal line (19:45–20:53).

5. Leadership, Discipline, and Ben Johnson's Influence

Timestamp: 20:53–25:02, 29:04–31:41

• Johnson issued a figurative “code red” to correct penalties ahead of facing the Bengals.
• Non-captain leaders include Kevin Byard, Cole Kmet, Joe Thuney, and, surprisingly, DeAndre Swift.
• Finley notes: “There was very much the vibe of a parent being like, all right, you guys just got to figure it out then.” (21:09)
• The hiring of Ben Johnson marks a cultural shift: he’s described as both intense and straightforward, sometimes personally compelling to players and media.
• Finley: “There’s a chip on his shoulder and an aura about him that is, quite frankly, interesting... He is direct with us.” (29:07)
• Contrasts Johnson’s approach with previous Bears’ head coaches—clearer communication, more intensity, greater emotional intelligence.

6. GM vs Coach Influence and Roster Dynamics

Timestamp: 22:57–25:02

• Growing head coach influence (Ben Johnson) on personnel vs. traditional GM-centric model.
• Finley: “I think both of those things are good things. But you know, Ryan [Poles] ... it's as much of a partnership as you can have now.” (23:37)

7. Special Teams and Practice Squad Roster Building

Timestamp: 26:20–28:23

• Kicker Cairo Santos remains entrenched as the Bears’ kicker, but it's “smart” to keep promising backup Josh Moody on the practice squad.
• Finley: “Is keeping another kicker really a worse idea than keeping a ninth wide receiver?”

8. Matt Nagy’s Head Coaching Prospects and NFL Evolution

Timestamp: 31:41–33:58, 47:24–48:47

• Discussion on whether former Bears HC Matt Nagy could find success as a head coach a second time—Finley is optimistic, mentioning possible fits like Nashville.
• Broader discussion of NFL, sports evolution—today’s “average” players far surpass the stars of previous eras due to improved training, size, and resources.
• Bernstein: “That’s what happens in sports... The average player gets way better. Way better.” (48:33)

9. Previewing the Bengals Game & Team Philosophy

Timestamp: 34:07–36:39

• For the Bears to win vs. Bengals, they must improve red zone scoring and running, and contain Jamar Chase.
• Finley: “I think that they should try to race the Bengals to 28 or 29 [points]... Caleb Williams being accurate as a passer and the Bears running the ball the right way.” (34:30)

10. NFL Analytics and Fun Moments

Timestamp: 43:23–45:50

• Quick foray into “improbable completions” (Next Gen Stats), quirky football analytics, and an odd Breece Hall TD pass making the top 20 in low-probability completions.
• Nostalgic stories of old NFL training camps and memorable player interviews provide levity to close the episode.

Notable Quotes

• Patrick Finley on C.J. Gardner-Johnson:
  "The reason that C.J. Gardner-Johnson is available is because he’s difficult... He has a tendency to pitch a fit. At least it’ll be interesting to see how he fits into this locker room." (02:34)

• On Caleb Williams:
  "The fan base lives and dies, not only game by game, but quarter by quarter. And I don’t think that’s a healthy environment for anybody to try to succeed in." (07:38)

• On What Success Would Be for Williams:
  "If they knew by end of the season that he is a keeper... that would be a tremendous success regardless of record." (08:30)

• On Bears’ Offense:
  "They need to turn these threes into sevens and I think that falls on to Caleb more than anybody. But it's also a personnel issue." (13:38)

• On Ben Johnson’s Culture:
  "There is a chip on his shoulder and an aura about him that is, quite frankly, interesting... He is direct with us." (29:07)

• On NFL’s Evolution:
  "That’s what happens in sports... The average player gets way better. Way better." (48:33, Dan Bernstein)

Important Segment Timestamps

• C.J. Gardner-Johnson discussion: 02:11–03:57, 21:09–22:57
• Caleb Williams development: 06:55–12:34
• Offensive struggles and play design: 12:34–20:53
• Leadership and Ben Johnson's influence: 20:53–25:02, 29:04–31:41
• GM/head coach roster dynamics: 22:57–25:02
• Red zone, Bengals preview: 34:07–36:39
• Special teams (kicker): 26:20–28:23
• Matt Nagy, NFL history and evolution: 31:41–33:58, 47:24–48:47
• Analytics & nostalgia: 43:23–45:50

Tone & Atmosphere

• The conversation combines analytical insight with authentic, sometimes weary, Chicago Bears fandom. Finley and the hosts balance critical assessment of team and leadership with contextual humor, nostalgia, and honest hope for the future—a tone true to long-suffering but passionate Bears coverage.

For listeners seeking a realistic, unvarnished but ultimately insightful look at this Bears team and its direction, this episode is must-listen content.