Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast

Episode: Patrick Finley, Sun-Times Chicago Bears Beat Reporter

Date: December 24, 2025
Hosts: Dan Bernstein and Matt Abbatacola
Guest: Patrick Finley

Episode Overview

This episode dives into the playoff-bound Chicago Bears, with Sun-Times beat reporter Patrick Finley joining hosts Dan Bernstein and Matt Abbatacola. The conversation navigates playoff permutations, game plans, the evolution of the Bears under head coach Ben Johnson, key performances (especially those of rookie QB Caleb Williams and WR DJ Moore), roster decisions, the strengths and vulnerabilities of the team (notably pass rush and penalties), and the palpable anticipation as the Bears head into meaningful January football.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Bears' Playoff Picture and Scenarios

[01:25 - 03:14]

• The Bears have clinched a playoff spot but are still vying for division and seeding.
• Division clinching: The Bears need either one more win or a Packers loss.
• Scenario where the Bears could wrap up the division before their game kicks off if the Packers lose on Saturday.
• Quote (Patrick Finley, 02:12):
  "Bears got to win out and Bears got to hope that the Seahawks lose a game to have a chance at the one seed...to win the division, the magic number there is one, to borrow baseball parlance between the Bears and the Packers."
• Discussion on whether to rest starters or jockey for seeding given strong NFC wild card teams; consensus is to keep momentum and play starters.

2. The Wild December Win Over the Packers

[04:16 - 06:06]

• Bears’ comeback from a 10-point deficit with three minutes left.
• Finley’s behind-the-scenes look at reporting on a wild game with print and digital deadlines.
• Quote (Patrick Finley, 04:46):
  "...up until the 1:59 mark, I wasn't wrong. And then you saw what [Caleb Williams] was able to do there at the end."

3. Caleb Williams: Split Personality Quarterback

[06:06 - 10:49]

• Debate: Is Caleb’s clutch late-game performance a sign of something to “fix” or just his style?
• Williams finds rhythm in high-pressure, up-tempo situations, but this isn’t the structure Johnson wants.
• Pre-snap motion and a strong run game have defined the Bears since the bye; Williams’ passing is less rhythm-based as a result.
• Quote (Patrick Finley, 07:03):
  "Why not make the whole game plan out of Caleb Williams in the final minute or two?... I think Caleb gets in more of a rhythm when you just say we gotta go here bud."
• Williams has improved on throws over the middle and shows increased willingness to run in crunch time.

4. Ben Johnson’s Offensive Philosophy vs Williams’ Skillset

[10:15 - 12:16]

• Concerns about “coaching out” Williams’ instincts for improvisation in favor of structured offense.
• Run game has carried the team through injuries and Williams’ slow starts.
• Quote (Patrick Finley, 10:49):
  "I find it hard to disagree with almost anything Ben stands for offensively...this offense this year is that the run game has made it easy...for them to compensate for...really cold periods by their quarterback."

5. WR DJ Moore: Performance, Toughness & Role

[12:16 - 14:43]

• Moore played through injury, showing the kind of toughness the staff appreciates.
• Bears have relied on a rotating cast of receivers—six different leaders in receiving for games this season.
• Quote (Patrick Finley, 13:34):
  "There are six different receivers have led the Bears in receiving in a game this season...That's a pretty amazing stat."

6. Roster Questions: Trust in Depth WRs & Playoff Experience

[14:43 - 17:50]

• Trust in veterans like Olamide Zaccheaus is discussed, though his recent drop issues warrant scrutiny.
• Preference given to experience in playoff moments, though a lack of playoff track record is notable across the roster.
• Quote (Patrick Finley, 17:07):
  "You have Cole Kmet, Montez Sweat, Andrew Billings...DJ Moore who had never played on a winning team until this year. Forget playoffs, winning team. It's crazy."
• Team compared to youthful up-and-comers, with intrigue about how they handle playoff pressure.

7. Defensive Concerns: Pass Rush & Turnovers

[17:51 - 20:14]

• Pass rush from the front four is deeply insufficient, risking failure against playoff-caliber offenses.
• Rotational changes (e.g., Booker replacing Odengbo) haven’t solved issues.
• Bears’ high takeaway rate may not be sustainable without more organic pressure.
• Quote (Patrick Finley, 18:52):
  "Takeaways without a pass rush register in my mind is more lucky than anything else, and that has been my concern for most of the season..."

8. Penalties and Discipline

[20:14 - 24:38]

• Ben Johnson (head coach) voiced concern over penalties (10 for 105 yards, 4 of them 15-yarders).
• Differentiates between aggressive but clean plays and unacceptable behavior (e.g., Jaquan Brisker’s elbow).
• Preference for players who play “to the edge,” but not over it.
• Lighter moment about rookie Shemar Turner’s college reputation for living on that edge.
• Quote (Patrick Finley, 22:31):
  "I don't think you want him punching anybody in the gentleman's area the way he did..."

9. Coaching Style: Ben Johnson’s Intensity & Motivational Tactics

[24:06 - 24:38]

• Ben Johnson described as intense, using strategic yelling as motivation.
• Players (e.g., DJ Moore) either “want to get screamed at or you don’t.”
• The relationship between Johnson's style and player improvement is highlighted.

10. Playoff Atmosphere, Practice Physicality, and Preparation

[25:49 - 29:40]

• NFLPA limits on padded practices impact late-season preparation (only 0 or 1 left for the Bears).
• Recollection of a notably physical training camp practice that established Ben Johnson’s culture.
• Playoff football’s leap in intensity/physicality compared to regular season, particularly for rookies/newcomers.

11. Special Teams: Cairo Santos' Clutch Kicking and Hightower's Staff

[29:40 - 35:02]

• Cairo Santos’ in-game autonomy in managing wind/gusts; compares field goals to “waiting for the wind on a golf tee.”
• His reliability and adaptation to Soldier Field’s conditions is now prized.
• Improved play from special teams coach Richard Hightower’s unit, especially in the second half of the season.
• Quote (Patrick Finley, 30:37):
  "Judging Cairo Santos on what he does in September is kind of missing the point... Boy, I, I don't know anybody who takes him for granted after what we saw the other day."

12. Coaching Staff Continuity and Rising Stars

[35:02 - 36:44]

• Despite the Bears' success no coaches rumored to be departing for bigger jobs—an “under-the-radar” luxury.
• Notable “sexy” position coaches: Antoine Randle El (WRs) and Al Harris (DBs).
• Ben Johnson’s staff is lauded for its compatibility and low ego.

13. DeAndre Swift’s Transformation as Lead Back

[36:44 - 38:45]

• Swift is running harder, with better vision; credited to Ben Johnson’s requirements and position coach Eric Bieniemy.
• Buy-in from veteran Swift noted as a sign of coaching success.
• Quote (Patrick Finley, 37:17):
  "For [Swift] to transform the way he runs to make it less like the way DeAndre wants to run and more like the way Ben wants him to run, I think is a tremendous credit to him."

Notable Quotes

• Finley on Williams' clutch ability:
  "Caleb gets in more of a rhythm when you just say we gotta go here bud." [07:03]
• Finley on the run game as problem solver:
  "...the best thing you can say about this offense this year is that the run game has made it easy for them to compensate for injuries to their wide receivers. It's made them compensate for really cold periods by their quarterback." [10:49]
• Finley on playoff experience:
  "There are others, DJ Moore who had never played on a winning team until this year. Forget playoffs, winning team, it's crazy." [17:07]
• Finley on special teams:
  "Judging Cairo Santos on what he does in September is kind of missing the point." [30:37]
• Finley on Swift buying in:
  "...for him to transform the way he runs to make it less like the way DeAndre wants to run and more like the way Ben wants him to run, I think is a tremendous credit to him." [37:17]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Playoff Scenarios & Stakes: 01:25 – 04:16
• Last-Minute Comeback vs. Packers: 04:16 – 06:06
• Caleb Williams Split Personality: 06:06 – 10:15
• Coaching Philosophy & Williams’ Ceiling: 10:15 – 12:16
• WR Roles & DJ Moore’s Grit: 12:16 – 14:43
• Receiver Trust & Playoff Experience: 14:43 – 17:50
• Defensive Line Woes: 17:51 – 20:14
• Penalties & Emotional Control: 20:14 – 24:38
• Special Teams Resurgence: 29:40 – 35:02
• Swift’s Breakout, Coaching Chemistry: 36:44 – 38:45

Memorable Moments

• Finley’s frantic reporting process after a late Bears win [04:46]
• The “make the whole plane out of the black box” analogy for Caleb Williams [07:03]
• Discussion about cheese graters as a possible fan gear after Bears’ win vs. Packers [24:38 – 25:30]
• Insight on the limits of padded practices before the playoffs [29:00 – 29:40]
• Detailed breakdown of Cairo Santos waiting on wind before key field goals [29:40 – 32:42]

Closing Thoughts

Patrick Finley provides candid, on-the-ground insight into the Bears' playoff journey, emphasizing the nuances of their system, the evolution of core players, and the underlying confidence in Ben Johnson’s philosophy. The episode strikes a balance between analytical breakdowns and the emotional undercurrents of Bears fandom entering a critical January stretch.