Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast

POSTGAME: Caleb Williams and the Bears LOSE 42-38 in San Francisco

Hosts: Dan Bernstein and Matt Abbatacola
Date: December 29, 2025

Episode Overview

In this electric postgame episode, Dan Bernstein and Matt Abbatacola break down the Bears' wild 42–38 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. The game, a high-scoring shootout with massive playoff implications, left Bears fans both exhilarated by the offensive fireworks and deeply concerned about the team’s glaring defensive weaknesses—particularly their woeful pass rush. Dan and Matt dissect the final frantic minutes, Caleb Williams’ stunning development as QB, and the looming challenges as the Bears eye their postseason future. The tone is passionate, analytical, and at times, classic Chicago “meatball.”

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. A Wild Ride: Arena League Vibes and Emotional Swings

• The Bears-49ers matchup felt like “an arena football game,” with teams seemingly scoring at will and every possession feeling pivotal. (00:24)
• Both hosts admit that, for the first time in years, they actually felt confident the Bears could win in crunch time. The disappointment of the loss is tempered by the fact that Chicago was competitive to the final play.
  • Quote (Matt): “It’s gotten me to a different level of Bear fandom where I thought...they’re going to pull it off.” (01:23)

2. Final Drive Breakdowns – So Close, So Far

• The Bears got the ball back with 2:15 left, engineered a tense final drive, converting a key third down to Luther Burden (who had an incredible run-after-catch).
• The final play: 4 seconds left, 4 yards to go, the Bears opt for a gutsy hook-and-ladder play that nearly worked, only to fall short as the Niners’ anemic pass rush (league-worst in sacks) came through at the crucial moment. (02:38)
  • Quote (Dan): “The balls to go for the score on a...little hook and ladder, it was really kind of cool. Even though it didn’t hit.” (03:32)

3. Key Offensive Performances

• Caleb Williams: 25/42, 330 yards, 2 TDs, several eye-popping throws, nearly perfect in late-game situations—his evolution is the pod’s recurring refrain.
  • Quote (Matt): “This dude is just playing next level. Looks super comfortable...it’s un-fucking-believable.” (17:35)
• Luther Burden: 8 catches, 138 yards, 1 TD; his YAC and smooth route-running dazzle, but ends game with a concerning hamstring injury (see below).
• Colston Loveland: 6/94/1, emerging as a “star” at tight end.

4. Brock Purdy and the 49ers’ Offense

• Purdy outduels the Bears: 24/33, 303 yards, 3 TD passing, 2 rushing TD; decisively more than a “game manager.”
  • Quote (Dan): “He’s a guy that took that game and he led his team to a victory. They won that game because of Brock Purdy.” (09:00)
• Christian McCaffrey: 23 carries, 140 yards, 1 TD; 5 forced missed tackles, 42 YAC after contact.
• Play-calling from Kyle Shanahan gets glowing praise for creativity and execution.

5. Defensive Woes and The Fatal Flaw

• Bears’ pass rush remains invisible—hosting zero sacks much of the game, even as O-line attrition (Trent Williams out) should have helped.
  • Quote (Dan): “There’s no good ways to supplement a bad pass rush...You just choose how you get killed elsewhere.” (07:14)
• Montez Sweat, massively paid, lacks impact and agility, outshone by lesser-known defenders.
• Turnovers have masked deeper issues, but "you can’t win a playoff game with this kind of defense." (14:26)

6. Injury Watch and Postgame Concern

• Luther Burden leaves with apparent hamstring injury—initially walked with trainers, then carted off. Later, video surfaces of him speaking at his locker postgame (“I gave it my all out there, bro. Tired as hell.” (31:40)), giving some hope.
• Other key players, including Darnell Wright and several others, played through illness. Bears’ roster stretched thin.

7. Playoff Outlook and Seed Permutations

• Bears (now 11-5) must beat the Lions at Soldier Field to guarantee the No. 2 seed; otherwise, the Eagles (also playing at 3:25) can leapfrog.
• Heavy talk of a possible Bears-Packers first-round playoff showdown.
• NFC playoff picture explored in detail; “Blob season” means everything’s still in flux. (33:38)

8. Complaints: Officiating and Broadcast

• Matt’s “meatball moment:” Outrage over missed DPI on DJ Moore and ticky-tack call vs. CJ GJ (29:20).
• Some Bears fans in the comments and both hosts pick up on NBC’s Chris Collinsworth’s perceived bias for Brock Purdy—Dan shrugs it off, focusing instead on the game play.

9. Bright Sides & Meatball Resilience

• Both hosts express gratitude for an offense that can win shootouts.
  • Quote (Dan): “I trust this team, this coach, this quarterback to win a shootout. And I do not think they can win a Super bowl with this defensive line.” (34:55)
• Despite the loss, the Bears are “four yards away from taking the lead” in the final seconds—perspective they say is crucial for fans.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|---------|-------| | 01:23 | Matt | “It’s gotten me to a different level of Bear fandom where I thought...they’re going to pull it off.” | | 03:32 | Dan | “The balls to go for the score on a...little hook and ladder, it was really kind of cool. Even though it didn’t hit.” | | 09:00 | Dan | “He’s a guy that took that game and he led his team to a victory. They won that game because of Brock Purdy.” | | 17:35 | Matt | “This dude is just playing next level...it’s un-fucking-believable.” (on Caleb Williams) | | 14:26 | Dan | “You can’t win a playoff game with this kind of defense.” | | 31:40 | Luther Burden (via video) | “I gave it my all out there, bro. Tired as hell.” | | 29:20 | Matt | “DJ Moore gets absolutely fucking tackled on an out route and there’s no flag called. I don’t understand it...He took him down from behind before the ball was there.” | | 34:55 | Dan | “I trust this team, this coach, this quarterback to win a shootout. And I do not think they can win a Super bowl with this defensive line.” |

Important Timestamps & Segments

• 00:24–03:00: Emotional rollercoaster, trust in the offense, breakdown of final drive
• 03:00–05:30: Play design discussion—Ben Johnson’s aggressive play-calling and the hook-and-ladder
• 07:13–09:50: Bears’ defensive line struggles and Purdy/McCaffrey dominance
• 15:55–18:26: Caleb Williams’ and Luther Burden’s stats; praise and critique
• 26:45–27:51: Jalen Johnson’s unexplained absence; concussion protocol concerns
• 28:10–29:20: Matt’s “meatball moment”—officiating complaints
• 34:55–36:11: Bears’ fatal flaw: defensive line vs. offensive promise
• 39:36–40:40: Ben Johnson’s creative offense: Daniel Hardy at fullback, unique formations
• 45:20–47:34: Upcoming Lions game, playoff seed permutations, Packers talk

Thematic Closing Insights

• The Bears offense is legit. Caleb Williams is rapidly evolving into a franchise QB. The offense generates hope and expectation for fans—but a championship run seems unlikely while the defensive line remains a liability.
• The defense is not playoff-ready. Multiple long discussions emphasize the need for GM Ryan Poles to address the pass rush in the offseason.
• Injuries and health are a present concern, but the resilience and adaptability of the roster is a silver lining.
• Fans are encouraged to enjoy the ride: This season is a step forward, even if it doesn’t end in a Super Bowl.

Final Takeaways

• The episode is a testament to the balance between analytical rigor and raw fandom. Both hosts gripe, celebrate, and plead with the football gods in vintage Chicago fashion.
• Despite the loss, the sky isn’t falling—the Bears are division champs and capable of fireworks. But the limits of the defense are made plain, and the postseason stakes only grow from here.

“You just have to win. Win at home. Get that revenge game...the Bears put 38 and had a chance to win it. They were four yards away from taking the lead. I’m going to hang my hat on that and be happy as a Bears fan.” (34:41)

Next Game: Bears vs. Lions, Soldier Field; playoff seeding on the line.