Forward Progress – A Chicago Bears Podcast

Episode: POSTGAME: Caleb Williams leads the Chicago Bears to a BIG WIN over the Browns
Hosts: Dan Bernstein & Matt Abbatacola
Date: December 14, 2025

Overview: A Dominant Bears Win Sets the Tone

This episode of "Forward Progress" dives deep into a cathartic 31-3 Chicago Bears win over the Cleveland Browns. Hosts Dan Bernstein and Matt Abbatacola break down how the Bears, now 10-4 under first-year coach Ben Johnson, handled business against an overmatched opponent—highlighting Caleb Williams’ strong performance, critical contributions from throughout the roster, and what the victory means as the playoff race intensifies.

Bernstein and Abbatacola mix sharp analysis with their characteristic wit, weighing what worked, what must improve before facing real contenders, and the evolving identity of a resurgent Bears squad.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Big Picture: Good Team Beats Bad Team

• Bears reach 10-4, positive point differential
  • “That was a good team beating a bad team.” – Dan Bernstein [00:50]
  • Both hosts stress that while the Browns’ offense was depleted (ninth OL combo, backup QB), their defense is elite, making Chicago’s 31-point output impressive.
• Ben Johnson as 10-win rookie coach
  • "I don't think you can say enough about Ben Johnson being a 10 win coach in his first year at the helm right now..." – Bernstein [00:50]

2. Early Game Nerves Fade Quickly

• Only early complaint: first Bears drive
  • “I never felt uncomfortable about this game and only got irritated one time and it was the Bears first drive.” – Matt Abbatacola [01:25]
  • Missed field goals and a brief string of empty possessions were the only moments of concern.

3. Defensive Mastery and Opportunism

• Strategy: Sit and wait vs. blitz
  • Bernstein reviews the week’s discussions around coverage vs. aggression: “…we got our answer to what we were talking about all week. Coverage was the right move. Pays off for him.” [02:32]
• Takeaways and pressure
  • Bears force three second-half INTs, notch 5 sacks, and consistently disrupt the Browns’ shaky offense. Special recognition for DeMarco Jackson and the rejuvenated front four.

4. DeAndre Swift’s Running Back Renaissance

• Swift’s transformation
  • “He looks like a different running back...running harder, he's running smarter. He has better vision.” – Abbatacola [06:00]
  • Decision-making, vision, and cutbacks all stand out. Offensive line gets credit for creating opportunities.
• Kyle Manungai’s struggles as a receiver
  • “Now Kyle Manungai did not distinguish himself as a pass catcher. There were two, I know, bad drops...” – Bernstein [06:49]

5. Caleb Williams: Poised, Productive, Still Growing

• Efficiency milestone
  • "He set the all time NFL record for fewest interceptions in, in your first thousand pass attempts." – Bernstein [10:16] (with comic deflation learning Jacoby Brissette was the prior record-holder)
• Best start yet?
  • “This was one of the most comfortable games I've seen him throw and play...he looked the best at quarterback that I've seen this kid play.” – Abbatacola [11:50]
• Still some risky throws
  • “The throw across the body into double coverage more times than not is not going to end well.” – Bernstein [12:59]
• Stepping up in key moments, finding open receivers

6. Playcalling & Personnel Usage

• Formation wrinkles
  • Bernstein is intrigued by unique backfield looks: “...three guys in an inverted V...not a wishbone...I'd love to know what they call it...” [15:55]
• Trust in depth
  • Austin Booker, Tryon ShoYinka, and backup defenders deliver with starters sidelined.

7. Receiver & Tight End Contributions

• Luther Burden and Colston Loveland emerging
  • “Dude, [Burden & Loveland] are going to be something special in this league.” – Abbatacola [25:13]
• DJ Moore’s “demise” exaggerated: Steps up with two TDs in Roma Dunze’s absence.

8. Handling Adversity & Injuries

• Resilience amid short-notice losses (Rome, Jenkins, etc.)
• Strategizing for playoff health—resting stars when possible
  • “…there's going to come a point now when you have to husband your resources for the playoffs and make sure that you are absolutely ready…” – Bernstein [45:12]

9. Special Teams Standouts

• Devin DuVernay shines against NFL’s weakest special teams
  • Two strong returns and a key (if possibly nullified) first down catch.
• “That's what you're supposed to do when you get a weak opponent. You're supposed to step on their throat.” – Abbatacola [19:22]

10. Looking Ahead: Packers, Playoff Implications & Division Race

• Next up: Green Bay (short week, Saturday night), then 49ers and Lions.
• Contemplations on playoff seeding, potential resting strategies, and division-clinching scenarios.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On standards and improvement:
  “If we're going to be the high standard bearers here ... there are some things that in film, Ben Johnson is probably going to tell them have to be cleaned up going into these huge and difficult games.” – Bernstein [04:55]

• On DJ Moore’s resurgence:
  “The reports of the demise of DJ Moore, in the words of W.C. fields, are great. Exaggerated.” – Bernstein [15:44]

• On defensive “found money”:
  “C.J. Gardner Johnson for the most part played well again...That guy is just found money.” – Bernstein [17:17]

• On locker room culture and Ben Johnson as a first-year head coach:
  “He started 0-2. And they've gone 10-2 since.” – Bernstein [36:28]

• Comic relief:

  • A running gag about Andrew Billings’ size—“I may put Andrew Billings on my body pillow list.” [30:15]
  • Sleeves vs. tough-guy cold weather antics: “Nobody's intimidated by you getting frostbite.” – Bernstein [28:45]
  • Extended banter about shirtless Bears fans and Coors Light T-shirts. [29:08–30:56]
  • “He protects the ball better than Jacoby Brissette...if you're going to do it, go all the way and sing his praises, man.” – Abbatacola [46:55]

Important Timestamps

• 00:50: Positive point differential, Ben Johnson’s success
• 02:32: Defensive strategy—coverage vs. blitz
• 06:00: DeAndre Swift’s improvement
• 10:16: Caleb Williams’ interception record
• 11:50: Williams’ command and poise
• 12:48–13:36: On Williams’ risky but effective throws
• 15:55: Unique offensive formations
• 17:17: Defensive depth: DeMarco Jackson, C.J. Gardner-Johnson
• 18:59: Special teams impact—DuVernay
• 25:13: Loveland and Burden as future stars
• 36:28: Ben Johnson’s turnaround
• 40:53: Offensive success without Roma Dunze
• 45:12: Playoff planning and injury management

Summary of Key Stats (from [21:05])

• Caleb Williams: 17/28, 242 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT
• DeAndre Swift: 18 carries, 98 yards, 2 TD
• Kyle Manungai: 11 carries, 33 yards
• Luther Burden: 6 catches, 84 yards
• DJ Moore: 4 catches, 69 yards, 2 TD
• Colston Loveland: 4 catches, 63 yards
• Defense: 5 sacks, 3 INTs

Conclusion

This episode radiates the optimism of a Bears team peaking at season’s end, balancing praise with a watchful eye on what must sharpen before the postseason crucible. Bernstein and Abbatacola highlight how the Bears dominated an inferior opponent, credit the evolving stars, and steer the fan conversation forward—to Green Bay, playoff positioning, and a potential deep January run.

Next Up

• Saturday night showdown vs. Packers with immediate postgame coverage from Forward Progress.