Forward Progress: Bears Fall in OT to the Rams – “Magic Runs Out”

Podcast: Forward Progress – A Chicago Bears Podcast
Episode: POSTGAME - Chicago Bears fall in OT to the LA Rams | Caleb Williams throws three interceptions
Date: January 19, 2026
Hosts: Dan Bernstein & Matt Abbatacola

Episode Overview

In this highly emotional postgame episode, Dan and Matt break down the Bears’ heartbreaking 20-17 overtime playoff loss to the LA Rams. They balance frustration and pride, exploring the reasons behind the loss, the unlikely magic of the 2025 Bears season, and the future for Caleb Williams and the team. Key plays, coaching decisions, and notable performances are scrutinized in a show packed with analysis and relatable fan emotion.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Emotional Reaction & Immediate Takeaways ([00:25]-[01:22])

• Season ends in heartbreak: Bears lose in overtime after a hard-fought, unforgettable season characterized by improbable comebacks.

  “The magic has finally run out in an absolutely unforgettable season.” — Dan [00:25]

• Defense shines, offense falters: Hosts praise the defense for holding the league’s #1 offense to 17 in regulation, but lament points left on the field.

2. Critical Play – DJ Moore Route on OT Interception ([01:22]-[04:51], [51:35]-[53:06])

• Wide receiver stops running: DJ Moore criticized for lack of effort on the decisive OT INT.

  “I just don’t understand it because all I see on that play is DJ Moore not running with maximum effort on that play, which ended up costing the Bears the game.” — Matt [03:06]

• Unanswered questions: Hosts and former players (Chase Daniel, Kurt Warner) question if there was a miscommunication or if Moore simply gave up.

  “You can’t blame Caleb Williams for the INT in OT. The Bears have the absolute perfect play called. The lack of effort by number two is really telling.” — Chase Daniel [51:35]

3. Caleb Williams’ Performance & Growth ([14:18]-[15:50], [35:01]-[36:22], [54:52]-[56:31])

• Polarizing QB outing: Williams finishes 23/42, 257 yards, 2 TDs, 3 INTs. Hosts stress both blame and context, highlighting his late-game heroics and inexperience.

  “He’s making those [INTs] seem less important because of what we know he’s capable of doing. He leveled up nationally, I believe.” — Dan [32:23]

• Long-term optimism: Despite mistakes, Dan and Matt express more confidence in Williams than any Bears QB in decades.

4. Play-calling Critique ([06:29]-[07:16], [10:32]-[11:16], [21:03]-[22:11])

• Ben Johnson under the microscope: Repeated frustration over short yardage/conservative calls, especially third-and-short and passes behind the line.

  “Five passes behind line of scrimmage is way too many for this offense.” — Matt [06:29]

• Personnel subs and line issues matter: Moves like shifting Joe Thuney to left tackle and playing a practice squad guard discussed as impacting play selection.

5. Missed Opportunities & Execution ([07:16]-[10:00], [11:16]-[14:08])

• Drops and mistakes: Multiple drops (e.g., Roma Dunze’s early drop) and missed turnovers haunt the Bears.

  “There was a touchdown in the first drive... you gotta have [that].” — Matt [14:05]

• Defensive letdown on key downs: Strategic errors, especially leaving Puka Nacua uncovered on a critical third down ([08:07]-[09:22]), are highlighted as inexplicable.

6. Defensive Standouts & Resilience ([07:16]-[08:07])

• Brisker, Gordon shine: Praise for Jaquan Brisker’s inspirational performance after concussion issues and Kyler Gordon's impact on his return.

7. National Perception & Bears’ Legitimacy ([28:26]-[32:23])

• Defensive reputation rebuilt: The narrative that the Bears were just “lucky” or riding turnovers is strongly rebutted.

  “If this game doesn’t solidify for you that this was a good football team this year, then I don’t know what else to tell you.” — Matt [28:26]

8. Statistical Recap ([20:04]-[21:03])

• Bears dominate most stats: More yards, time of possession, more plays, fewer penalties — but three killer INTs decide the outcome.
  • 77 more yards than Rams (417 to 340)
  • 81 plays run, 160 rushing yards
  • 4 sacks of Stafford, 0 sacks allowed

9. Future Outlook & Emotional Closure ([54:52]-[56:31])

• “This is just the beginning”: Both hosts compare this loss to the start of something special, like the early Michael Jordan Bulls.

  “The best time to be a fan... is when you know your team is getting good.” — Dan [53:08]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On DJ Moore’s OT Play

• “I just don’t understand it because all I see on that play is DJ Moore not running with maximum effort.” — Matt [03:06]
• “[Chase Daniel]: You can't blame Caleb Williams for the INT in OT… The lack of effort by number two is really telling.” [51:35]

On the Season’s Magic Ending

• “There’s no, we’re running out of ways to describe this kind of magic. And it was a reminder at the end that it’s not [magic]. That it’s football.” — Dan [11:18]

On Caleb’s Growth

• “My belief and confidence in Caleb Williams is the highest it's ever been of any Bears quarterback.” — Matt [54:52]
• “He leveled up nationally, I believe.” — Dan [32:23]

On Play-calling

• “Some of the play calls tonight are very questionable and disappointing. A lot of the drops were disappointing.” — Matt [13:33]
• “I really just, I didn’t quite get a lot of the play calls that he made. Really difficult situations in that third and one, fourth and one, first and goal.” — Matt [21:03]

On the Defense Proving Itself

• “If this game doesn’t solidify for you that this was a good football team this year, then I don’t know what else to tell you.” — Matt [28:26]

Humorous Interludes

• Ongoing banter about “Dick Warlock” (Kurt Russell’s stunt double), fat kickers (“Beavis, the kicker... he's fat”), and putting cayenne pepper in socks for warmth [Various—see 46:45, 56:31].

Key Timestamps

• [03:06] — The critical DJ Moore play dissected
• [07:16] — Praise for Brisker and Gordon on defense
• [08:07] — Breakdown of the Nacua blown coverage
• [13:33] — Analysis on playcalling and costly drops
• [20:04] — Detailed stat breakdown, edge Bears except turnovers
• [21:03] — Ben Johnson’s play-calling under scrutiny
• [28:26] — The Bears’ defense earns national respect
• [32:23] — Caleb Williams’ image in the league
• [51:35] — Chase Daniel & Kurt Warner on Moore’s effort
• [53:08] — The optimism of being a fan “when you know your team is getting good”
• [54:52] — Matt on what makes this Bears team different

Overall Tone

• Gritty, honest, raw: Frustration with how the season ended, but deep pride in the team’s progress.
• Comedic relief: Plenty of jokes and asides about Bears fandom, podcast trolls, and NFL oddities, breaking up the post-game pain.
• Optimistic about the future: Both hosts stress this is just the beginning for Williams, Johnson, and the new Bears era.

For New Listeners

If you missed the game or haven’t kept up, this episode delivers everything: deep analysis of what went wrong (and right), sharp takes on key moments and players, and the feeling of being in the trenches with diehard Chicago fans. The Bears may have lost, but the message is clear: the future is bright in Chicago, and the ride has only just begun.