Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast

Episode: POSTGAME: Kyle Monangai and D'Andre Swift carry the Chicago Bears in UPSET win over Eagles

Hosts: Dan Bernstein & Matt Abbatacola
Date: November 29, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode breaks down the Chicago Bears' statement 24-15 upset win over the Philadelphia Eagles in Philadelphia. Dan and Matt analyze the Bears’ dominant rushing attack—highlighting historic performances by Kyle Monangai and D’Andre Swift—impressive coaching from Ben Johnson, defensive heroics led by Nishan Wright, Caleb Williams' game management, and playoff implications. The tone is exuberant and celebratory, with plenty of passionate, fan-centric banter and the duo's signature mix of expertise and humor.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. A Statement Win: Physical Dominance & Playoff Implications

• Bears’ Style and Significance

  • The Bears ran through the defending Super Bowl champions, controlling the game with power and relentless offense.
  • “They just punched that team in the mouth and ran over them, just put the NFC on notice, if not the rest of the league.” – Matt (01:28)
  • The win clinched a winning season (9-3), with hosts emphasizing optimism for a potential playoff run.
  • “This is the kind of win that sends a message... this team should win a playoff game.” – Matt (16:16)

• First-Half Domination

  • Chicago: 16 first downs vs. Eagles’ 2, 47 plays to 17, 142 rushing yards to 26.
  • “If you’d watched the first half not knowing anything about the NFL... you’d say, wow, the Bears must be looking for their second Super Bowl win in a row.” – Dan (04:19)

2. Historic Rushing Performance

• Monangai & Swift Set Modern Franchise Record

  • Kyle Monangai: 22 carries, 130 yards, 1 TD; D’Andre Swift: 18 carries, 125 yards, 1 TD.
  • First Bears duo with 100+ rush yards each since Walter Payton and Matt Suhey in 1985— and by a wide margin (27:39).
  • “This is going to go down as one of the most dominant and significant rushing performances the Bears have had.” – Matt (02:26)
  • “They were running over Jalen Carter. This is not the Bengals. This is not the Giants. To do it on their turf, they emptied out that building.” – Matt (20:17)

• O-Line Credit

  • Praise for the interior offensive line, with guards, center, and duo blocking “walling off” Eagles defenders.
  • “If that’s the kind of thing you enjoy as a Bears fan...that offensive line gave you absolute joy today, Dan.” – Matt (03:27)

3. Ben Johnson’s Game Plan & Coaching Brilliance

• Smash-Mouth Identity

  • “Let’s run the ball, run the ball, run the ball...Ben Johnson wants to be smashmouth, win at the line of scrimmage and run the football.” – Dan (19:35)
  • Specific creative schemes: DJ Moore used as a blocker, formation variations, and targeted left-side rollouts for Caleb Williams (10:03-12:04).

• Game Management

  • “Ben Johnson didn’t overthink this.” – Matt (19:23)

4. Signature Defensive Play: Nishan Wright’s “Tush Push” Fumble

• Momentum-Changing Moment
  • After a dangerous interception, Eagles threaten to take the lead with their infamous “tush push” sneak.
  • Wright rips out a fumble, snatching both ball and soul from the Eagles:
  • “He not only took the ball on their signature play, he snatched their soul... That may be the play of the year.” – Matt (05:23)
  • “If he doesn’t get awarded a game ball... Nishan Wright just said, ‘I’m going to go take one. This is my game ball.’” – Dan (07:41)
  • Wright now leads the league in individual takeaways (eight).

5. Caleb Williams’ Steady Hand

• Not His Best Day, But Finished Strong
  • Stats: 17/36, 154 yards, TD, INT; contributed in game management and late scoring drive.
  • “On that series...three plays that Caleb Williams made that mattered…outstanding high-level game management.” – Matt (08:51)
  • Notably completed three passes rolling left—the toughest throw for a right-handed QB—by design (10:03).

6. Defensive Standouts & Key Moments

• Other Contributors

  • Kevin Byard’s late interception was highlighted for anticipation and range (31:10).
  • Praise for run defense: Montez Sweat, Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, and an energized Grady Jarrett (15:13).

• Fortunate Officiating

  • “Thanks to the referees for not calling the DPI on Amen Obung Bemega... That’s one you take.” – Matt (16:01)

7. The Big Picture: Mentality Shift, Playoff Hopes, and “Thinking Bigger”

• Change in Team and Fan Expectations

  • Focus shifts from “exceeding expectations” to legitimate playoff ambition.
  • “Let’s not be satisfied...Let’s get in the playoffs, let’s make a playoff run.” – Dan (34:56, 39:38)

• Message to Fans

  • Hosts urge fans to “go ahead and dream, go ahead and enjoy” this win as a pivotal moment (53:01).

8. Lighter Moments & Memorable Quotes

• On Philadelphia Fans:
  “If I was ever a professional athlete in any sport, the last city I'd ever want to play in is Philadelphia... they are, they're brutal.” – Dan (21:07)

• On Ben Johnson’s Locker Room Antics

  • Johnson’s postgame shirtless celebration triggered “free Wiener Circle hot dogs” in Chicago (51:23).
  • “Ben Johnson took his shirt off in the locker room and everybody went completely apeshit.” – Matt (43:48)
  • “Apparently Vic Fangio took his pants off in the locker room, started waving them around. He threw them at the offensive coordinator trying to strangle him.” – Matt with deadpan humor (43:59)

• Playoff Vibes

  • “The Bears have won Pennsylvania more than Trump did.” – Dan (26:42)

• Fan Perspective

  • “The best time to be a fan is when you know your team is getting good. And I think this is one of those times.” – Matt (36:42)

Key Timestamps & Notable Segments

• 01:28 – Stating the significance of the win; “NFC on notice”
• 04:19 – First-half domination, statistical comparison
• 05:23-08:03 – Breakdown of Nishan Wright’s tush push fumble; turning point
• 08:50-12:04 – Caleb Williams’ pivotal plays, Ben Johnson’s tailored game plan
• 14:06-14:27 – Historical context: first dual-100 yard Bears rushers since 1985
• 19:23-20:17 – Ben Johnson’s commitment to run, validating the win against quality opponents
• 34:56-39:38 – Urging fans and the team to not be satisfied; “think bigger”
• 43:23-44:46 – Locker room celebration hijinks (shirts and pants); Ben Johnson & Fangio
• 51:23 – Confirmation of “Free hot dog Tuesday” thanks to Johnson’s shirtless victory
• 53:01-53:46 – Permission for fans to “get silly” and enjoy the dream

Memorable Quotes (with Timestamps)

• “They just punched that team in the mouth and ran over them, just put the NFC on notice...” – Matt (01:28)
• “If you’d watched the first half... you’d say, wow, the Bears must be looking for their second Super Bowl win in a row.” – Dan (04:19)
• “He not only took the ball on their signature play, he snatched their soul... That may be the play of the year.” – Matt (05:23)
• “Let’s not be satisfied...Let’s get in the playoffs, let’s make a playoff run.” – Dan (34:56)
• “Ben Johnson took his shirt off in the locker room and everybody went completely apeshit.” – Matt (43:48)
• “The Bears have won Pennsylvania more than Trump did.” – Dan (26:42)
• “The best time to be a fan is when you know your team is getting good. And I think this is one of those times.” – Matt (36:42)

Final Takeaways

• The Bears’ resounding win in Philadelphia marks a watershed moment for the franchise’s trajectory under Ben Johnson, showcasing a physical and tactical identity against elite opposition.
• The performance of Monangai and Swift stands as a historic milestone, backed by an offensive line masterclass.
• Nishan Wright’s critical forced fumble—on the Eagles' vaunted “tush push”—may go down as the play of the year for Chicago.
• The triumphant but measured optimism of both fans and analysts: it’s time to believe, but it’s not yet time to be satisfied.
• The episode ends on a hopeful, humorous note, with calls for the Bears to “think bigger” heading into the playoff stretch.

Next Up: Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers – Anticipation is high. “Let’s go to Lambeau and drop 50 on those assholes.” – Dan (34:56)

For full context, hear the episode for the hosts’ trademark energy, comic relief, and more in-depth play breakdowns!