Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast

Episode: Tim Jenkins - All Things QB / NFL Analyst
Date: January 13, 2026
Host(s): Dan Bernstein, Matt Abaticola
Guest: Tim Jenkins (QB expert, former NFL/college quarterback, coach @TJenkinsElite)

Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into the Chicago Bears’ quarterback situation and offensive evolution as they prepare to face the Rams in the NFC divisional round. Dan, Matt, and QB analyst Tim Jenkins break down Caleb Williams' unorthodox style, Ben Johnson's play-calling challenges, the rise of key offensive players like DeAndre Swift and Colston Loveland, and the chess match awaiting against Sean McVay’s Rams. The conversation is rich with scheme analysis, coaching philosophies, personnel matchups, and passionate reflections on the Bears’ turnaround season.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Caleb Williams "Breaking the Rubric"

Dan Bernstein expresses amazement at Williams’ ability to break traditional QB evaluation:

"My belief is Caleb Williams in some ways is breaking what we do. ...Somehow the rules at times do not apply to him. And I think it’s awesome." (01:26)
Tim Jenkins agrees, saying stats and box scores don’t capture his real performance, emphasizing how unorthodox plays and “unlucky” moments can mislead traditional analysis:

"There was actually a lot of breadcrumbs on the tape where you go, shoot, man... it was almost as if you could go on third and fourth down... we had so many plays that I guess I would call unprobable that went against us." (02:40 - 04:30)

2. Ben Johnson’s Play-Calling Dilemma

Balancing Caleb’s need to get into rhythm vs. sticking to a strong run game is a real challenge:

"You really can’t measure what Caleb can do and when he’s going to do it. So how difficult is this play calling for Ben Johnson right now?" (Matt, 06:06)
Tim Jenkins notes Williams’ "errors" mainly occur in quick game rather than downfield shots:

"More Caleb’s errors have come on quick game than they do on down the field shots..." (07:10)
Jenkins favors a more aggressive game plan:

"I almost want Ben Johnson to be more aggressive, knowing that we’ve got to keep up with Stafford and McVay." (08:58)

3. The Power and Tactics of the Bears Run Game

Dan and Tim discuss how physicality and strategic run play pairing (screens, shots, quick game) wear down defenses, especially in freezing conditions:

"Some of those runs that are not paying off early can get them late... it’s going to be 7 degrees, it’s probably going to be 5 degrees by the end of the game." (10:36 - 11:33, Dan)
Tim breaks down how the Swift TD exemplifies run game investment paying off:

"You don’t have to go any further than the Swift touchdown this last week… that right there should be the only sales pitch needed to attack via the run game early." (11:33)

4. DeAndre Swift’s 6th-Year Resurgence

Tim praises Swift’s evolution and confidence in Ben Johnson’s system:

"He looks like a completely different player. ...It feels like he’s way more confident in his tracks in this... he’s a key cog to this whole thing." (13:42)

5. Colston Loveland's Emergence & Matchup Problems

Loveland is nearly uncoverable; Jenkins encourages using him as an outside WR to force defenses into tough choices with brackets and coverage:

"I’m putting him outside and I’m putting DJ or whoever I want to get the ball to in the slot. ...You want to bracket him, great, you’re going to have to walk that safety out super wide..." (16:33)
Loveland’s growth as a rookie and his role complexity is rare:

"It’s extremely difficult, I think, just to get lined up in your assignment in this offense if you’re a tight end, if I’m being honest." (21:05) "[Loveland is] always in a spot. He knows where he can and can’t get beat. ...That’s a tremendous sign when you can sit there and go, man, it feels like he’s always in the right spot as a rookie." (21:50)

6. Defending the Rams' Dynamic Offense (esp. Puka Nacua)

On defending Puka Nacua:

"How easy is it to double him? It's virtually impossible without just designating two guys for him." (23:24)
Tim favors press-man coverage and heating up Stafford as the only way to disrupt the Rams, acknowledging risks:

"I prefer a press, heat-em-up defense when I see dynamic offenses... I think it's the only realistic way to force enough negative plays to hang in this." (25:44) "If this game's a blowout, one way or another, I would be thinking it's the Rams... If this game's tight, I lean Bears." (26:55)

7. Secondary Health & Defensive Adaptations

Jenkins addresses concerns about cornerbacks Johnson & Gordon playing at less-than-100%:

"The only way...to truly hide those guys is be super variable in your pressure fronts. Be super variable in your coverage behind it." (28:16) "If we can get to where that play clock starts dwindling down frequently, that's a really good sign… that you have them on their heels a little bit." (30:45)

8. NFL Parity & Playoff Trends

Noting the drop in home-field advantage and rise in coaching parity:

"I do feel like the NFL is at an all-time high from a parity perspective… I'm almost betting on these head coaches more than anything." (35:25) "Ben Johnson has us in a place where... you feel so much more confident in this coaching." (36:40)

9. Schematics: Dagger, Sail, and Personnel Packages

Tim’s ideal roles for Bears WRs in key third-down concepts:

"If you were to ask me… Rome’s in the slot... DJ’s outside... Luther to me is the one that I’m putting on the backside." (39:41) "Third and gotta have it, man, I want the progression to go DJ Moore down... if I’m removing Loveland, I want DJ Moore to Luther Burden. That’s what I want right now." (41:00)

10. If Tim Could Call One Play...

Jenkins’ dream call named “Waggle Country” (42:44):

"We're getting into 12 personnel...play action, roll to the right. DJ's gonna act like he's running the over route; he’s gonna snap it back to the same side. Luther Burn's on the big country post...a design throwback to DJ, but if the safety rolls it, we've got the big country post."
Dan points out that's a classic, successful call from the Bears/Fields era:

"That was Justin Fields’ favorite play, where they run it to the second tight end." (43:28)

Notable Quotes by Timestamp

On Williams defying stat-based analysis:
"The true answer is sometimes like, hey, we’re gonna have to go through...25 clips, it went for an hour and a half..." – Tim Jenkins (02:40)
On Johnson’s challenge as play-caller:
_"I don’t want the job. Right. ...But yeah, I don't, I don't want the job right now." – Tim Jenkins (06:48)
On defending Puka Nacua:
"It’s virtually impossible without just designating two guys for him... Offenses know that so they move him everywhere..." – Tim Jenkins (23:24)
On the Bears’ being ready for the moment:
"How cool is this? I just think it's the coolest thing, the most deserving fan base...there's a good chance, you know, I know they're an underdog right now, but I do think there's a good chance the Bears pull it off." – Tim Jenkins (45:38)

Memorable Moments

Waggle Country – Tim Jenkins’ go-to play call, enthusiastically referenced by all, tying past Bears moments to this new era. (42:44–44:22)
The Packer Fans Wanting Ben Johnson to Apologize – A light-hearted closing about a petition demanding the Bears' coach apologize for post-game behavior. (49:00)
Unfiltered Excitement – Matt and Dan revel in simply enjoying a Bears playoff win and the unfamiliar but thrilling sensation of rooting for a highly-schemed, dangerous NFL offense. (48:13)

Important Segment Timestamps

Caleb Williams on breaking evaluative rubrics: 01:26–06:06
Ben Johnson play-calling philosophy: 06:06–10:36
Run game/Swift/physicality: 13:20–15:32
Coverage & defending Loveland: 15:32–21:05
Defending Rams’ Puka Nacua: 22:50–26:55
Bears defensive masks & pressure: 27:44–31:24
NFL playoff parity/coaching: 35:25–38:32
WR roles in dagger/sail: 39:41–41:00
‘Waggle Country’ go-to play call: 42:44–44:22

Tone & Takeaways

The tone is passionate, geeky, enthusiastic, and occasionally irreverent—reflecting the thrill and skepticism of lifelong Bears fans. The level of detail reflects both deep NFL scheme knowledge and real emotional investment in the franchise’s renaissance.

Key takeaways:

Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson have fundamentally changed how Bears football is understood, blending analytics-defying brilliance with modern, fearless coaching.
Playoff football is as much about aggression, creativity, and adaptability as about execution.
Chicago—if it can keep games close—has the tools, coaching, and momentum to contend with anyone, even in this new, unpredictable era of NFL parity.

[Compiled and structured as a resource for listeners, coaches, fans, and anyone eager for a real inside look at modern Bears football.]

Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Caleb Williams "Breaking the Rubric"

Dan Bernstein expresses amazement at Williams’ ability to break traditional QB evaluation:

"My belief is Caleb Williams in some ways is breaking what we do. ...Somehow the rules at times do not apply to him. And I think it’s awesome." (01:26)
Tim Jenkins agrees, saying stats and box scores don’t capture his real performance, emphasizing how unorthodox plays and “unlucky” moments can mislead traditional analysis:

"There was actually a lot of breadcrumbs on the tape where you go, shoot, man... it was almost as if you could go on third and fourth down... we had so many plays that I guess I would call unprobable that went against us." (02:40 - 04:30)

2. Ben Johnson’s Play-Calling Dilemma

Balancing Caleb’s need to get into rhythm vs. sticking to a strong run game is a real challenge:

"You really can’t measure what Caleb can do and when he’s going to do it. So how difficult is this play calling for Ben Johnson right now?" (Matt, 06:06)
Tim Jenkins notes Williams’ "errors" mainly occur in quick game rather than downfield shots:

"More Caleb’s errors have come on quick game than they do on down the field shots..." (07:10)
Jenkins favors a more aggressive game plan:

"I almost want Ben Johnson to be more aggressive, knowing that we’ve got to keep up with Stafford and McVay." (08:58)

3. The Power and Tactics of the Bears Run Game

Dan and Tim discuss how physicality and strategic run play pairing (screens, shots, quick game) wear down defenses, especially in freezing conditions:

"Some of those runs that are not paying off early can get them late... it’s going to be 7 degrees, it’s probably going to be 5 degrees by the end of the game." (10:36 - 11:33, Dan)
Tim breaks down how the Swift TD exemplifies run game investment paying off:

"You don’t have to go any further than the Swift touchdown this last week… that right there should be the only sales pitch needed to attack via the run game early." (11:33)

4. DeAndre Swift’s 6th-Year Resurgence

Tim praises Swift’s evolution and confidence in Ben Johnson’s system:

"He looks like a completely different player. ...It feels like he’s way more confident in his tracks in this... he’s a key cog to this whole thing." (13:42)

5. Colston Loveland's Emergence & Matchup Problems

Loveland is nearly uncoverable; Jenkins encourages using him as an outside WR to force defenses into tough choices with brackets and coverage:

"I’m putting him outside and I’m putting DJ or whoever I want to get the ball to in the slot. ...You want to bracket him, great, you’re going to have to walk that safety out super wide..." (16:33)
Loveland’s growth as a rookie and his role complexity is rare:

"It’s extremely difficult, I think, just to get lined up in your assignment in this offense if you’re a tight end, if I’m being honest." (21:05) "[Loveland is] always in a spot. He knows where he can and can’t get beat. ...That’s a tremendous sign when you can sit there and go, man, it feels like he’s always in the right spot as a rookie." (21:50)

6. Defending the Rams' Dynamic Offense (esp. Puka Nacua)

On defending Puka Nacua:

"How easy is it to double him? It's virtually impossible without just designating two guys for him." (23:24)
Tim favors press-man coverage and heating up Stafford as the only way to disrupt the Rams, acknowledging risks:

"I prefer a press, heat-em-up defense when I see dynamic offenses... I think it's the only realistic way to force enough negative plays to hang in this." (25:44) "If this game's a blowout, one way or another, I would be thinking it's the Rams... If this game's tight, I lean Bears." (26:55)

7. Secondary Health & Defensive Adaptations

Jenkins addresses concerns about cornerbacks Johnson & Gordon playing at less-than-100%:

"The only way...to truly hide those guys is be super variable in your pressure fronts. Be super variable in your coverage behind it." (28:16) "If we can get to where that play clock starts dwindling down frequently, that's a really good sign… that you have them on their heels a little bit." (30:45)

8. NFL Parity & Playoff Trends

Noting the drop in home-field advantage and rise in coaching parity:

"I do feel like the NFL is at an all-time high from a parity perspective… I'm almost betting on these head coaches more than anything." (35:25) "Ben Johnson has us in a place where... you feel so much more confident in this coaching." (36:40)

9. Schematics: Dagger, Sail, and Personnel Packages

Tim’s ideal roles for Bears WRs in key third-down concepts:

"If you were to ask me… Rome’s in the slot... DJ’s outside... Luther to me is the one that I’m putting on the backside." (39:41) "Third and gotta have it, man, I want the progression to go DJ Moore down... if I’m removing Loveland, I want DJ Moore to Luther Burden. That’s what I want right now." (41:00)

10. If Tim Could Call One Play...

Jenkins’ dream call named “Waggle Country” (42:44):

"We're getting into 12 personnel...play action, roll to the right. DJ's gonna act like he's running the over route; he’s gonna snap it back to the same side. Luther Burn's on the big country post...a design throwback to DJ, but if the safety rolls it, we've got the big country post."
Dan points out that's a classic, successful call from the Bears/Fields era:

"That was Justin Fields’ favorite play, where they run it to the second tight end." (43:28)

Notable Quotes by Timestamp

On Williams defying stat-based analysis:
"The true answer is sometimes like, hey, we’re gonna have to go through...25 clips, it went for an hour and a half..." – Tim Jenkins (02:40)
On Johnson’s challenge as play-caller:
_"I don’t want the job. Right. ...But yeah, I don't, I don't want the job right now." – Tim Jenkins (06:48)
On defending Puka Nacua:
"It’s virtually impossible without just designating two guys for him... Offenses know that so they move him everywhere..." – Tim Jenkins (23:24)
On the Bears’ being ready for the moment:
"How cool is this? I just think it's the coolest thing, the most deserving fan base...there's a good chance, you know, I know they're an underdog right now, but I do think there's a good chance the Bears pull it off." – Tim Jenkins (45:38)

Memorable Moments

Waggle Country – Tim Jenkins’ go-to play call, enthusiastically referenced by all, tying past Bears moments to this new era. (42:44–44:22)
The Packer Fans Wanting Ben Johnson to Apologize – A light-hearted closing about a petition demanding the Bears' coach apologize for post-game behavior. (49:00)
Unfiltered Excitement – Matt and Dan revel in simply enjoying a Bears playoff win and the unfamiliar but thrilling sensation of rooting for a highly-schemed, dangerous NFL offense. (48:13)

Important Segment Timestamps

Caleb Williams on breaking evaluative rubrics: 01:26–06:06
Ben Johnson play-calling philosophy: 06:06–10:36
Run game/Swift/physicality: 13:20–15:32
Coverage & defending Loveland: 15:32–21:05
Defending Rams’ Puka Nacua: 22:50–26:55
Bears defensive masks & pressure: 27:44–31:24
NFL playoff parity/coaching: 35:25–38:32
WR roles in dagger/sail: 39:41–41:00
‘Waggle Country’ go-to play call: 42:44–44:22

Tone & Takeaways

Key takeaways:

Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson have fundamentally changed how Bears football is understood, blending analytics-defying brilliance with modern, fearless coaching.
Playoff football is as much about aggression, creativity, and adaptability as about execution.
Chicago—if it can keep games close—has the tools, coaching, and momentum to contend with anyone, even in this new, unpredictable era of NFL parity.

[Compiled and structured as a resource for listeners, coaches, fans, and anyone eager for a real inside look at modern Bears football.]

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Tim Jenkins - All Things QB / NFL Analyst

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Summary

Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Caleb Williams "Breaking the Rubric"

2. Ben Johnson’s Play-Calling Dilemma

3. The Power and Tactics of the Bears Run Game

4. DeAndre Swift’s 6th-Year Resurgence

5. Colston Loveland's Emergence & Matchup Problems

6. Defending the Rams' Dynamic Offense (esp. Puka Nacua)

7. Secondary Health & Defensive Adaptations

8. NFL Parity & Playoff Trends

9. Schematics: Dagger, Sail, and Personnel Packages

10. If Tim Could Call One Play...

Notable Quotes by Timestamp

Memorable Moments

Important Segment Timestamps

Tone & Takeaways

Summary

Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Caleb Williams "Breaking the Rubric"

2. Ben Johnson’s Play-Calling Dilemma

3. The Power and Tactics of the Bears Run Game

4. DeAndre Swift’s 6th-Year Resurgence

5. Colston Loveland's Emergence & Matchup Problems

6. Defending the Rams' Dynamic Offense (esp. Puka Nacua)

7. Secondary Health & Defensive Adaptations

8. NFL Parity & Playoff Trends

9. Schematics: Dagger, Sail, and Personnel Packages

10. If Tim Could Call One Play...

Notable Quotes by Timestamp

Memorable Moments

Important Segment Timestamps

Tone & Takeaways