Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast

Episode: What Were the Factors that Led to Ben Johnson Moving Joe Thuney to Left Tackle?
Hosts: Dan Bernstein and Matt Abbatacola
Date: January 21, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode delves deeply into Chicago Bears’ offensive line decisions in their most recent playoff game, specifically head coach Ben Johnson’s move to shift Joe Thuney from guard to left tackle. Dan and Matt bring their signature blend of sharp analysis and fan passion to unravel the reasoning and ripple effects behind this key move, exploring both the in-game strategies and broader implications for the Bears’ roster and coaching philosophy. They also scope out other NFL news, coaching hires, next-gen stats, and some memorable Bears moments.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Championship Weekend Vibes & Bears Absence (02:13 - 04:42)

• Hosts reflect on the excitement of Championship Weekend versus the Super Bowl, lamenting the absence of the Bears but emphasizing acceptance and looking forward to high-level football.
• Emotional transition for fans—from disappointment to acceptance of the Bears’ season ending.
• Memorable quote:
  • Dan Bernstein (04:11): “I am not going to spend my time lamenting the Bears absence. I'm a little sad we don't have more Bears football, but I'm ready for some really good football.”

2. Breaking Down Ben Johnson’s Decision: Joe Thuney to Left Tackle (04:42 - 16:34)

A. The Move’s Impact on the Offensive Line

• Immediate reactions and hindsight analysis on Ben Johnson’s choice to shift All-Pro guard Joe Thuney to left tackle, rather than playing backup Theo Benedict.
• Ripple effect:
  • Matt questions why Theo Benedict, trusted during the season, was sidelined in favor of a major shuffle (“Why was he not allowed to play left tackle?” – 08:09).
  • Dan theorizes it may have related to the complexity of game planning, where the offense needed a tackle able to handle one-on-one assignments without extra help, fitting the motion- and shift-heavy offensive scheme (09:39).
  • Matt raises the classic coaching axiom: “Don’t make two moves when one will suffice,” expressing confusion over breaking interior continuity (11:35 & 14:04).

B. Impact on Other Players, Especially Center Drew Dalman

• Matt suggests that shifting Thuney affected Drew Dalman’s performance, noting more missed assignments and disruption in the blocking scheme due to unfamiliar linemates (06:24 - 07:57).
• Both hosts admit some answers may only be clear to the coaching staff but note the decision contradicted the season-long “next man up” mentality.

C. Lack of Clear Communication and Coaching Philosophy

• Frustration over lack of explanation from Ben Johnson, especially since “next man up” had been the year’s motto.
• Notable quote:
  • Dan Bernstein (11:35): “It also breaks the cardinal rule that the coaches have long said, don't make two moves when one will suffice. And especially on the offensive line.”

D. Run Game Compromise & Play Calling

• Matt points out that the Bears struggled with short yardage and run plays up the middle—possibly a direct result of the O-line shuffle.
• Both wish for more technical answers postmortem, suspecting scheme was compromised to cover for perceived matchup issues at tackle.

3. Next Gen Stats & Bright Spots in a Tough Bears Season (17:29 – 18:43)

• Fun stat nuggets:
  • Jaquan Brisker had the longest distance-run for a tackle in the NFL season (95 yards in Week 2).
  • Dominique Robinson recorded the only sack under two seconds all year (1.9 seconds, 18:16).
• Hosts acknowledge such stats aren’t necessarily indicative of team quality, but provide moments of pride.

4. Caleb Williams & the Passing Game: Production vs. Potential (19:40 – 22:49)

• Deep dive into Caleb Williams’ first year:
  • Williams’ completion percentage finished at 58.1% versus an expected 65%—the league’s biggest negative differential (negative 6.9).
  • Drake May (Patriots) had the largest positive differential.
• Drops & accuracy were themes all year, but hosts note the production despite inefficiencies is encouraging.
• Memorable moment:
  • Dan Bernstein (21:50): “What Caleb said immediately after, when asked what do you need to work on next year? He said, my feet and my accuracy. That's not you. That's not me. That's Caleb Williams saying that.”

5. Roster & Free Agent Musings (23:02 – 25:07)

• Brief spotlight on John Franklin-Myers (Broncos defensive end, potential Bears FA target) and hints at future Bears roster discussions.
• Coaching addition: Will Long (ex-Boston College OC)—role not yet specified.
• Deuce Staley and Darren Sproles mentioned as possible staff targets.
• Quip about Staley: Concern/humor over Bears’ mascot Staley and potential running backs coach Deuce Staley both being “Staley the Bear” (26:42 - 27:24).

6. NFL Coaching Carousel & Big-Picture Team Building (27:54 – 37:02)

• Chargers:
  • Praise for Jim Harbaugh’s humility in hiring Mike McDaniel as OC, breaking his tradition with Greg Roman (28:02).
  • Key insight: “This hire, I think, shows humility… For him to say, Mike McDaniel, bring me up to speed…” – Dan Bernstein (29:47).
• Giants:
  • Harbaugh’s new role in NY raises red flags due to ambiguous power structure (“collaboration” between coach, GM, and owner), echoing past Bears dysfunction (31:35).
  • Dan Bernstein (33:31): "That is not good enough. And there's no way that the assembled New York Giants beat is going to allow this to stand.”
• Other moves: Steelers possible next HC, quirky asides on staff changes (David Blough, Danny Smith).

7. The Influence of Broadcasters & National Hires (37:25 – 44:13)

• Discussion of Troy Aikman’s unique position as both broadcaster and consultant to Dolphins’ owner Stephen Ross.
• Aikman’s influence:
  • Possible impact of positive on-air commentary about Jeff Hafley on Hafley’s eventual Miami HC hire (38:29 - 42:06).
  • Dan shares an anecdote about the power of national broadcaster endorsements in shaping coaching careers (“All that matters is, does Dick Vitale mention you?” – 41:11).
• Hosts raise concerns about the ethics and implications of such cross-pollination.

8. Upcoming Bears Roster Autopsy & Community Engagement (44:45 – 45:43)

• Teaser for next episode: detailed breakdown of Bears’ unrestricted, restricted, and other free agents, going beyond “keep/cut” to real roster-building nuance.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Thuney move:
  • Matt Abbatacola (07:33): “Did he have to cover for him? And also how much of an impact was there when Thuney and Dalman would double team and then Thuney would drop off or Dalman would drop off…”
• O-line coaching wisdom:
  • Dan Bernstein (11:35): “Don’t make two moves when one will suffice. And especially on the offensive line.”
• Caleb Williams’ self-awareness:
  • (21:50): “My feet and my accuracy.” – Caleb Williams, via Dan Bernstein
• On Jim Harbaugh hiring McDaniel:
  • Dan Bernstein (29:47): “This hire, I think, shows humility … Mike, what don’t I know? What can you help me with? I think it’s a really good hire.”
• Broadcasting’s power in coaching reputation:
  • Dan Bernstein (41:11): “All that matters is, does Dick Vitale mention you? ... That’s it.”
• Giants’ power structure skepticism:
  • Dan Bernstein (33:31): "That is not good enough. ... You’re already setting this thing up to be confusing and, and untenable.”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Championship Weekend and Bears Absence: 02:13 – 04:42
• Thuney-to-LT Move Discussion: 04:42 – 16:34
• Next Gen Bears Stats: 17:29 – 18:43
• Caleb Williams and Passing Efficiency: 19:40 – 22:49
• FA Targets & Staff Rumors: 23:02 – 27:24
• Coaching Carousel – Chargers, Giants, Steelers: 27:54 – 37:02
• Broadcaster Influence on NFL Hires: 37:25 – 44:13
• Next Episode Preview: 44:45 – 45:43

Overall Tone & Takeaways

Dan and Matt maintain an analytical, candid, and sometimes playful tone throughout—fitting for longstanding Chicago football guys with zero patience for hollow coaching clichés or front-office obfuscation. They push for answers the Bears haven’t provided, remain skeptical of NFL groupthink, and deftly connect in-game decisions to broader themes of culture, coaching, and the league’s ever-shifting landscape.

A must-listen (or read!) for fans who want:

• Deep-dive football analysis
• Honest, detailed breakdowns of Bears decisions
• Discussion of NFL trends, coaching moves, and strategy
• Entertaining sidebars and memorable quotes

For full Bears roster breakdown and more, tune in to the next episode!