Podcast Summary: Forward Progress - "When Will the Running Game Get Better?"

Podcast: Forward Progress – A Chicago Bears Podcast
Hosts: Dan Bernstein & Matt Abbatacola
Date: October 10, 2025
Episode Theme:
A weekly discussion examining the Chicago Bears’ struggling run game, the impact of returning players, and broader NFL trends. Dan and Matt blend in-depth analysis, coach-speak breakdowns, and authentic fan frustration while previewing the Bears vs. Commanders Monday night matchup.

Episode Overview

This episode diverges from the usual pregame deep-dive due to the Bears’ Monday Night Football schedule. The hosts review key injuries and personnel returning to the Bears, break down the ongoing struggles of the running game, discuss scheme and player execution, and reflect on broader NFL parity. The conversation transitions between detailed football analysis, memorable coaching lingo, and lighter moments, interspersed with broader commentary on the unpredictable 2025 NFL season.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Bears Injury Report & Roster News (00:19–03:29)

• Breakdown of Bears’ estimated injury participation from a recent walkthrough.
• Key returners: Kyler Gordon (“good to go for Monday”) and optimism for Austin Booker and Travis Homer.
• Discussion of personnel deployment as key defenders return, especially implications for formations (moving from 4-3 looks to prevalent NFL 4-2-5 nickel sets).
• Matt notes the significance of having physical linebackers like Noah Sewell available for run-heavy opponents.

2. Kyler Gordon’s Role and Defensive Mindset (03:29–07:25)

• Praise for Kyler Gordon’s physicality and versatility, especially as a “nosy” presence in the run game.
• Notable Quote:

  “There’s only a handful of nickels in this league that you really have to account for, both as a coverage player, but also a guy that likes to be nosy in the run game and could be part of the solution for us here in terms of shoring up our run game…” — Ben Johnson, Bears’ OC (03:55)

• Dan & Matt riff on “getting nosy in the run game” as classic coach-speak.
• Exploration of coaching lingo:
  • “Denting the pocket” for D-linemen.
  • “Bust up the triangle” for DBs breaking up passes (Eberflus-ism).
  • “One is longer than two” for hand fighting on the line.

3. In-Depth: Why is the Running Game Stagnant? (08:03–16:53)

• Ben Johnson’s candid assessment: running backs are hard to evaluate when “there’s free runners in the hole,” placing the onus on offensive line execution more than on the backs themselves.
• Notable Quote:

  “I take it personally because I spend more time on the run game than I do on the passing game … we’re just not reacting fast enough right now. We’ve got to learn from everything on tape, so those combinations can be a lot cleaner.” — Ben Johnson (08:37)

• Analysis of run-blocking issues, especially struggles with simple combination blocks (like the “deuce” and “trio”).
• Frustration that a veteran offensive line still struggles with basics, despite the schematic simplicity.
• Dan’s prescription: Run what the OL is comfortable with, “find a handful of plays they’re good at, and start there.” (11:21)
• Technical digression about gap vs. zone runs and the absence of a fullback.

4. DeAndre Swift and the Problem of Fit (16:27–19:48)

• Swift’s inability to beat defenders one-on-one post-contact is hampering the running game; both hosts cite his low yards-after-contact stats (Swift: “46th out of the top 50” at 18:34).
• Notable Dialogue:

  “Swift is not that guy because he doesn’t beat one guy.” — Dan (16:28)
  “He needs green grass. … Things don’t go well for him if there’s a tackler there.” — Dan (18:46)

• Offensive inefficiency is a combination of slow running back reads, O-line breakdowns, and poor timing.
• Dan’s football truism: “You’ve got to be there before it’s there … The same applies to running backs as it does to quarterbacks: the ball’s got to be there when it’s got to be there.” (17:19)

5. Looking Around the League – Who’s Good? Is This a ‘Blob’ Year? (25:01–28:39, 40:53–41:16)

• Dan and Matt puzzle over league-wide parity:

  “Who’s really good in the NFL right now? This is a weird year. … The Blob is expanding.” — Dan (25:01, 27:09)

• Agreement that the Detroit Lions are the most complete team so far in 2025, with a larger than expected gap atop the league.
• Many teams can compete on any given day, but consistency is elusive across the NFL.
• The concept of “the Blob”—the pack of indistinguishable, middling teams—returns from previous years.

6. NFL News: Blue Tent Controversy & Concussions (30:43–34:42)

• Detailed recounting of a controversy with Brian Daboll poking his head into the blue medical tent during a Giants game, which violates NFL concussion protocol.
• Strong opinions that the NFL should take firm action:

  “There’s no need for an investigation … You poke your head in there, that’s a game, Coach. Make it something serious.” — Matt (33:36)

• Calls for the NFL to set a tough example on player safety.

7. Upcoming Schedule & Sunday Football as “Spouse Points Day” (36:23–47:09)

• Review of the upcoming NFL weekend, noting a lack of marquee matchups (the "Blob" effect).
• Joking debate over whether Sunday—without a Bears game—is a good day to “bank points” with spouses by doing brunch or housework.
• Lighthearted riffs about brunch vs. dessert, pancake tacos, and MLB “oppo taco” terminology origins.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|---------|-------| | 03:55 | Ben Johnson (OC) | “There’s only a handful of nickels in this league that you really have to account for, both as a coverage player, but also a guy that likes to be nosy in the run game…” | | 07:05 | Matt | “I’m going to use this, too. He doesn’t mind getting nosy in the run game.” | | 10:41 | Dan | “He’s [Swift] an aptronym. … He needs to trust his eyes a little better.” | | 16:28 | Dan | “Swift is not that guy because he doesn’t beat one guy.” | | 18:46 | Dan | “He needs green grass. … Things don’t go well for him if there's a tackler there.” | | 27:09 | Dan | “This is a weird year so far for the first quarter of the season. … The Blob is expanding.” | | 33:36 | Matt | “There’s no need for an investigation … You poke your head in there, that’s a game, Coach. Make it something serious.” | | 43:11 | Matt | “Women will smell that in a second if you’re bullshitting. … You can’t outsmart a woman.” (on trying to 'bank spouse points') | | 46:17 | Dan/Matt| (On brunch) “Giant pancake taco… with the meat in the pancake.” |

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Bears Injury Report & Personnel: 00:19–03:29
• Kyler Gordon & Blitzer Talk: 03:29–07:25
• Coaching Lingo/Roster Analysis: 05:31–07:25
• Bears Running Game Struggles: 08:03–16:53
• DeAndre Swift’s Role: 16:27–19:48
• Offensive Line Execution Discussion: 10:49–15:36
• Who’s Good in the NFL/“The Blob”: 25:01–28:39, 40:53–41:16
• Concussion Protocol Controversy: 30:43–34:42
• Upcoming NFL Schedule & Sunday as “Spouse Points” Day: 36:23–47:09

Tone & Style

Dan and Matt balance analytical deep-dives (schematics, personnel, and stats) with irreverent, authentic fan perspective and self-aware humor. Their exchanges are peppered with “coach-isms,” gentle teasing, and relatable asides about Bears fandom, family life, and even brunch.

For Listeners Who Missed The Episode

This episode is a comprehensive, entertaining look at why the Chicago Bears’ running game lags behind, focusing on both schematic and personnel issues while showing how the team’s struggles reflect broader league-wide unpredictability. If you want to understand the roots of Chicago’s run game issues — from blocking combos to running back chemistry — and how even experienced teams can lose their edge, this is a can’t-miss episode. Plus, the banter makes even the Bears’ pain go down easier.