Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast

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**Forward Progress – A Chicago Bears Podcast**

When it comes to Chicago Bears talk, Dan Bernstein and Matt Abbatacola have been setting the agenda for decades. Now, they’re bringing that same unflinching insight — and Sunday-afternoon passion — to Forward Progress. From breaking down Bears game plans with analytical precision to unleashing the raw emotion every fan feels when the season’s on the line, Dan and Matt deliver the perfect balance of expertise and authenticity. It’s a show that lives and breathes the Bears, while never shying away from the bigger NFL picture. Whether you’re a diehard or just love the ride, Forward Progress is where Chicago’s football conversation starts.

Latest Episodes:

Bill Belichick has been denied the HOF | Bo Nix has an ankle | Todd Monken got a job Jan 28, 2026

Show notes

0:00 Belichick

14:00 Bo Nix

27:00 Jets

30:00 Browns

38:45 Bears

The Pro Football Hall of Fame selection committee has spoken — and somehow, Bill Belichick is not a first‑ballot Hall of Famer. Whatever their reasoning, we think it’s wrong… and honestly, kind of hilarious. In a way, it’s perfectly fitting odd, twisted, uncomfortable — just like the coach himself.

Meanwhile, the Denver Broncos have stumbled into a bizarre situation of their own. It turns out Bo Nix had a pre‑existing ankle issue that was always going to require another surgery, and the timing couldn’t have been worse for the team or its fans. The big question now: will he need more procedures on that same ankle in the future? It’s quite a strange story.

But there’s some good news in Cleveland: the Browns have a new head coach — Todd Monken — and we absolutely love the hire!

#chicagobears #bears #chicago #chicagosports #calebwilliams #sportstalk

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✅ Dan Bernstein Unfiltered

✅ Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast 🏈

✅ Organization Win Championships: A Chicago Bulls Podcast 🏀

All links to YouTube, Apple, Spotify and more available on 312Sports.com

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Should the Bears go after Trey Hendrickson in free agency? Jan 27, 2026

Show notes

0:00 Free Agency

15:00 Diego Pavia

19:00 Andy Reid and Matt Nagy

24:00 NFL Job Openings

The Bears’ offseason is here, and one name just won’t go away: free agent Trey Hendrickson. Should Chicago seriously take a swing at a top‑10 edge rusher, or is the price tag too steep?

We’re also diving into the future of Nahshon Wright, who’s about to get paid—but maybe not by the Bears. Plus, Senior Bowl buzz continues, and yes… Diego Pavia measured in at 5'9". Matt still swears he’ll take at least one snap in a regular‑season NFL game. The steak‑dinner bet lives on.

Meanwhile, Andy Reid had some positive things to say about Matt Nagy, but let’s be honest—those quotes probably aren’t landing him a new coaching job. Over in the AFC and NFC, the Bills have a new head coach, and the Eagles still can’t seem to find an OC. It’s the job nobody wants.

All that and more on today’s show—let’s get into it.

#chicagobears #bears #chicago #chicagosports #calebwilliams #sportstalk

Make sure to subscribe to...

✅ Dan Bernstein Unfiltered

✅ Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast 🏈

✅ Organization Win Championships: A Chicago Bulls Podcast 🏀

All links to YouTube, Apple, Spotify and mor available on 312Sports.com

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

NFL games belong in DOMES | Sharks in Olympic swimming | Super Bowl XX Jan 26, 2026

Show notes

0:00 NFL Championship weekend

15:30 NFL coaching jobs

39:15 Wright to the Pro Bowl

It’s NFL Championship Weekend, but let’s be honest — the real Super Bowl was the showdown between the Rams and Seahawks, while the Broncos and Patriots battled it out in what looked like a full‑blown blizzard. And yes… we think it’s absurd. All NFL games should be played indoors, period.

Meanwhile, Mike McDaniel officially grabbed the Chargers’ OC job, the Browns still hold the title for worst job available, and — fun fact — today marks the 40th anniversary of the Chicago Bears winning the Super Bowl.

A wild weekend, terrible weather decisions, questionable hiring situations… and a historic moment for Bears fans.

#chicagobears #bears #chicago #chicagosports #calebwilliams #sportstalk

Make sure to subscribe to...

✅ Dan Bernstein Unfiltered

✅ Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast 🏈

✅ Organization Win Championships: A Chicago Bulls Podcast 🏀

All links to YouTube, Apple, Spotify and more available on 312Sports.com

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

NFL Championship weekend - you taking Mike or Sean? Jan 23, 2026

Show notes

0:00 Championship weekend

4:00 Bears

11:00 Wright

12:00 McDaniel

The Chicago Bears’ offseason is loaded with huge decisions and major storylines. Cornerback Nahshon Wright may have earned a major contract extension—will the Bears re-sign him? DJ Moore holds the largest 2026 cap hit, raising big questions about the roster after his 2025 season and Chicago’s playoff exit. Around the NFL, Mike McDaniel could pass on the Chargers OC role in favor of head‑coach opportunities, and the Buffalo Bills are reportedly exploring Philip Rivers as a potential head coach. Breaking down all the latest Bears news and NFL rumors!

#chicagobears #bears #chicago #chicagosports #calebwilliams #sportstalk

Make sure to subscribe to...

✅ Dan Bernstein Unfiltered

✅ Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast 🏈

✅ Organization Win Championships: A Chicago Bulls Podcast 🏀

All links to YouTube, Apple, Spotify and more available on 312Sports.com

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What is Ben Johnson and Ryan Poles number one priority to address this offseason? Jan 22, 2026

Show notes

0:00 Introduction and stuff

9:00 Bears free agents

27:00 Top 100 NFL MVP candidates

With starting left tackle Ozzy Trapilo sidelined until late next season, the Chicago Bears front office now has one clear offseason priority: finding a new left tackle who can protect Caleb Williams and stabilize the offensive line.

We also break down every Bears free agent, looking at who should stay, who should walk, and how each player fits into Ben Johnson’s long‑term vision.

Plus, we tracked down a list of the Top 100 NFL MVP candidates from the 2025 season — find out where your Chicago Bears ranked, including where Caleb Williams landed among the league’s biggest stars.

Dive in for offseason strategy, roster analysis, and a look at how the Bears stack up against the rest of the NFL.

#sports#chicagobears #bears #chicago #chicagosports #calebwilliams #sportstalk

Make sure to subscribe to...

✅ Dan Bernstein Unfiltered

✅ Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast 🏈

✅ Organization Win Championships: A Chicago Bulls Podcast 🏀

All links to YouTube, Apple, Spotify and more available on 312Sports.com

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What were the factors that led to Ben Johnson moving Joe Thuney to left tackle? Jan 21, 2026

Show notes

0:00 Bears hangover

4:00 The Thuney move - Theo Benedet

14:00 Bears notes to end the year

20:00 Possible FA target and coach possibilities

25:00 NFL coaching hires

As the Bears’ offseason gets underway, there’s a long list of evaluations ahead: potential coaching hires (and losses), free‑agent targets, and eventually draft needs. We break down one of Ben Johnson’s biggest decisions—moving Joe Thuney to left tackle and inserting Jordan McFadden at left guard. And the big question: where was Theo Benedet? How did he start games earlier in the season but not against the Rams?

We also dive into coaching moves around the league and take a closer look at Troy Aikman’s role as a consultant for Miami, who just hired Jeff Hafley and Jon‑Eric Sullivan.

#chicagobears #bears #chicago #chicagosports #calebwilliams #sportstalk

Make sure to subscribe to...

✅ Dan Bernstein Unfiltered

✅ Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast 🏈

✅ Organization Win Championships: A Chicago Bulls Podcast 🏀

All links to YouTube, Apple, Spotify and more available on 312Sports.com

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chicago Bears loss to the LA Rams - crazy stats | NFL head coaching jobs Jan 20, 2026

Show notes

0:00 Bears - Rams

14:20 Bears schedule 2026

17:20 Caleb on the final INT

22:10 Rome Odunze

28:00 NFL coaching jobs

The Bears’ season comes to a close after a tough loss to the Rams, but there’s still plenty of optimism in Chicago.

Ben Johnson wraps up a successful first year as head coach, and Caleb Williams finishes his second season showing major growth. The future looks bright — and we’re already counting down the days until kickoff of the 2026 season.

We hear from Caleb as he breaks down the final throw of his season, the interception that sealed the game. Rome Odunze also shares what he needs to improve heading into next year.

Plus, we take a look around the NFL at the open head‑coaching jobs — and which team is most likely to move on from a first‑year head coach after the 2026 season

#chicagobears #bears #chicago #chicagosports #calebwilliams #sportstalk

Make sure to subscribe to...

✅ Dan Bernstein Unfiltered

✅ Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast 🏈

✅ Organization Win Championships: A Chicago Bulls Podcast 🏀

All links to YouTube, Apple, Spotify and more available on 312Sports.com

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Caleb Williams does it again, but Bears lose in OT to the Rams Jan 19, 2026

Show notes

Despite Caleb Williams pulling off another improbable comeback—connecting with Cole Kmet on an unbelievable 4th‑down touchdown—the Bears fall to the Rams in overtime. The season ends in disappointment, but Chicago showed real signs of a bright future under Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams. The foundation is set, and the future looks promising.

#chicagobears #bears #chicago #chicagosports #calebwilliams #sportstalk

Make sure to subscribe to...

✅ Dan Bernstein Unfiltered

✅ Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast 🏈

✅ Organization Win Championships: A Chicago Bulls Podcast 🏀

All links to YouTube, Apple, Spotify and more available on 312Sports.com

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

POSTGAME: Chicago Bears fall in OT to the LA Rams | Caleb Williams throws three interceptions Jan 19, 2026

Show notes

The Chicago Bears fall in overtime to the L.A. Rams, 20–17, at Soldier Field.

Caleb Williams threw three interceptions as Los Angeles won the turnover battle 3–0 — ultimately the deciding factor in a game where Chicago actually outgained the Rams 417–340 in total offense.

The Bears finish the season with a 12–7 record, while the Rams advance to face Seattle in the NFC Championship Game next weekend.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.