Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Chicago Bears Injury Concerns & the Strange Kyle Shanahan Story Jul 27, 2026

Show notes

Dan Bernstein and Matt Abbatacola dive into the curious story surrounding 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and why details of his car accident remained under wraps for 11 days.

0:00 Bears

6:40 Pavia

12:45 Kyle Shanahan

26:00 NFL News and Notes

They also break down the Bears' growing injury concerns as training camp gets underway, including the disappointing news that cornerback Kyler Gordon landed on the PUP list, along with defensive lineman Shemar Turner, who was expected to bolster the Bears' front seven. Plus, Diego Pavia's release by the Ravens has the guys wondering if there must be more to the story. They wrap up the show with the latest NFL news, notes, and training camp buzz from around the league.

#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 🏀

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ESPN'S Kalyn Kahler on Rooney Rule, looming Dianna Russini + Mike Vrabel saga, and Bears/Packers rivalry headed into 2026 season Jul 24, 2026

Show notes

ESPN's Kalyn Kahler joins the podcast to break down her latest reporting on the Rooney Rule, including what she learned, why the policy continues to generate debate across the NFL, and what it could mean moving forward.

We also discuss the lingering effects of the Dianna Russini reporting surrounding Mike Vrabel as he heads into the 2026 season, how those storylines could shape expectations, and what to watch as the season approaches.

Plus, we dive into one of the NFL's most intriguing coaching rivalries: Ben Johnson vs. Matt LaFleur. Is this becoming the NFC North's next great chess match? We examine the personalities, schemes, and stakes as the rivalry continues to grow.

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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.

ESPN's Courtney Cronin on the BIG PICTURE entering Chicago Bears training camp Jul 23, 2026

Show notes

ESPN's Courtney Cronin joins Dan Bernstein to break down the biggest storylines surrounding the Chicago Bears as they head into training camp.

We dive into the expectations for Caleb Williams entering Year 2, Ben Johnson's impact as head coach, the development of the revamped offense, key position battles, and what needs to happen for the Bears to take the next step in 2026. Courtney also shares insights from her reporting on the team, the players to watch throughout camp, and the biggest questions that will define Chicago's season.

Whether you're looking for training camp predictions, roster analysis, or the latest Bears intel, this episode has you covered.

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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.

What Ben Johnson Must Improve in Year 2 Jul 22, 2026

Show notes

Dan Bernstein and Matt Abbatacola discuss all things Chicago Bears on Forward Progress. On today's episode, the guys break down a critical area of Ben Johnson's offense that must improve in Year 2 if the Bears are going to repeat as NFC North champions and make another playoff run.

0:00 Red Zone Offense

12:00 ESPN Under 25

18:00 NFL News and Notes

They also react to ESPN's latest rankings of NFL teams based on players under 25 years old and examine where the Bears stack up against the rest of the league. To wrap up the show, Dan and Matt go around the NFL with the latest news, notes, and storylines from across the league.

New episodes of Forward Progress drop Monday through Friday at 1 p.m. CT. 🐻⬇️

#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.

Will Logan Jones Win the Chicago Bears Center Battle before Week One? Jul 21, 2026

Show notes

Dan Bernstein and Matt Abbatacola are here to help you survive the NFL offseason doldrums.

0:00 Logan Jones

15:00 Cam Skattebo

19:45 Bears Assistant Coach

26:50 Caleb's over/under

28:00 Fast Food

On today’s show, the guys break down Ben Solak’s latest ESPN article and discuss the five NFL rookies who could make the biggest impact this season. They also follow up on the viral Cam Skattebo backflip story and react to The Athletics’ list of assistant coaches poised for breakout years—does a Bears assistant make the cut?

Plus, Dan and Matt look at over/under expectations for Caleb Williams in 2026 and wrap things up with a look at the top 10 highest-grossing fast-food chains of 2025. Football, Bears talk, and fast food.

#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 Linked to Veteran LT Taylor Decker Jul 20, 2026

Show notes

Dan Bernstein and Matt Abbatacola break down the latest NFL headlines, starting with a Bleacher Report story suggesting former Detroit Lions standout Taylor Decker could extend his career into an 11th season — and potentially do it with the Chicago Bears.

0:00 Taylor Decker

5:15 Cam Skattebo

15:30 Ryan Gold

20:00 Albert Breer Storylines

23:45 Bill Barnwell's All-Backup Team

The guys also react to Cam Skattebo making news for all the wrong reasons and discuss Cardinals executive Ryan Gold's appeal of his league suspension. Plus, they dive into Albert Breer's intriguing 2026 NFL storylines and have some fun with Bill Barnwell's All-Backup Team.

#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.

After a Playoff Season, Kevin Warren Couldn't Fill the Room Jul 17, 2026

Show notes

Dan Bernstein and Matt Abbatacola discuss an eyebrow-raising turnout for a recent Kevin Warren football event, where roughly 75 people attended a presentation in a 300-seat auditorium. How does the president of Chicago's most popular sports franchise draw such a small crowd just months after a division title and a home playoff victory?

0:00 Kevin Warren

11:30 Bears D-Line

11:30 Bears Fan Survey

Three-plus years into his tenure, the Bears still don't have a new stadium project underway—no shovel in the ground, no finalized plan, and plenty of questions about the progress on the marquee assignment he was brought in to accomplish.

Plus, Dan and Matt dive into Kevin Fishbain's entertaining Bears Fan Survey from The Athletic.

New episodes of Forward Progress drop every weekday at 1 p.m. CT.

🏈🎙️

#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.

The Greatest NFL Coaches of All-Time Jul 16, 2026

Show notes

Dan Bernstein and Matt Abbatacola battle their way through another day in the NFL offseason content wasteland — and no, we're not talking about the Bears' rumored stadium site in Hammond.

0:00 Top 10 Safeties

6:00 Top 20 Coaches

17:00 Will Grier

19:00 Kevin Warren

22:00 Bears with most at stake

26:00 Best RB Duo

29:00 PFF Top 10 Coaches

With football news at a premium, the guys dive into ESPN's ranking of the NFL's top 10 safeties, debate CBS Sports' list of the 20 greatest coaches in NFL history, and take a moment to celebrate the remarkable career of former Bears preseason legend and quarterback Will Grier. It's another fun journey through the dog days of the football calendar.

#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.

Can Rome Odunze and Luther Burden Crack the NFL’s Top WR Rankings? Jul 15, 2026

Show notes

Dan Bernstein and Matt Abbatacola break down ESPN’s ranking of the Top 10 wide receivers heading into the 2026 season and ask the big question: Did any Chicago Bears pass-catchers make the list?

0:00 Bears Training at Stevenson HS

5:20 Top 10 WRs

9:45 Best Division in NFL

20:30 Player Updates

21:40 Kevin Warren

27:10 Freedom Gas

They also dive into a heated NFL debate, examining comments from NFL Network experts on the league’s best division and predicting who will come out on top in the NFC North. Plus, the latest update on the speaking engagement featuring Bears president Kevin Warren.

#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 Stadium Saga: Do the Indiana Numbers Add Up? Jul 14, 2026

Show notes

Dan Bernstein and Matt Abbatacola break down the latest reporting from the Chicago Tribune on the Bears’ ongoing stadium saga and a potential move to Indiana.

0:00 Bears Stadium

16:45 Top 10 Linebackers

21:00 All-Breakout Team

With questions surrounding the McCaskey family's ability to finance a new stadium project, the outlook remains uncertain as financial projections reportedly raise concerns about whether an Indiana development could generate enough revenue to make the plan viable.

Plus, the guys react to ESPN’s rankings of the NFL’s Top 10 linebackers and take a look at NFL.com’s 2026 All-Breakout Team, highlighting the players poised to make a major leap this 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.