The Charter: A Chicago Bears Podcast

The Bears are fresh off their first win and now it’s on to Vegas. Ruthie and Clay break down what needs to carry over from the Cowboys game, how the offense is finding its rhythm, and why this matchup could be all about protecting the QB, running the ball, and winning on special teams. Plus, how the defense can keep building momentum and why 2–2 at the bye would flip the whole narrative.

Ben Johnson called out the Bears’ practice habits—Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor explain why that matters and how it translates vs. the Cowboys. We cover Caleb Williams’ progression, the OL’s path to keeping him clean, where Dallas can be attacked, and whether Chicago can build momentum into the bye. Plus, Matt Eberflus’ zone tendencies, Dak’s command at the line, injury context in the secondary, and the Tom Brady broadcast/owner conversation.

Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor diagnose the Bears’ Monday night collapse against Minnesota—penalties, late-game defense, and Caleb’s accuracy—before flipping the page to a hostile trip to Detroit. They dig into what Jaylon Johnson’s return unlocks for Dennis Allen, why silent count and cleaner pre-snap ops are non-negotiable, how interior pressure can rattle Jared Goff, and what Ben Johnson must change in his Detroit homecoming. Plus: O-line accountability, run-game tweaks, and final picks for Bears-Lions.

The Charter kicks off the season as Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor break down Week 1 for the Chicago Bears. They start with Thursday night’s opener before diving into the Bears-Vikings matchup: how Chicago’s offensive line holds up against a disruptive front, why cadence can be a weapon against disguised looks, and what the defense must do to slow down Minnesota’s run game and a first-time starter at quarterback. They also hit on a few key injury concerns and share why manageable downs will decide the night.

Ruthie Polinsky, Clay Harbor, and David Haugh are joined by ESPN’s Courtney Cronin on The Big Pro Football Show to react to a stunner in the NFC North: the Green Bay Packers have acquired Micah Parsons from the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for two first-round picks and DT Kenny Clark, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. After breaking down what this blockbuster means for the Bears and the division, we turn to our planned episode with Alex Shapiro, Ruthie, and Clay to tackle the Bears’ biggest questions — health concerns on defense, the uncertainty at left tackle, and which players they expect to emerge as leaders in the 2025 campaign.

The Bears’ preseason clash with the Chiefs gave us plenty to unpack. Ruthie Polinsky, Clay Harbor, and Alex Shapiro break down the sloppiness from the starters, the wake-up call for the defense, and what stood out from Caleb Williams, D'Andre Swift, and the offensive line. Then Ruthie shares her exclusive sit-down with the Bears QB2 after his big weekend that included a contract extension and throwing the first pitch at the White Sox game. Plus, roster cutdowns are looming: which fringe players helped their case, and how will injuries shake up the 53-man roster?

The Bears put together a dominant 38–0 preseason win over the Bills, and Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor are breaking it all down. From Caleb Williams’ sharp opening drive to Tyson Bagent’s extended run, the quarterbacks gave Chicago plenty to be excited about. The crew also dives into the left tackle battle, the running back room, Austin Booker’s emergence on defense, and whether the Bears should kick the tires on outside help before the season opener in Minnesota.

With joint practices against the Bills on deck and preseason game No. 2 around the corner, Ruthie Polinsky, Alex Shapiro, and Clay Harbor dive deep into the Bears’ left tackle battle, Caleb Williams’ progress, and which position matchups will define the week. The crew breaks down Theo Benedet’s surprise reps with the ones, what it means for Braxton Jones and Ozzie Trapilo, and whether a rotation at tackle could linger into the season. Plus, they preview key storylines for joint practices — from testing the run defense against James Cook to how the secondary will hold up against Josh Allen — and share what they want to see from the starters in their first in-game action.

The Bears’ preseason opener against the Dolphins ends in a 24-24 tie, but there’s no shortage of takeaways for Ruthie Polinsky, Alex Shapiro, and Clay Harbor. The Charter crew debates Caleb Williams sitting out, breaks down Tyson Bagent’s full first half, and evaluates strong defensive showings from Noah Sewell, Austin Booker, and Dominique Robinson. They highlight Kyle Monangai’s running style, rookie performances, and Olamide Zaccheaus’ rising role. Plus, thoughts on Ben Johnson’s aggressive calls, special teams miscues, and what to watch ahead of joint practices with the Bills.

Ruthie Polinsky, Alex Shapiro, and Clay Harbor dive deep into the latest from Bears training camp and Family Fest, breaking down the offensive growing pains, the rise of rookies, and the heated left tackle battle featuring Ozzy Trapilo. The crew also discusses the defense’s aggressive identity under Dennis Allen, DJ Moore lining up at running back, and the buzz (and hypothetical price) for a Micah Parsons trade. Plus, joint practices with the Dolphins are on the horizon.