The Charter: A Chicago Bears Podcast

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.

Ruthie Polinsky, Clay Harbor, and Alex Shapiro reunite to break down a pivotal stretch of Bears training camp. The crew shares their biggest takeaways from a physical week, including encouraging signs from the offensive line, a true battle brewing at cornerback, and the return of live tackling at Halas Hall. They dive into the state of the edge rushers, the developing left tackle competition with Kiran Amegadjie shining and Caleb Williams’ growing comfort under center.

The pads are finally on! Alex Shapiro and Clay Harbor break down the Bears' first padded practice of training camp and everything that came with it—from the offensive line standing tall in one-on-ones to a noticeable lack of chippiness on a steamy day at Halas Hall. The guys dive into the left tackle battle and explain why it's still wide open. They also talk DJ Moore lining up at running back, Colston Loveland’s rising stock, Jaquan Brisker’s new role in Dennis Allen’s defense.

Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor recap Day 3 of Bears training camp from Halas Hall. The offense had a tough day, especially in red zone drills, while the defense brought energy and forced turnovers. Clay shares observations from the trenches, including the battle at left tackle. The crew also discusses coaching expectations, practice intensity, and what to make of the early struggles. With pads set to come on next week, they break down what matters now and what doesn’t.

Ruthie Polinsky and Alex Shapiro check in from Halas Hall with their thoughts on the first two days of Bears training camp. They break down Ben Johnson’s decision to pull the first-team offense off the field, Luther Burden III’s absence, and early chemistry issues for Caleb Williams. The defense, meanwhile, is ahead of schedule—and the energy Dennis Allen is bringing to the unit is already showing. Plus, early standouts like Kyle Monangai, Ruben Hyppolite, and Ian Wheeler get their flowers as camp ramps up.

Training camp is here and the Charter crew is back! Ruthie, Clay, and Alex break down Ryan Poles’ extension, Jalen Johnson starting on NFI, Luther Burden’s fully guaranteed deal, and what to watch as the Bears hit the field.

With training camp around the corner, Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor tackle the 2025 Chicago Bears fan survey, talk about their confidence in Caleb Williams, confidence in Ben Johnson, and which offseason moves could define the year. From Clay's upcoming Euro trip to heated takes on stadium delays, we take you through the state of the Bears fan heading into a pivotal season.

Ruthie Polinsky is back with Clay Harbor to break down why the Bears’ offensive line is being called the most improved in the NFL. They dive into what the rankings mean, how the new coaching staff factors in, and what this all means for the offense heading into 2025. Also, Ruthie's European vacation recap and Clay's holiday weekend highlights.