The Charter: A Chicago Bears Podcast

Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor break down the Bears–Eagles Black Friday clash. They examine how a healthier defense could change C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s role, who’s primed for a breakout performance, and how Ozzy Trapilo fits the Bears’ OL equation going forward. They also discuss what Caleb Williams needs to deliver four clean quarters, how the Bears can force the Eagles into mistakes, and ways Chicago can take advantage of the Philly atmosphere. Plus: defensive injury updates, score predictions, and a Thanksgiving-themed closing question — what are you thankful for?

Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor preview Bears–Steelers in Week 12 as Chicago looks to improve to 8–3 on the season. They talk through the latest on Aaron Rodgers’ injury, whether we’ll see him or Mason Rudolph, and how much that actually affects the matchup. Clay breaks down what Caleb Williams and the Bears offensive line will need to handle from Pittsburgh’s pass rush, and how injuries at linebacker could factor into the Steelers’ ground game. They revisit the up-and-down special teams performance against the Vikings, discuss Ben Johnson’s game management and message to Caleb, and close the show with a thank you and farewell to producer Edgar Perez.

Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor are back on The Charter and they look back at what’s changed for the Bears since Week 1. They break down a more consistent run game, Caleb Williams settling in, and how Ben Johnson’s approach has shaped the offense. They also talk through the challenges of facing Brian Flores’ defense, J.J. McCarthy’s development, and how the Bears can handle Minnesota’s playmakers while dealing with their own injuries in the secondary. And finally, the potential expanded roles for Colston Loveland and Luther Burden and wrap up with their game picks.

Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor get you ready for Sunday’s matchup. The crew breaks down why this game is crucial for the Bears’ playoff chances, how Ben Johnson’s offense has built confidence in the run game, and why Darnell Wright’s growth has been a key part of that success. Clay explains what makes the Giants’ defensive front dangerous, the plan to handle Brian Burns, and how the Bears’ physical style could set the tone early.

The Bears sign C.J. Gardner-Johnson. Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor break down what his arrival means for a banged up defense. We dive into why this addition could inject attitude into the locker room, how his connection with Dennis Allen helps him fit fast, and what kind of spark he can bring right away in Cincinnati. Then we turn to the Bengals matchup: Joe Flacco availability, defensive line pressure problems, red zone failures, and why this week feels like a must-win for Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson’s offense.

Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor break down the stakes for Chicago heading into Week 8 against the Ravens. They discuss the defense’s breakout performance this season and what Caleb Williams needs to clean up after a shaky outing vs. the Saints. The crew hits on Tremaine Edmunds’ renewed play, Colston Loveland’s growing role, why the run game is finally rolling, and how Ben Johnson’s leadership is setting the tone. Plus: what a win with Lamar would really say about this Bears team.

Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor set the stage as the Saints are set to visit the Bears. They break down why weather tilts toward Chicago, how D'Andre Swift can drive the run game, and what Jake Moody’s call-up means with Cairo Santos ruled out. Clay outlines the blueprint on how each team can pull out the victory. Plus: Dennis Allen’s inside intel on New Orleans and Rattler vs. Caleb by the numbers.

With Chicago fresh off the bye week, Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor dive back into Bears football with renewed energy and plenty to unpack. They discuss the team’s momentum, Ben Johnson’s offensive reset, and how Kyler Gordon and Tyrique Stevenson can spark the defense. Plus, a full Bears-Commanders Monday night preview featuring Caleb Williams vs. Jaden Daniels and the key matchups that will define it.

Bears hit the bye after a razor-thin win in Vegas: early defensive takeaways, special-teams heroics, and Caleb’s clutch drive — but big concerns with run D, pass rush, and run-game identity. We sort out the O-line shuffle (Theo at LT), what Ben Johnson wants next, rapid-fire the entire NFL, and look ahead to MNF vs. Washington.

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.