

The Charter: A Chicago Bears Podcast
Chicago Sports Network
The Charter Podcast is where you can find everything you need to know about the Chicago Bears. Our team of Ruthie Polinsky & Clay Harbor bring you postgame reaction, interviews, and game previews. We’ll provide you with latest and have some fun along the way. New episodes available every Thursday throughout the season.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 2, 2024 • 44min
Bears vs. Texans takeaways: Roster risers, potential depth issues
On the latest episode of the Under Center Podcast, hosts Kenneth Davis and Josh Schrock share their thoughts on the Bears' preseason-opening win vs. the Texans. How did Tyson Bagent look in his lone series (1:00)? They discuss the challenges and potential solutions for fixing and forming the offensive line (3:25) and debate Larry Borom's value as a backup (5:09). Were they wrong about Khalil Herbert’s role on this team and his future with the Bears (6:45)? The hosts break down Brett Rypien's day at QB (10:15) and compare the execution differences between former OC Luke Getsy and current OC Shane Waldron (12:45). They analyze wide receiver Collin Johnson's standout performance and talk about chances of making the roster (14:46). They also highlight offensive backups and address concerns about the Bears' talent depth (23:40). Defensive standouts, including rookie Austin Booker, are discussed (24:43), and they celebrate DJ Moore's contract extension (31:09).
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Jul 31, 2024 • 29min
Breaking down Bears training camp: Caleb Williams, offensive struggles, and defensive standouts
On the latest Under Center Podcast, host Kenneth Davis, Josh Schrock, and Alex Shapiro dive into the ups and downs of Bears training camp. Caleb Williams and the offense are struggling, but no alarm bells yet (1:00). Which defensive back will make the biggest leap, Kyler Gordon or Tyrique Stevenson (4:00)? They discuss the offensive line challenges (6:40), Montez Sweat’s intense practice incident (9:10), and expectations for Darnell Wright (10:25). Plus, insights on Jaylon Johnson’s potential breakout season (15:20), the new NFL kickoff rules (21:30), and players to watch in the Hall of Fame Game (22:35). Don’t miss the latest updates on Bears camp and Hall of Fame nods for Devin Hester, Steve “Mongo” McMichael, and Julius Peppers (25:05).
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Jul 26, 2024 • 43min
Bears Training Camp breakdown: Defense shines and Caleb Williams’ impact
On the latest episode of the Under Center Podcast, hosts Kenneth Davis and Josh Schrock dive into the Chicago Bears' training camp. Josh highlights the defense's impressive performance and praises the secondary (1:02). They discuss Caleb Williams' reception by fans and media (3:55) and if they think he has the ability to win games from the pocket (5:42). The duo analyzes offensive lineman Teven Jenkins' standout practice performance (9:17) and Gervon Dexter Sr.’s promising play (10:22) while considering if the Bears need a veteran pass rusher (11:53). Later, they praise the Bears' defensive backs for their camp performance (14:45). They also discuss Caleb's positive leadership (20:50), debating his Hall of Fame game participation (23:25). Lastly, they discuss what they have seen from Rome Odunze and the other wide receivers (34:50).
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Jul 24, 2024 • 31min
Bears Training Camp breakdown: Evaluating Caleb Williams and the new offense
On the latest episode of the Under Center Podcast, host Kenneth Davis, Josh Schrock, and Alex Shapiro break down the pros and cons of Caleb Williams' performance so far in training camp (1:00) and how players are reacting to Shane Waldron's new offense (5:00). Discover which receivers Williams has developed quick chemistry with (7:00) and how the running backs are being utilized (10:10). The trio also provides an in-depth analysis of the offensive line and a breakdown of the center competition (12:30). Find out how tight ends Cole Kmet, Gerald Everett, and Marcedes Lewis have been used so far (15:05) and learn about which player has been a surprise standout so far (16:38). They also discuss how good the Bears offense needs to be for Shane Waldron to get a head coaching job (19:21). Plus, hear DeMarcus Walker's thoughts on Caleb Williams (21:09), get a breakdown of Andrew Billings (23:02), and find out the expectations for Gervon Dexter Sr. (25:07). Don't miss this comprehensive training camp analysis!
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Jul 19, 2024 • 32min
Caleb Williams’ bold signing move and Bears’ key offseason strategies
On the latest Under Center Podcast, hosts Kenneth Davis and Josh Schrock discuss Caleb Williams finally signing his rookie deal and what caused the delay (1:12). They explore Caleb's trailblazing impact (2:44), his understanding of football business (5:12), and how NFL teams might need to adapt to quarterbacks (8:00). The hosts set expectations for Rome Odunze and the WR room (10:35), and highlighted Odunze's impressive maturity (12:24). They delved into Cole Kmet's emerging leadership (16:19) and Eddie Jackson's move to the Ravens (17:50). Plus, they discuss Caleb Williams' preseason playtime (19:00), GM Ryan Poles' defensive line plans (20:55), and break down the offensive line (26:00). Don't miss this episode packed with insights and updates on the Bears!
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Jul 17, 2024 • 32min
Inside Chicago Bears guard Teven Jenkin’s offseason with Carmen Vitali
On this episode of the Under Center Podcast, Fox Sports’ Carmen Vitali joins Kenneth Davis and Alex Shapiro to discuss her feature on Teven Jenkins. Carmen discuss why she was interested in covering Jenkins’ offseason work out and what impressed her most about the guard. They also discuss how Shane Waldron taking over as offensive coordinator has impacted Teven’s game. Later, Carmen reveals what she thinks the Bears need to do in order to move out of the basement of the NFC North. Finally, Carmen shares her thoughts on EA Sports College Football 25 and the Pac-12 folding.
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Jul 10, 2024 • 32min
Bears fantasy football breakdown with NBC Sports’ Connor Rogers
On the latest Under Center Podcast, NBC Sports' NFL Draft and Fantasy Football expert Connor Rogers joins Kenneth Davis and Alex Shapiro. They dive into why Bears players can make an impact on fantasy teams, with DJ Moore and Keenan Allen leading the pack (1:07). Discover why you shouldn't overlook the Bears' tight ends (3:30) and how Caleb Williams stacks up in the fantasy quarterback tiers (6:55). Connor also weighs in on the Bears' defense (8:56) and the impact Shane Waldron will have on the offense(13:33). Who is the top fantasy player in the NFC North (18:00)? Would D'Andre Swift be a good addition to your team (20:13)? Fianally, they talk draft strategies (22:02), sleeper picks (24:48), and must-watch rookies, like Malik Nabers (27:00). Don't miss this episode packed with essential fantasy football tips!
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Jul 8, 2024 • 35min
Can Matt Eberflus win Coach of the Year?
On the latest Under Center Podcast, Kenneth Davis and Alex Shapiro debate Matt Eberflus' chances of winning Coach of the Year. They discuss whether being the favorite is a good or bad sign (4:00) and why nine wins won't cut it for the award (7:00). They also explore how Eberflus could lose out to Robert Saleh or Jim Harbaugh (10:12) and if he can turn the Bears' fortunes around in close games (12:00). Plus, they look at the comparisons to Matt Nagy's 2018 season (16:00), discuss defensive play-calling challenges (20:39), and the potential impact of Montez Sweat (26:36). Can the Bears' defense drive them to success?
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Jul 3, 2024 • 30min
Behind-the-scenes of Hard Knocks, why HBO selected Bears with producer Shannon Furman
On the latest episode of the Under Center Podcast, Kenneth Davis and Alex Shapiro are joined by Shannon Furman, the supervising producer of HBO's Hard Knocks, to give an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming season featuring the Chicago Bears. Shannon shares what it's like to bring the charter franchise on board (1:00) and reveals the most exciting storylines to watch, including the WR room, the young guys, and defensive backs (2:45). She discusses how Caleb Williams' presence made the Bears a compelling choice for Hard Knocks (4:22) and her excitement about telling the story of Rome Odunze (5:20). Shannon also shares surprising moments from filming (6:20) and highlights Aaron Rodgers as a great character (8:42). Shannon dives into stories about Antonio Brown, including his memorable hot air balloon arrival at training camp (18:21), and discusses her trailblazing role for women in NFL Films (22:05). Finally, she talks about the appetite for NFL Films, the growth of NFL media, and what's next on the horizon (26:12). Don't miss this fascinating episode filled with exclusive insights and stories!
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Jul 1, 2024 • 39min
Are the Bears overhyped? Playoff chances, roster changes & NFC North showdown
On the latest Under Center Podcast, Kenneth Davis and Alex Shapiro tackle ESPN's surprising analytics on the Bears' playoff chances despite a revamped roster (4:00). They break down the NFC North showdown, debating if the Bears can compete with the Lions and Packers and if the missing pass rusher could be their Achilles' heel (9:00). Plus, they dive into the challenges facing Caleb Williams and the offense, the potential running back carousel (15:00), and discuss if this is the most excitement the Bears have seen in years (28:20). Don't miss this in-depth analysis!
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