The Charter: A Chicago Bears Podcast

Ruthie Polinsky and Alex Shapiro are joined by Bay Area News Group reporter Cam Inman for an inside look at the 49ers ahead of this Sunday's matchup vs the Bears. He helps explain Kyle Shanahan's standing with the team and the job security rumors. Cam goes into how the turnover at defensive coordinator has effected the team and the pass rush issues. Also, Christian McCaffrey's injury riddled season and Deebo Samuel's drop-off, and much more!  

Ruthie Polinsky and Alex Shapiro will be looking into potential head coaching candidates for the Chicago Bears. Up first: Lions OC Ben Johnson. But first, they talk about their takeaways from the Ryan Poles/Kevin Warren press conference and the pressure mounting for Ryan Poles. A lot of key Bears have landed on the injury report. Will this lead to a bounce back game for the injury plagued 49ers? Also, we get a Vibe Check on Thomas Brown, Kevin Warren, and the importance of the remaining schedule.

Alex Shapiro and Clay Harbor react to another stunning end to a Bears game. We break down the clock management on the final drive, the offensive struggles in the first half, and the Bears recent efforts to stop the run. We also prepare ourselves to begin Mock Draft Season and much more!

Ruthie Polinsky and Alex Shapiro are joined by Lions team reporter Dannie Rogers. She helps paint the picture of where the Lions season expectations stand. Dannie expands on the tenacity that Dan Campbell has brought to the Lions since his arrival and rebounding after last year’s loss in the NFC Championship game. Also, the relationship between the Lion’s 1-2 punch at running back and the keys to Jared Goff’s success in Detroit. As well as the potential departure of both sought after coordinators.

Alex Shapiro, Clay Harbor, and Kevin Lapka react to the Bears overtime loss to the Minnesota Vikings. They get into the impressive performance by Caleb Williams against a tough Brian Flores defense and the strides he is making with Thomas Brown calling plays. The crew talk about an uncharacteristic showing on the defensive side of the ball and continued struggles on special teams.

Ruthie Polinsky and Alex Shapiro are joined by Matthew Coller who covers the Minnesota Vikings. He shines a light on how the Vikings have played to a 8-2 record when the preseason expectations were so low. Sam Darnold's performance after taking over for the season after JJ McCarthy was hurt in preseason action. And what Brian Flores has brought to the Vikings defense to have them playing at such a high level. Also, Kevin O'Connell and his case for Coach of the Year.

Alex Shapiro and Ruthie Polinsky talk about the criticism that has followed Matt Eberflus following his decision making at the end of the Packers game. Alex breaks down the differences he saw in the offense after reviewing the All-22. Ruthie points out the things the Bears can do against the Vikings offense. Also the debut of Vibe Check!

Alex Shapiro and Clay Harbor react to the Bears losing to the Packers after having a game-winning field goal attempt blocked. What is the feeling in the locker room after the game? They evaluate how Caleb Williams and the offense looked in their first game with Thomas Brown as play-caller. How do the Bears approach the rest of the season with the playoffs seemingly out of reach?

Ruthie Polinsky and Alex Shapiro are joined by Carmen Vitali who covers the NFL for FOX Sports. She brings us the national perspective on how the week has shaken out for the Bears. They talk about what new OC Thomas Brown needs to bring to get Caleb Williams and the offense back on track. Also Jordan Love's keys to success and the impact of Xavier McKinney on the Packers defense. And much more!

Alex Shapiro returns to the podcast with Ruthie Polinsky. Alex gives his perspective on the Bears' recent struggles. They talk about Thomas Brown bringing a different approach and focus to the offense. They look back at the hiring process that landed Shane Waldron in Chicago. Matt Eberflus acknowledging his struggles to identify a play-caller. Injury updates and more!