The Charter: A Chicago Bears Podcast - podcast cover

The Charter: A Chicago Bears Podcast

Chicago Sports Networkdabearcast.podbean.com
The Charter Podcast is where you can find everything you need to know about the Chicago Bears. Our team of Ruthie Polinsky, Alex Shapiro, Clay Harbor, and Kevin Lapka 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 Monday, Wednesday, and Friday throughout the season.
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Episodes

Justin Fields speaks on his year with Matt Nagy, his WR corps, and new coach

A lot of changes have happened since the Bears drafted Justin Fields and we discuss his thoughts on his current situation. Ken Davis, Josh Schrock, and Alex Shapiro discuss a Bleacher Report interview Justin Fields did talking about his season under Matt Nagy, the public dismissal of the Bears WRs, and his thoughts on his coaches. Later, the guys discuss the national discussion around the Bears, and Robert Quinn trade possibilities. (5:54) - Justin Fields believes his WRs are good enough (9:40) ...

May 23, 202234 minEp. 597

Kyler Gordon shines in camp, and Trevor Siemian believes he can help Justin Fields

Mini camps continue and the reports about what's going on have been have been leaking out. The crew of Ken Davis, Alex Shapiro, and Josh Schrock discuss the various news and tidbits from camp including the reports that Kyler Gordon is dominating camp, Trevor Siemian on helping Justin Fields, and what should the Bears do with Robert Quinn. (2:50) - Kyler Gordon already impressing Bears teammates (9:00) - Trevor Siemian is looking to help Justin Fields (16:30) - Will the Bears trade or keep Robert...

May 19, 202230 minEp. 596

2022 Bears over/unders and will Akiem Hicks be a Bear?

The lines have been set so get ready to place your bets Bears fans. Ken Davis and NBCS Chicago Bears insider Josh Schrock discuss the betting lines for the Bears including the season win total, playoff chances, and division winner. They also discuss Akiem Hicks and will he be back as a Bear and discuss who they think is the strongest position group on the Bears. (3:00) - Bears over/under for regular-season wins is set at 6.5 (7:10) - NFC North division winner and playoff odds (15:40) - Should th...

May 16, 202225 minEp. 595

Recapping Bears rookie minicamp with new NBCS Bears insider Josh Schrock

NEW PLAYER! The crew gains an addition to the Under Center podcast crew. New Bears insider for NBCS Chicago Josh Schrock joins Ken Davis and Alex Shapiro as they break down the sights and sounds from Bears rookie minicamp, offensive coordinator Luke Getsy's plans for the offense, and the popular Bears topic of who will Justin Fields throw to. (2:15) - Getting to know new Bears insider Josh Schrock (9:50) - Is the Bears' offensive line complete? (14:40) - Breaking down the Bears' WR room (24:14) ...

May 12, 202230 minEp. 594

Bears offensive coordinator Luke Getsy on Justin Fields and the WR corps

Bears camp is starting to rev up as the rookie get ready for their first NFL camp. The coordinators speak over the weekend and none more important than the man in charge of helping Justin Fields, offensive coordinator Luke Getsy. Ken Davis and Alex Shapiro discuss Gretsy's plan for Justin Fields, Getsy's thoughts on the WR room for the Bears, and they get to an old favorite of the Under Center Podcast, THE PODCAST REVIEW OF THE DAY! (1:30) - Will Getsy coach Justin to be a "pocket passer"? (7:30...

May 09, 202231 minEp. 593

Bears draft recap, RGIII a potential target, and Ryan Poles’ WR issue

With a week to think about it, how are you feeling about Ryan Poles' first draft? Ken Davis, Alex Shapiro, and returning to the podcast after a little break, Eric Strobel discuss and recap their thoughts about the Bears draft including breaking down what was said at Halas Hall, the comments made by scout Chris Prescott about safety Jaquan Brisker, and the lack of overall talent in the wide receiver room. They also discuss Robert Griffin wanting to return to football and wanting to be a Bear. (4:...

May 05, 202239 minEp. 592

2022 NFL Draft Recap Day 3: Rounds 4-7 Ryan Poles selects 11 players

The Under Center Podcast crew of Ken Davis and former Chicago Bears star Alex Brown recaps the final day and rounds of the 2022 NFL Draft. The Bears started the day with just three picks, but new general manager Ryan Poles aggressively traded down and amassed EIGHT picks. He used a lot of them on the offensive line. The Under Center crew reacts to the picks. The guys listen to Bears scouts as they discuss why the Bears took their top 3 picks, and they answer questions. Make sure to subscribe to ...

May 01, 20221 hr 11 minEp. 591

2022 NFL Draft Recap Day 2: Bears draft Kyler Gordon, Jaquan Brisker, and Velus Jones

It's offical, Bears GM Ryan Poles has made his first 3 draft choices and seemingly went best player available as the strategy. Poles selects cornerback Kyler Gordon at number 39, safety Jaquan Brisker at number 48, and wide receiver Velus Jones at number 71. Ken Davis and former Bear Alex Brown react and discuss the second day of the NFL Draft and break down Ryan Poles' performance. They discuss did he fail Justin Fields by not taking a WR earlier in the draft, and what the strategy might be for...

Apr 30, 20221 hr 1 minEp. 590

NFL Draft Recap Round 1: Ryan Poles stays put and doesn’t move up

The Bears didn't have a draft pick in the first round but Ryan Poles said a to by not moving up. Ken Davis is joined by Alex Shapiro and Alex Brown to discuss the first round of the NFL Draft, including the biggest surprises, a look at the NFC North division to see who got better, and who will the Bears take with their first pick at 39? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Apr 29, 20221 hr 6 minEp. 589

Ryan Poles speaks to the media on getting prepared for the 2022 NFL Draft

We know this pod is late, but we had to make sure we heard from the guy himself before we dropped so here it is! Hot off the presses is a fresh Under Center pod with Ken Davis and Alex Shapiro as they discuss Ryan Poles speaking to the media about his thoughts on the draft. Ken and Alex break down what was said ahead of the first-year GM's first NFL draft, what they are expecting to see, and they break down the needs of the Bears. They also discuss Ryan Poles' thoughts on new WR Byron Pringle's ...

Apr 27, 202242 minEp. 588

Justin Fields, Roquan Smith, and Matt Eberflus speak as mini-camp begins

Voluntary workouts have begun and the Matt Eberflus has the team in good spirits. Eberflus, Justin Fields, and Roquan Smith speak on the state of the new era Bears the new regime. Ken Davis and Alex Shapiro break down the sights and sounds from minicamp, including how the O-line looks, what is the plan for Justin Fields, and what will be Matt Eberflus' impact on the defense. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-...

Apr 21, 202257 minEp. 587

Is Ryan Poles doing what’s best for Justin Fields?

The draft is only a week away now and the talk about what's going on around Justin Fields is heating up. Ken Davis and Alex Shapiro discuss an article by Connor Orr of Sports Illustrated suggesting that Justin Fields should demand a trade for how the Bears have treated him, and they discuss what head coach Mat Eberflus said to NFL analyst Chris Collinsworth how the plan for Fields. The guys also react to another 1yr deal Ryan Poles made by signing tight end James O’Shaughnessy. (1:39) - Is Justi...

Apr 18, 202227 minEp. 586

Top 5 things you need to know at the end of the 2022-23 Bears season

Even though Ryan Poles and the Bears are having a conservative offseason transaction wise, they are trying to build something solid and consistent for the future but there are things we absolutely need to know by the time the season ends. Ken Davis and Alex Shapiro select their top 5 things that we must know about the Bears at the end of the upcoming season for it to be a success. What is on your list? (3:48) - Bears updates: Voluntary workouts begin April 19th (6:40) - Will the Bears build a ne...

Apr 14, 202227 minEp. 585

Diving into Ryan Poles’ offseason strategy after CB Tavon Young signing

Ryan Poles addresses another need in signing cornerback Tavon Young to a one-year deal. With another player signed for only one year, what is Ryan Poles thinking and what is his strategy this offseason? Ken Davis and Alex Shapiro break down the signing and if Ryan Poles playing the long game and being patient for the draft or next offseason. The guys also discuss the tragic passing of quarterback Dwayne Haskins. (1:15) - Bears sign Tavon Young but has an injury history (5:00) - Are Bears fans bo...

Apr 11, 202224 minEp. 584

Fan Controlled Football, a new football experience w/ commissioner Ray Austin

Fan Controlled Football is a new league that is going to take the game in a direction never seen before. Directly to the fans! Ken Davis is joined by the commissioner of the FCF, former Bear Ray Austin as they discuss what is fans controlled football and how fans can be in charge of their own in-game experience and coverage of the sport they love. They also discuss growing a new football league and Ray's time as a Bear. Check out the start of the season on April 16th on Peacock and NBCLX. (1:47)...

Apr 07, 202249 minEp. 583

Who are the top 10 WRs the Bears can draft in the 2nd round?

As Ryan Poles rebuilds the Bears, the WR position hasn't been fully addressed and with the NFL Draft coming up on April 28th, he can certainly find players in such a deep class of pass-catchers but who will be available in the second round and how should they rank on a draft board? Ken Davis and Alex Shapiro discuss which players you should be looking out for as the Bears make their first selection in the second round of this year's draft. (3:47) - Jameson Williams (Alabama) (10:52) - Treylon Bu...

Apr 04, 202252 minEp. 582

New NFL overtime rules and McCaskey, Poles, and Eberflus speak to the media

Changes are being made around the NFL at the annual NFL owners meetings. Along with other rules, the biggest change is the new overtime rule. Ken Davis and Alex Shapiro discuss the impact of the overtime rule and if they agree with the change. Also, the Bear's decision-makers speak to the media and discuss the offseason so far and their plans for the rest of the offseason. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-in...

Mar 31, 202239 minEp. 581

Matt Eberflus wants a ”different pace” running game and seeks out former Bears

So much to discuss and so much to catch up on over the weekend. Ken Davis and Alex Shapiro break down the Matt Eberflus interview in which he discussed what he wants from the run game and the different personnel he would like to see. Eberflus also discusses reaching out to former Bears to get their ideas and expertise to improve the team. Ken and Alex also discuss the loss of Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins and the slap seen around the world at the Oscars. (2:43) - Eberflus discusses helping...

Mar 28, 202258 minEp. 580

Tyreek Hill to the Dolphins, is this the wildest NFL off-season of all time?

The wild NFL off-season continues as another blockbuster trade goes down as Tyreek Hill of the Kansas City Chiefs is traded to the Miami Dolphins. This has to be the craziest NFL off-season of all time. Ken Davis, Eric Strobel, Alex Shapiro, and Tony Gill discuss the trade and if the Bears were looking into a deal for the wide receiver and break down the strategy Bears GM Ryan Poles is implementing to bring the Bears back. (9:00) - Breaking down the Chiefs trade of Tyreek Hill to the Dolphins (3...

Mar 24, 20221 hr 8 minEp. 579

Ryan Poles introduces six new Bears and how they will improve the roster

The Bears introduced officially the first wave of new Bears this offseason and the first set of free agents in the tenure of new GM Ryan Poles. Center Lucas Patrick, defensive tackle Justin Jones, defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad, linebacker Nicholas Morrow and receivers Byron Pringle and Equanimeous St. Brown are ready to make an impact this year. Ken Davis and Alex Shapiro breakdown Ryan Poles' press conference on the new players and what they expect from each. Also, the guys discuss the Desha...

Mar 21, 202252 minEp. 578

Larry Ogunjobi fails physical, will not sign with Bears

After a failed physical, the Chicago Bears will not sign Cincinnati Bengals defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi. On an emergency episode of the Under Center Podcast, host Ken Davis and Eric Strobel react to the news and where the Bears go from here so late into free agency. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Mar 18, 202242 minEp. 577

Ryan Poles signs Ogunjobi and Patrick but no wide receivers yet

Free agency continues and Ryan Poles seems to have the strategy of building his team inside first then out with his signings so far. Should fans be worried or be patient? Ken Davis, Eric Strobel, and Alex Shapiro discuss the recent Bear signings and the strategy Poles is using to rebuild the roster. (7:00) - Will the Bears be competitive this season? (15:00) - WR options for the Bears (27:00) - How impactful will Larry Ogunjobi be on the defense? (39:30) - How will Poles reshape the offensive li...

Mar 17, 202256 minEp. 576

Tom Brady returns, Bears WR options, and Ryan Poles cuts Tarik Cohen

I mean, are we surprised? Tom Brady announces that he's returning to the NFL after only a few months in retirement and the NFC has shifted once again this offseason. Ken Davis and Alex Shapiro discuss Brady's return and the impact it will have on the NFC. Later in the pod, the guys discuss the fleeting WR free-agent market as the top talent seems to be slipping away and they discuss the Tarik Cohen and Eddie Goldman cuts by Ryan Poles. (1:40) - Tom Brady un-retires. Dude just go away (8:00) - NF...

Mar 14, 202235 minEp. 575

Bears trade Khalil Mack to L.A. Chargers

The Chicago Bears have traded Khalil Mack to the Los Angeles Chargers. It's the first big move under new general manager Ryan Poles. The Bears landed two NFL Draft picks in exchange for Mack and the Chargers will take on all of Mack's salary. On an emergency Under Center podcast, host Ken Davis, former player Alex Brown and writer Alex Shapiro react to the Bears trading away their defensive face of the franchise. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at ht...

Mar 11, 202242 minEp. 574

Russell Wilson to the Broncos, Aaron Rodgers to the Packers, & Calvin Ridley suspended

Big moves are happening in the NFL and some impact the Bears. Ken Davis, Eric Strobel, and Alex Shapiro discuss all the latest news around the NFL including, Aaron Rodgers returning to the Green Bay Packers and the NFC North to be the highest-paid player in NFL history, Russell Wilson being traded to the Denver Broncos, and how gambling is impacting the NFL with Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley gets suspended for betting on NFL games. (3:50) - Did anyone in Chicago believe Aaron Rodge...

Mar 10, 202240 minEp. 573

Mitch Trubisky an NFL starter again, and should Bears trade up for Chris Olave

Mitch Trubisky enters the news cycle again as he enters free agency with multiple teams reported to be interested. Can Mitch change his career narrative? Ken Davis and Alex Shapiro discuss Trubisky and where they think he might land and where they think his career will end up. Later in the pod, the guys discuss the NFL Combine and if the Bears should think about moving up in the draft to take Justin Fields' former teammate Chris Olave. (10:20) - Where will Mitch Trubisky land? (15:00) - Player c...

Mar 07, 202234 minEp. 572

Could Amari Cooper be the Bears future at wide receiver?

In a surprising but not so surprising move, the Dallas Cowboys released wide receiver, Amari Cooper, making him available via free agency. With the uncertainty about Allen Robinson and the Bears' obvious need for playmakers along side Justin Fields, should he be a must-have for the Bears this offseason? Ken Davis and Alex Shapiro discuss Cooper and if he can be the next number 1 target for Justin Fields and what they think GM Ryan Poles should do. (7:00) - Should Amari Cooper be the Bears' first...

Mar 04, 202231 minEp. 571

Ryan Poles and Matt Eberflus talk strategy at the NFL Combine

The NFL Combine is in full effect as teams get prepared for this year's NFL Draft including new Bears GM and head coach Ryan Poles and Matt Eberflus. They speak to the media about what they are looking for and how they are looking to build. Ken Davis, Adam Hoge, and Alex Shapiro react to the comments made by the GM and coach on how they are attacking the combine, what they like about the current roster, and philosophy going forward. (2:20) - Ryan Poles speaks about the current roster (11:00) - P...

Mar 02, 202245 minEp. 570

Depression, Death, and Triumph, the Erik Kramer story pt. 2

In part two of this series, Ken Davis continues the interview with former Bears quarterback Erik Kramer as they discuss the lowest point of his life, his attempted suicide in a hotel room that should have cost his life. Later in the pod, Kramer also discusses how his ex-wife defrauded him and had him arrested. The Erik Kramer story is certainly an interesting tale, but in the end, he still continues to work in his community and is getting better every day. (1:00) - Erik Kramer on being in a hote...

Feb 24, 202255 minEp. 569

Depression, death, and triumph, the Erik Kramer story pt. 1

The story of Erik Kramer is one of triumph but also of pain. The former Bears quarterback and holder of one of the greatest individual seasons in Bears history joins Ken Davis in a two-part series to discuss his career in the NFL, the death of his parents, the tragic death of his son, his battle with depression, and how he's fighting every day to improve. (2:30) - Kramer discusses his Bears career and the magical 1995 season (11:30) - Breaking down Justin Fields as a quarterback (17:15) - Kramer...

Feb 21, 202245 minEp. 568
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