Ruthie Polinsky, Alex Shapiro, and Clay Harbor are joined by Bob Condotta for a northwest coast look at the Seahawks visiting the Chicago Bears for Thursday Night Football. They talk about the importance of this game for the Seahawks' playoff chances. They also look back at the hiring process of Shane Waldron, who was the OC in Seattle prior to his brief time in Chicago. Bob talks about the process that got new head coach Mike MacDonald to Seattle and the down year for Geno Smith as well as the ...
Dec 25, 2024•31 min•Ep. 929
Alex Shapiro is joined by Clay Harbor and Kevin Lapka to break down the Bears loss to the Detroit Lions. Caleb Williams and the passing game shined, unfortunately it wasn't enough. They discuss Keenan Allen's future with the team as his connection with Caleb Williams has been on display recently. More injuries on the offensive line and a quiet day from the defensive line raise more concerns about roster depth. They also talk about Ben Johnson and how attractive the Bears head coaching job will l...
Dec 23, 2024•49 min•Ep. 928
Ruthie Polinsky and Alex Shapiro are joined by long time Bears beat reporter Mark Potash. They get Mark's insight on how this disappointing season stacks up against other painful seasons. They also talk about the state of the locker room and the coaching style that would best fit with the current roster. Mark also details his level of concern with Caleb Williams in his rookie season along with the challenges Ben Johnson would face as the next head coach.
Dec 20, 2024•33 min•Ep. 927
Ruthie Polinsky and Alex Shapiro are joined by Clay Harbor for a mid-week Vibe Check. We discuss the tough position Kiran Amegadjie was put in for his first career start and would a second look show better results? The crew discuss the need for the young players to get a chance to show what they can bring to the team. There is also an argument for the veteran players needing to prove they have the motivation to fight. We also bring you a look at head coach candidate Joe Brady.
Dec 18, 2024•45 min•Ep. 926
Alex Shapiro, Clay Harbor, and Kevin Lapka react to another uninspiring Bears performance. They give their concerns with Caleb Williams’ play. The guys go over the struggles by the O-line and Kiran Amegadjie’s first start at left tackle. Key players are underperforming but does the tape still show the effort? Those answers will determine Ryan Poles’ future. The defense has been bitten by the injury bug recently but there might have been a couple bright spots. Roster construction and Caleb’s conf...
Dec 17, 2024•42 min•Ep. 925
Ruthie Polinsky and Alex Shapiro catch up with Vikings beat reporter, Ben Goessling to talk about their big Monday night matchup versus the Bears. They cover the impressive play of the Vikings compared to the league’s expectation to start the season. Ben also covers the plan for Sam Darnold should he continue to lead the Vikings offense and what happens to JJ McCarthy. Aaron Jones and Jordan Addison are playing major roles in the offense, Ben explains how they are taking advantage of their oppon...
Dec 13, 2024•27 min•Ep. 924
Ruthie Polinsky and Alex Shapiro are joined by Clay Harbor on today’s episode. They get a Vibe Check on Thomas Brown’s debut at HC, how Eric Washington handled the defense, and Caleb William’s play. Clay Harbor also identifies someone that may be flying under the radar during all the drama at Halas Hall. Also, Alex Shapiro lays out the resume of Mike Vrabel and his case for being the next head coach of the Chicago Bears.
Dec 11, 2024•39 min•Ep. 923
Alex Shapiro and Kevin Lapka react to the newly led Bears and their loss to the 49ers 38-13. They attempt to explain the woeful first half on offense and the lone bright spot. They also get into the defensive struggles now that Matt Eberflus isn’t calling the plays. Is Ryan Poles’ job security under a microscope? And the chances we see another Bears W this season.
Dec 09, 2024•36 min•Ep. 922
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!
Dec 06, 2024•36 min•Ep. 921
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...
Dec 04, 2024•48 min•Ep. 920
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!
Nov 29, 2024•39 min•Ep. 919
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 coordinator...
Nov 27, 2024•34 min•Ep. 918
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.
Nov 25, 2024•46 min•Ep. 917
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.
Nov 22, 2024•28 min•Ep. 916
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!
Nov 20, 2024•42 min•Ep. 915
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?
Nov 17, 2024•32 min•Ep. 914
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!
Nov 15, 2024•29 min•Ep. 913
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!
Nov 13, 2024•36 min•Ep. 912
The Chicago Bears lose 19-3 to the New England Patriots. Michael Bolling, Kevin Lapka, and Clay Harbor are back to react to the stunning performance. In a game looked at as a bounce back spot, the Bears were held to only 3 points and Matt Eberflus' seat is hotter than ever.
Nov 11, 2024•52 min•Ep. 911
Ruthie Polinsky is joined by Phil Perry from NBCS Boston for an insider perspective on the New England Patriots. They talk about how the Patriots look in the post-Belichick era, the development of Drake Maye, and how Jerod Mayo is handling his first year as a head coach.
Nov 08, 2024•33 min•Ep. 910
Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor react to the news of Andrew Billings' pec surgery and what this mean for the Bears defense. They touch on the recent play of DJ Moore. Caleb Williams missing open receivers and much more!
Nov 06, 2024•31 min•Ep. 909
The Chicago Bears fall flat against the Arizona Cardinals. Michael Bolling, Kevin Lapka, and Clay Harbor react to another troubling loss. They talk about the poor offensive performance and question Matt Eberflus' handle on the team. Also their reaction to the pregame report on how Tyrique Stevenson handled his demotion.
Nov 04, 2024•50 min•Ep. 908
We welcome in Bo Brack from PHNX to break down Sunday matchup between the Bears and Cardinals. We discuss the impact that Tray McBride has made since coming into the league. Did Arizona spot a soft spot in the Bears defense? Jonathan Gannon coaching under Matt Eberflus. Also, the Cardinals defense not overlooking up and down start to Caleb Williams career.
Nov 01, 2024•21 min•Ep. 907
The Chicago Bears try to right the ship as we continue to digest what transpired from the Hail Mary loss to the Commanders. Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor react to the questions of accountability surrounding the team. They also dive into their level of concern with the growing list of names being added to the injury report. Finally, what the Bears' record on the road says about Matt Eberflus.
Oct 30, 2024•30 min•Ep. 906
After battling back to take the lead, the Washington Commanders hand the Bears a crushing loss by completing a Hail Mary on the final play of the game. Alex Shapiro, Clay Harbor, and Kevin Lapka lead the show and give their reaction. They discuss the shocking end to the game, the role Tyrique Stevenson may have played in the final play, and D'Andre Swift's consistent play as of late.
Oct 28, 2024•55 min•Ep. 905
Get ready for the Bears-Commanders game with Ruthie Polinsky and Alex Shapiro as they welcome in Washington reporter Ben Standig. Ben shares the latest information on Jayden Daniels’ status for the game and shares what the Bears can expect from Kliff Kingsbury’s offense if it’s Daniels or Marcus Mariota leading the way. Plus, how Dan Quinn has made his mark on the franchise as the new head coach and how the Bears might be able to exploit the Commanders defense. Finally, Ruthie and Alex share the...
Oct 25, 2024•35 min•Ep. 904
Ruthie Polinsky and Alex Shapiro are here to bring you the latest from Halas Hall. We get a sense of how the Bears are preparing to face either Jayden Daniels or Marcus Mariota. Caleb Williams' return to DC and bye week adjustments for the team. Also, how does Kliff Kingsbury's offense differ from one quarterback to another.
Oct 23, 2024•23 min•Ep. 903
Alex Shapiro and Edgar Perez keep an eye on the division during the Bears bye week. With two thrilling games, they react to the Green Bay Packers getting past the Texans and the Lions handing the Vikings their first loss. If you had to face one division foe in the playoffs, which are you choosing?
Oct 20, 2024•25 min•Ep. 902
Ruthie Polinsky and Alex Shapiro bring you into the weekend with their reaction to the Bears vs Commanders start time being flexed. Does this mean the Bears are ready for primetime? They also preview the weekend for the rest of the NFC North. How much will Aiden Hutchinson's injury impact the Lions? And an early look at the playoff picture.
Oct 18, 2024•34 min•Ep. 901
Ruthie Polinsky, Alex Shapiro and Clay Harbor get together as the Bears begin their bye week. The crew reacts to the trade that sent Raiders star WR Davante Adams to the Jets for a reunion with Aaron Rodgers. Does the deal make New York a contender in the AFC? Then everyone shares their picks for Bears bye week awards. Who has been the most improved player, the biggest surprise, the defensive MVP, offensive MVP, and more!
Oct 16, 2024•42 min•Ep. 900
