The Charter: A Chicago Bears Podcast

After a rough — and I mean ROUGH — press conference, the Bears now turn to figuring out how to improve in the offseason. Brad Spielberger of Pro Football Focus and OvertheCap.com joins hosts JJ Stankevitz and Cam Ellis to discuss just what the Bears are up against this offseason. The crew dives into the upcoming draft, and what the Bears need to address in order for a quick turnaround. They also dive into the two biggest questions of the offseason and the uncertain futures of Mitch Trubisky and Allen Robinson. (1:49) - Brad shares his thoughts on the Bears season-ending press conference (6:20) - Bears are in a dangerous spot if Ryan Pace decides to trade all future assets to try and win the Super Bowl next year (11:50) - Will the Bears have to trade a big contract off of the defense, i.e. Mack? (16:13) - What does the immediate future look like for Allen Robinson? (19:50) - Will Mitch Trubisky be back as a Bear next season? (24:20) - Ryan Pace's issues with understanding draft value See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bears fans are as smart and passionate as any fanbase in sports, and the team seems to take advantage of that. In their season-ending press conference, George McCaskey, Ted Phillips, Ryan Pace, and Matt Nagy spoke to the media and fans about the state of the Bears and tried to convince everyone that running it back is the right move. Hosts JJ Stankevitz and Cam Ellis not only break down the press conference, but they take calls from the fans the Bears leadership disrespected in a new voicemail segment. Put the kids to bed for this one. (1:10) - Was this the worst press conference in Chicago sports history? (4:30) - Clips of Ted Phillips and Ryan Pace from the press conference (11:22) - The Bears brass told on themselves (19:22) - Bears fans speak their frustrations in the voicemail segment (25:40) - Why can't the Bears disclose the contracts for Ryan Pace and Matt Nagy? (34:05) - Bears fans should be apologized to (40:25) - How did Pace and Nagy convince McCaskey and Phillips that they will improve next year? (46:20) - Is there a path where the Bears do improve? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In an emergency edition of the Under Center podcast, JJ Stankevitz and Cam Ellis react to the news of defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano retiring from coaching and the report that GM Ryan Pace and head coach Matt Nagy will be kept through the 2021 season - much to the confusion of Bears fans. JJ and Cam look at why this may be happening, predict what this could mean for the future of the Bears, and wonder how the McCaskeys will address the media. Cheers to another year of mediocre football. (1:39) - Was this move expected? (7:05) - Bears fans deserve better than what they are given (12:26) - The Bears should matter more than they do (18:20) - How will Ryan Pace build a contender in 1 season? (24:50) - Is it fine that Matt Nagy gets to stay? (32:50) - Chuck Pagano leaves the NFL by retiring See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After a first round exit, the Bears' players clean out their lockers and do their final interviews, some passing on the chance to speak to the media and fans, (you can guess who). So before the final season-ending press conference, the weekly mailbag is back to answer the most questions it's ever had to give you the perspective you need. JJ Stankevitz and Cam Ellis discuss Allen Robinson's impending free agency, Doug Pederson's firing impacting Matt Nagy, will the Bears trade for Deshaun Watson, and many more. (1:20) - Bears players clean out their lockers and Allen Robinson speaks about his contract (11:45) - If Pace and Nagy are staying, why do they need to do the season-ending press conference? (18:00) - Did the Bears set themselves back in GM searches by not firing Pace in season? (22:11) - Is Mitch a scapegoat for Matt Nagy? (26:21) - Will Doug Pederson's firing impact Matt Nagy? (31:04) - Why has Eddie Jackson been bad all year? (37:09) - If Mitch turns his career around somewhere else, is it on Nagy or Pace that he wasn't successful in Chicago? (42:52) - Best head coach, GM, starting QB combination the Bears can get next year (47:58) - Should the Bears trade for Deshaun Watson? (53:25) - Why should fans be hopeful about the Bears? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Well, the Bears were in the playoffs then they weren't. In a series of completely predictable events, the Bears didn't take advantage of opportunities and made mistake after mistake, and Javon Whims drops another pass, after mistake, did Anthony Miller just punch him? To recap the loss, JJ Stankevitz, Cam Ellis, and David Kaplan discuss and breakdown everything involving the game including the play of Mitch Trubisky, the coaching of Matt Nagy, and oh look another neutral zone infraction. Enjoy the venting Bears fans. (1:52) - What was Anthony Miller doing!? (9:20) - Good game by the defense but they needed to be great for the Bears to have a chance (18:35) - Did Matt Nagy escape the firings that may happen to the Bears? (25:40) - The city of Chicago has not embraced Ryan Pace (33:10) - What till the Bears do with Ted Phillips? (43:20) - What will the McCaskey's do with Pace and Nagy? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For the second time in three years, the Bears are in the playoffs! To preview the biggest game of the year, (after last week's biggest game of the year) hosts JJ Stankevitz and Cam Ellis bring on two heavy hitters. First, a player who has played for both franchises, a man you know and love: Alex Brown from the Football Aftershow! Alex joins the pod to discuss the ways the Bears can upset the Saints, and what this playoff berth means for the Bears. Later in the pod, JJ and Cam are joined by veteran football writer Luke Johnson from the New Orleans Advocate to get a rundown on the Saints, and whether Drew Brees and them boys can handle the Bears. (1:25) - Alex describes his relationship with his son Antonio Brown from the Headstrong series episode (8:05) - The difference between regular season football and playoff football (13:05) - Akiem Hicks is the most important player for the Bears on Sunday (17:00) - Alex Brown does not trust Matt Nagy to consistently run the ball (24:30) - Luke Johson of the New Orleans Advocate joins the podcast (26:20) - Will Michael Thomas and Alvin Kamara play vs the Bears? (30:30) - Are the Saints a legit championship contender this year? (32:45) - The Bears are one of the teams the Saints didn't want to see (37:00) - Has the downfall of Drew Brees been overblown? (40:10) - JJ and Cam wrap up the Bears vs Saints SUPER preview See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Headstrong is a series about men's health told through powerful stories involving the athletes we love. In this episode, Bears content producer Eric Strobel sits down with the son of Bears great Alex Brown, Antonio Brown as he discusses growing up with Alex, his personal journey in sports to become a division one athlete, and competing with his pro day. Get a look inside the life of Antonio Brown and his father Alex. Headstrong is brought to you in part by Zenni Optical, Zenni has changed the game in eyewear, finally making prescription glasses affordable for everyone. Headstrong is also brought to you in part by Advocate Aurora Health. No matter what life throws your way, your health is primary. Schedule a wellness exam today. (1:10) - The moment when Antonio Brown figured he can become a division 1 athlete (4:02) - Characterizing Alex's impact on Antonio's baseball career (7:25) - Is there pressure to live up to his dad's career? (11:05) - Qualities that he has gained from his dad (14:30) - Surprises about his dad that he's found out (17:40) - Antonio describes what his dad means to him See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Even after a disappointing loss to the Packers on Sunday, the Bears still made the playoffs - even though it may not feel like it to fans. JJ Stankevitz and Cam Ellis get together for a playoff edition of the weekly mailbag, answering questions and concerns of Bears Nation. The guys dive into the report that Matt Nagy's job is safe, and what it means for Ryan Pace, go over offseason moves they’d make to turn the Bears into an elite team, and debate who’s really been calling plays for the Bears. PLAYOFFS! (1:54) - Is Matt Nagy calling plays again? (8:14) - Can the Bears be the 2011 Giants? (14:40) - What the hell is going on with the Bears defense? (22:57) - Will Mitch go rouge with the offense in the Saints game? (26:12) - How is Matt Nagy's job safe? (37:00) - Why isn't Mitch Trubisky throwing downfield? (42:28) - What 3 offseason moves should the Bears make to change their team? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

They did it. After a wild regular season which featured a 6-game losing streak, the Bears fell backward into the playoffs, thanks to an Arizona Cardinals loss. JJ Stankevitz, Cam Ellis, and David Kaplan discuss the Bears’ season, break down the 35-16 loss vs. the Packers, and discuss the upcoming playoff matchup next week with the New Orleans Saints. (1:20) - When did you realize that the Bears are going to the playoffs? (7:14) - Are fans happy the Bears are in the playoffs? (14:30) - Will McCaskey make a move to change things for the better or stay pat? (22:20) - Should fans just enjoy the playoff game? (32:40) - The Bears played a game that mattered and a lot of other teams didn't (38:55) - Frustration vs excitement to be in the playoffs See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Well Bears fans, it's here. The game to decide the fate of the Bears’ season, and possibly this era comes, down to one final game against their biggest rival. To cover all the aspects of this Sunday’s game, JJ Stankevitz and Cam Ellis bring on not just one, but two guests to get you prepared for the Week 17 matchup. First, Football Aftershow analyst and former Bear Lance Briggs joins the podcast to discuss the rivalry from a player's angle and what this game means for Ryan Pace, Matt Nagy, and Mitch Trubisky. Later in the pod, the Under Center crew is joined by Olivia Reiner of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel to break things down from the Packers side, discuss Aaron Rodgers' MVP season, and give a peek into what Green Bay is thinking headed into a game they need as well. We have it all covered on the Under Center podcast. (1:45) - How surprising is it that the Bears are in this position? (6:34) - Do Pro Bowl snubs bother NFL players? (10:57) - What do the Packers do on offense to challenge linebackers? (14:45) - Lance goes over the last time the Bears played the Packers on Week 17 (Don't get angry) (19:27) - Olivia Reiner of the Milwaukee Jornal Sentinel joins the podcast (21:38) - Where are the Packers clicking the most on offense? (27:10) - How much can the Packers take away from the week 12 matchup? (34:38) - Matt LaFleur's year 2 (37:55) - JJ and Cam wrap up the preview of Bears and Packers. Is this a measurement game for the entire Bears organization? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.