The Charter: A Chicago Bears Podcast

The weekly mailbag is back with questions from Under Center fans about the resurgent Bears. JJ Stankevitz and Cam Ellis discuss whether Mitch Trubisky is another Alex Smith that can win games as you search for your franchise quarterback, then debate the temperature of Chuck Pagano’s seat before wondering if Mitch Trubisky can beat a good team in the Green Bay Packers. All of that and more on Under Center’s weekly mailbag. (1:50) - Is Mitch Trubisky Alex Smith? (13:00) - When was the last time Mitch Trubisky beat a good team? (20:40) - Is Chuck Pagano on the hot seat? (28:50) - Why has Eddie Jackson gone MIA this season? (34:38) - What should Ryan Pace do about the QB position, if he is still employed by the Bears? (41:40) - How far can the Bears go if they make the playoffs? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In a game the Bears needed to have and the Jaguars didn't want, the Bears had a 2nd half for the ages and beat the Jags 41-17. JJ Stankevitz, Cam Ellis, and David Kaplan discuss the key victory and the growth of Mitch Trubisky as he leads one of the hottest offenses in recent weeks. The crew also discusses the playoff implications associated with the game and will the Bears stand pat with Mitch Trubisky after this season because of his recent play. (1:16) - What changed in the Bears after halftime? (7:44) - Issues with Matt Nagy's philosophy? (14:05) - What should the Bears do with Mitch Trubisky after this season? (21:50) - With the success of the offense in recent weeks, what should Matt Nagy make of finally changing his offensive philosophy to better fit his team? (29:00) - Can Matt Nagy grow as a head coach? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Bears are on an uphill climb while trying to make the playoffs, and will need help from others. JJ Stankevitz and Cam Ellis preview the Week 16 matchup, discussing who needs to step up on the Bears. Will Bill Lazor and Matt Nagy continue to run David Montgomery? If the Bears win, which they’re favored to do, will the final game vs Green Bay mean anything? (1:14) - The Bears are favored by a lot (8:00) - The Bears need help to make the playoffs. Which matchups should Bears fans be tuned into on Week 16? (14:40) - Bears fans will have to root for the Packers this Sunday (21:20) - Are there any options available next year that's better than bringing back Mitch Trubisky? (27:55) - Is Dak Prescott an option for the Bears? (36:10) - What are you having for Christmas dinner? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The weekly mailbag episode is back and the Under Center fans delivered once again. JJ Stankevitz and Cam Ellis answer a full boat of questions, from Ryan Pace's future, to the play of the defense, to other potential QB options for next year (some of them laughable), and which bears are best. Is it the grizzly? Polar? Panda? Let the debating begin! (2:50) -Will Ryan Pace select Mitch Trubisky or Allen Robinson to franchise tag? (8:20) - Chances Goerge McCaskey hires a president of football operations to decide the fate of Pace/Nagy (13:30) - Select your bear: Bear in the Big Blue House vs Baloo from The Jungle Book (16:25) - Why has Nagy been so resistant to change in his offense? (26:05) - Should the Bears target Carson Wentz? (29:30) - What kind of bear is best? (34:10) - Who needs to step up more on defense, the pass rush, or the pass coverage? (44:29) - In an expanded playoff year, does getting the final seed count? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Bears have fought back and won their last 2 games, and their 33-27 win over the Vikings put them in realistic contention for the playoffs. Will a postseason run force the Bears to stay pat with Matt Nagy and Ryan Pace? JJ Stankevitz, Cam Ellis, and David Kaplan discuss and debate if the changes fans were calling for in recent weeks are still coming, and if the McCaskey's stick with their GM and coach. They also discuss David Montgomery's career day on the ground, and what is working for the Bears offense now. Bears fans, prepare yourselves for a roller coaster ride to finish the season. (1:25) - Percentages and chances the Bears make the playoffs (7:20) - Will George McCaskey fire Ryan Pace and/or Matt Nagy if they make the playoffs this year? (13:19) - Did Matt Nagy do his job of developing quarterbacks? (23:46) - The Bears may have to bring back Mitch Trubisky (29:56) - Vikings coach Mike Zimmer helped the Bears by not giving the ball to Dalvin Cook late in the game (36:27) - Do the Bears have a shot at winning a playoff game? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Bears look to use the momentum gained vs the Texans to pick up another win vs division rival Minnesota Vikings to keep their playoff hopes alive. Host JJ Stankevitz and Cam Ellis are joined by NBCS teammate Olin Kreutz to help breakdown the matchup and more specifically what the Bears are doing with the offensive line. Olin breaks down the play of center Sam Mustipher and what he sees in him, they discuss if the offense has improved with Mitch Trubisky, and if the Bears have turned the corner. Later in the podcast JJ and Cam go over the spread of the game and make predictions on this crucial playoff determining matchup. (1:20) - Impressed by the play of Sam Mustipher (6:51) - What does getting an 80yrd run on the 1st play do for an offensive line? (13:57) - Could the Bears have been established if they stuck with Trubisky? (21:00) - Matt Nagy's coaching style (32:20) - The Bears are only 3 point underdogs going into Minnesota (40:20) - Vikings kicking issues See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's been a while since we've done a mailbag episode after a win, but here we are. On this week's edition, JJ Stankevitz and Cam Ellis discuss what the big win vs the Texans means in the grand scheme of things for the Bears. Did the win help Mitch Trubisky, Matt Nagy, or Ryan Pace? Should the Bears look at Lovie Smith if they fire Matt Nagy? The crew answers all of these questions and why producer Tony Gill has an affinity for squirrels? (1:10) - Squirrell talk (5:27) - Did the win save the jobs of Trubisky, Matt Nagy, or Ryan Pace? (14:07) - Are the McCaskey's satisfied if the Bears go 8-8? (22:54) - What is Cole Kmet's role with the Bears moving forward? (33:28) - Should the Bears trade Roquan Smith if the right deal came about? (39:20) - Does tanking work in the NFL? (45:16) - Should the Bears interview Lovie Smith if they fire Matt Nagy? 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! The Bears ended the losing streak with a dominating 36-7 win over the Texans. Are the Bears still "In the hunt"? Did Matt Nagy finally figure it out? JJ Stankevitz, David Kaplan, and Cam Ellis discuss the win and what it means for Nagy and Mitch Trubisky. The crew then dives into the defensive performance, wonders if the offense will continue running the ball well, and highlights some good individual performances. (2:11) - Does this win matter for the Bears? (9:15) - Will the Bears keep Matt Nagy but let go of Ryan Pace? (16:10) - Why can't the Bears run David Montgomery more? (23:00) - Why can't the Bears look like this more often? (33:10) - Best individual performances for the Bears See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Bears are looking to stop their longest losing streak since 2002 with a win vs Houston. Playing against Deshaun Watson brings back nightmares from the 2017 draft as Mitch Trubisky gets another opportunity to face a fellow member of that class. To help preview the matchup, veteran NFL writer for the Houston Chronicle, John McClain joins JJ Stankevitz and Cam Ellis to discuss the issues the Texans have had this year, who will win the QB matchup on Sunday, and Watson's view on the Bears. (1:55) - Remembering the 2017 NFL draft and combine (8:34) - Fan hope in Houston and Watson vs hope in Trubisky in Chicago (14:38) - What does this game mean to Deshaun Watson? (17:35) - Matchups to look at in this game (21:20) - Will Watson remember what the Bears did forever? (28:10) - How will the Bears' secondary keep Watson in check? (34:30) - Will a loss to Watson for a 7th loss in a row be the bow on top of a bad season? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With the new Under Center schedule starting this week, Mailbag Wednesdays are now on Tuesdays and you guys didn't disappoint. JJ Stankevitz and Cam Ellis discuss Monday's press conference from Matt Nagy and how he has a great relationship with Ted Phillips and the McCaskeys. Later in the podcast, the guys answer questions regarding a possible Ted Phillips retirement, whether Pace and Nagy can save their jobs, and the worst Bears losses you have ever seen. (1:19) - Ryan Pace and Matt Nagy are still leading the Bears after an ugly loss to the Lions (3:34) - Who should be the Bears' overseer of all things football operations if Ted Phillips retires? (12:18) - Is there anything Pace and Nagy can do to save their jobs? (14:50) - Is there any benefit to keeping the coaching staff until the end of the season? (18:36) - If the Bears enter a rebuild, who is untouchable? (27:56) - What is the worst Bears loss you've ever witnessed? (30:58) - Who are the candidates for GM and head coach? (39:12) - Who won the Khalil Mack trade: the Bears or the Raiders? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.