Bear Download — A Chicago Bears podcast

Latest Episodes:

Breaking down the Bears' 2020 draft class and more Mitch Trubisky talk Apr 27, 2020

Show notes

The 2020 NFL draft is in the books, which means Dan Wiederer can stop running all over his house while the Bears make their picks, and Brad Biggs is free of a certain analyst who makes him scratch his head. GM Ryan Pace emerged with seven selections, and Dan and Brad dive into analysis on the latest Bear Download podcast. Much of the spotlight shines on the Bears’ second-round picks, tight end Cole Kmet and cornerback Jaylon Johnson — two positions that desperately needed upgrades. As for whether Pace did enough at wide receiver, that’s debatable. In That’s Just Stupid, Dan and Brad tackle the Packers’ decision to draft QB Jordan Love in the first round. For the record, they think it’s a smart move; they’re just not sure why so few see the potential upside. Also, it appears Brad likes saying “Gutekunst,” the last name of Green Bay’s general manager. The duo closes by assessing Mitch Trubisky’s fifth-year option (seems the Bears’ mind is made up, yes?) and by crowning the NFL for putting on a glitch-free draft.

Previewing the 2020 NFL draft Apr 21, 2020

Show notes

Dan Wiederer and Brad Biggs are — like the rest of the NFL — working from home in preparation for the 2020 draft. They preview the upcoming draft from a Bears perspective and address the positions most in need of an upgrade (cornerbacks, anyone?). They dig through general manager Ryan Pace's draft history and the decision to release Trey Burton before opening up Brad's mailbag.

The Bears have a quarterback competition on their hands Apr 06, 2020

Show notes

The Bears have been busy this offseason. Maybe not Khalil Mack trade-busy, but busy nonetheless. That gives Dan Wiederer and Brad Biggs plenty to discuss — while social distancing, of course — on the Bear Download podcast. They waste no time assessing the “open competition” at quarterback, though Brad believes all signs point to Nick Foles as the starter. The Bears will look to bolster their offense via the draft, of course, but even that will be completely different because of the coronavirus. The duo next look for reasons for optimism as they dive into Brad’s mailbag before breaking down all things Jimmy Graham with Jim Owczarski of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. (Ahem, Bears fans might not want to set the bar too high for the tight end.) Finally, Dan and Brad crown the NFL and its teams for expanding the playoffs — although that likely means the Bears are under more pressure in the near future.

What does Nick Foles' acquisition mean for Mitch Trubisky? Mar 20, 2020

Show notes

Dan Wiederer and Brad Biggs are working from home — and socially distancing — as the NFL goes ahead with free agency despite the further outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. The guys discuss the Bears' biggest move — acquiring quarterback Nick Foles — and what that means for Mitch Trubisky and the offense. They break down GM Ryan Pace's other moves, including Leonard Floyd's departure and Robert Quinn's signing, a surprise move for Jimmy Graham and where else the Bears need to improve. Finally, they crown the Buccaneers for pulling off the signing of a certain free-agent QB.

Bears heading into an important offseason Mar 11, 2020

Show notes

Dan Wiederer and Brad Biggs look ahead to free agency and what the Bears and general manager Ryan Pace have in store. They begin with discussing the impending decision regarding Leonard Floyd, talk about positions to improve and the need for Pace to get the offseason right. Brad opens up his mailbag to discuss Mitch Trubisky's fifth-year option before they break down the shopping spree at quarterback that will happen across the NFL this offseason. They finish by crowning ... the Eagles?

A conversation with Bears coach Matt Nagy Feb 25, 2020

Show notes

Bears coach Matt Nagy joins the show as Dan Wiederer and Brad Biggs hit the road for the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis. Nagy discusses the team's struggles last season, the new coaches on staff, the backup quarterback search and areas Mitch Trubisky needs to improve. Dan and Brad then discuss their conversation with Nagy and look at the run game, what tight ends might be available in the draft and which positions are up for grabs on the defense.

How will the Bears approach the NFL combine and free agency? Feb 18, 2020

Show notes

The NFL combine is less than a week away and Dan Wiederer and Brad Biggs break down what to expect from the event. They take a long look at the Bears quarterback situation and question the notion a marquee free agent — say, Tom Brady or Philip Rivers — would be willing to join the team even if the Bears decide Mitch Trubisky is no longer the starter. They discuss other positions of need, Brad opens up his mailbag in a new segment and the two crown a former Bears defensive coordinator.

Recapping the Super Bowl and pivoting to Mitch Trubisky's potential Feb 05, 2020

Show notes

Super Bowl LIV is in the books, and Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes left quite an impression — again. Rich Campbell and Dan Wiederer gather in a hotel lobby, of all places, and break down the big game and how Mahomes' brilliance has the Chiefs in the NFL driver's seat. Naturally, Rich and Dan segue into the Bears' plans with Mitch Trubisky and the questions about his ability to handle everything asked of him. Then they mash up this episode's Crown 'Em and That's Just Stupid segments as Rich drops some personal news. And that leads to a nostalgic journey through the duo's last seven seasons covering the Bears.

A busy Bears offseason continues with coaching changes Jan 17, 2020

Show notes

Rich and Dan break down a newsy offseason week, starting with Matt Nagy's changes to his offensive coaching staff. They break down the arrivals of coordinator Bill Lazor, quarterbacks coach John DeFilippo and the promotion of passing game coordinator Dave Ragone. They wonder how all the new coaches' responsibilities will fit together and how the new group will affect the 2020 offense. They question Anthony Davis' attire and rooting interest on the Lambeau Field sideline for the divisional round of the playoffs. They wax nostalgic about Bourbonnais (with passing mention to Dan's golf game) and think aloud about public access to training camp at Halas Hall. They crown the Bears newest Hall of Famers and look ahead to Sunday's conference title games.

A deep dive into the Bears' kicker situation and Eddie Jackson's huge contract Jan 09, 2020

Show notes

Rich Campbell and Dan Wiederer are going strong with the Bears’ season in the rear-view mirror, and they dive into the team’s kicker situation to sort out what the team accomplished with the search that led to Eddy Pineiro’s encouraging — if not convincing — 2019. Then they pivot, replacing "y" with “ie,” to examine the Bears’ decision to make Eddie Jackson the NFL’s highest paid safety. In That’s Just Stupid, they welcome Patriots coach Bill Belichick back to the podcast in honorary fly-swatter form — complete with sound bite! Next, Rich and Dan break down the NFL’s four divisional-round playoff games through navy and orange lenses. Finally, in Crown ‘Em, they pick this weekend’s postseason winners straight up and against the spread.