Take The North: A Chicago Bears Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Unpacking a week of criticism for Matt Eberflus Nov 01, 2024

Show notes

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote examine the criticism that Bears coach Matt Eberflus took from his own players this past week. Plus, will cornerback Tyrique Stevenson face any punishment for his lack of focus on the game-deciding Hail Mary last Sunday?

[FULL EPISODE] Bears face Cardinals after tumultuous week at Halas Hall Nov 01, 2024

Show notes

Well, it's been another one of those weeks for the Bears at Halas Hall. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote unpack a week of criticism for coach Matt Eberflus. But first, do we think there will be punishment for cornerback Tyrique Stevenson? Even if it's just that he doesn't start the game against the Cardinals? As for the head coach, one of the team's best players had a not-so-resounding message of support for Eberflus. Turning to the Cardinals, what are the keys to watch for as the Bears head to Arizona? Can the Bears pull this one off and silence the critics for at least a week?

Caleb Williams showed us something promising in an otherwise forgettable day Oct 30, 2024

Show notes

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote examine Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams' performance against the Commanders. While the first three quarters were largely forgettable, it was notable that Williams strung together a series of good-to-great plays in the fourth quarter to give his team a chance to win.

Matt Eberflus is dangerously close to losing support Oct 30, 2024

Show notes

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss how close Bears coach Matt Eberflus is to losing support inside Halas Hall, especially after multiple captains recently questioned his in-game decisions. Plus, why did the Bears suddenly change their practice schedule this week?

What would we be talking about the most if the Bears hadn't blown that game? Oct 30, 2024

Show notes

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote step into an alternate reality in which the Commanders' last-second Hail Mary was unsuccessful. What would we be discussing the most about the Bears had that fateful play not happened?

[FULL EPISODE] How close is Halas Hall to a crisis? Oct 30, 2024

Show notes

We're still dealing with the fallout from the Bears' loss to the Commanders and the comments that have been made in the aftermath of it. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote examine how close coach Matt Eberflus is to a lot of us questioning if he'll retain his job after this 2024 season ends. It feels like he's another disastrous loss or two away from losing all support. Meanwhile, we've hardly mentioned rookie quarterback Caleb Williams' play against the Commanders. His statistics don't show much progress, but we believe there are important (and positive) takeaways from his performance. Finally, what (besides Williams) would we be discussing the most had the Bears not allowed that Hail Mary touchdown?

Cole Kmet wants his teammates to respect the game more Oct 29, 2024

Show notes

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote listen to Bears tight end Cole Kmet's comments on cornerback Tyrique Stevenson's lack of focus on the final play of a loss to the Commanders. Kmet indicated the Bears' practice habits are lacking.

Why did the Bears allow Terry McLaurin to get free yards at the end of the game? Oct 29, 2024

Show notes

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss Bears coach Matt Eberflus' decision to play his coverage nearly 35 yards off the line of scrimmage on the penultimate play of a loss against the Commanders on Sunday. Receiver Terry McLaurin easily hauled in a 13-yard reception on the play, which was crucial in setting up the Commanders' game-winning Hail Mary touchdown.

Key Bears players are openly questioning coaching decisions Oct 29, 2024

Show notes

Adding to the fallout from the Bears' disastrous loss to the Commanders is the fact that team captains have openly questioned coaching decisions in the game. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote talk through what we've been hearing from cornerback Jaylon Johnson, safety Kevin Byard and others.

[FULL EPISODE] Bears players, coaches explain what happened on fateful Hail Mary Oct 29, 2024

Show notes

We're getting all the information we can on how the Bears gave up a last-second Hail Mary touchdown in a heartbreaking loss to the Commanders on Sunday. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote dive into the details, which starts with multiple players not doing their job properly on the play. That includes cornerback Tyrique Stevenson, who apologized to the team Monday for his lack of focus on the final play. Also, why is head coach Matt Eberflus seemingly downplaying how soul-crushing this loss was? Could he be taking more accountability? Is he the right person to lead this Bears team to the next level?