Take The North: A Chicago Bears Podcast

Latest Episodes:

[FULL EPISODE] Bears offense off to strong start at training camp Jul 31, 2026

Show notes

The Bears offense has putting on a strong showing during the first week of training camp. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote aren't used to seeing that from any Bears teams they've covered, so it's certainly refreshing to see! In other news from camp, receiver Rome Odunze clarified a comment he made earlier in the offseason about his "new normal" after recovering from last season's foot injury. And head coach Ben Johnson got a ton of praise from his new offensive coordinator. Plus, Johnson gave us insight on one point of emphasis for the Bears this season.

Caleb Williams is ALL IN on what Ben Johnson is coaching Jul 30, 2026

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Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss the way Bears quarterback Caleb Williams described the growing relationship between himself and head coach Ben Johnson.

Dennis Allen is a big fan of the way Coby Bryant plays Jul 30, 2026

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Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen's appreciation for new safety Coby Bryant, and his play style.

How are the Bears currently handling the nickel position without Kyler Gordon? Jul 30, 2026

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Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss their observations from the Bears early training camp practice. Who is playing the nickel corner spot while Kyler Gordon is hurt?

[FULL EPISODE] What did we learn from the Bears first practice of camp? Jul 29, 2026

Show notes

The first practice of Bears training camp is in the books. Was there anything surprising from what Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote were able to see on the field? Also, we got to hear from defensive coordinator Dennis Allen for the first time at camp. How is he evaluating the defense while they don't have pads on? We heard from quarterback Caleb Williams for the first time at camp as well. How much better does he understand head coach Ben Johnson now compared to last training camp?

Everyone at Halas Hall is frustrated by Kyler Gordon's latest injury Jul 29, 2026

Show notes

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear the way Bears general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson discussed nickel corner Kyler Gordon's latest injury. Is Gordon on thin ice with this staff?

What does Ben Johnson think Caleb Williams needs to do to be an elite QB? Jul 29, 2026

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Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear some of what Bears head coach Ben Johnson had to say about quarterback Caleb Williams as the team opened training camp.

Who has the edge in the left tackle competition to start training camp? Jul 29, 2026

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Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss where the Bears left tackle competition stands as the team opens training camp.

[FULL EPISODE] Ben Johnson, Ryan Poles frustrated by latest Kyler Gordon injury Jul 28, 2026

Show notes

Bears training camp has arrived! That means Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote are back at Halas Hall, where the head coach and general manager expressed their frustration over the latest injury for nickel corner Kyler Gordon, who is starting camp on the PUP list. Do they know when he will be back? Meanwhile, what progress does Ben Johnson hope to see from quarterback Caleb Williams? And how is the left tackle competition looking right now?

[FULL EPISODE] Revisiting the questions we wanted answered before training camp Jul 27, 2026

Show notes

Bears training camp is about to get fully underway! That means it's time for Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote to go back and revisit the questions we wanted the answers to before this camp got started. Did we get clarity on who will be playing left tackle? Do we see a clear vision for the rebuilt secondary? How will the pass rush be better? Do we now know the next frontier for quarterback Caleb Williams? One thing we know for sure...there will not be shovels in the ground for a new stadium before camp opens.