Take The North: A Chicago Bears Podcast

Latest Episodes:

[FULL EPISODE] Bears conclude mandatory minicamp Jun 11, 2026

Show notes

The Bears have concluded their mandatory minicamp and now enter the "dark" period of the NFL calendar. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote recap what we learned. What was meaningful from the final day of practice of the camp? Also, quarterback Caleb Williams spoke about how much more comfortable he is with getting teammates in the right place compared to last year. And is he more ready for the type of training camp that head coach Ben Johnson will be running? Finally, will Johnson take any break over the next few weeks?

Ben Johnson continues to make it clear what the Bears are asking of Caleb Williams Jun 11, 2026

Show notes

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss what they've seen from Bears quarterback Caleb Williams in minicamp. Meanwhile, head coach Ben Johnson continues to be clear about what the Bears need from Williams.

Braxton Jones appears to be the frontrunner for left tackle job Jun 11, 2026

Show notes

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss Bears left tackle Braxton Jones, who appears more confident in his play now compared to this time last year.

Montez Sweat gives tons of credit to Ben Johnson for Bears' turnaround in 2025 Jun 11, 2026

Show notes

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss Bears defensive end Montez Sweat's performance in 2025. Head coach Ben Johnson thought it was the best year of Sweat's career. Meanwhile, Sweat gave Johnson credit for the Bears' success in 2025.

[FULL EPISODE] Ben Johnson thinks Montez Sweat had his best season in 2025 Jun 10, 2026

Show notes

The second day of Bears minicamp brought high praise from head coach Ben Johnson for defensive end Montez Sweat. Johnson believes Sweat had the best year of his career in 2025. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote respond and also hear from Sweat himself on what Johnson did to get the best out of the team last season. Also in this episode, left tackle Braxton Jones spoke about his view on the position battle he finds himself in (again). Does he feel more himself this year? And how is Johnson seeing quarterback Caleb Williams grow in the offense?

Kyler Gordon is still dealing with an injury Jun 10, 2026

Show notes

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss what they observed at the first day of Bears mandatory minicamp. Nickel cornerback Kyler Gordon remained sidelined by injury, but cornerback Jaylon Johnson shined on the field.

Latest Bears stadium project rumors Jun 10, 2026

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Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss the latest on the Bears' stadium project, which is an exhausting story to follow.

We're extremely bullish on Colston Loveland Jun 10, 2026

Show notes

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote express their excitement for the potential rise of Bears tight end Colston Loveland, who seems to continue checking all the right boxes.

[FULL EPISODE] Bears begin mandatory minicamp, the latest on the stadium project Jun 09, 2026

Show notes

We've reached the mandatory minicamp time of the Bears offseason! Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote bring you what they learned at Halas Hall on the first day of the camp. Nickel cornerback Kyler Gordon remains sidelined with some sort of soft-tissue injury. What's the level of concern for him? Also, head coach Ben Johnson had a plenty to say about second-year tight end Colston Loveland. And how is quarterback Caleb Williams doing with improving his ball placement this offseason? Later, we offer the latest on what's happening with the Bears' mess of a stadium project.

Brian Baldinger: Ben Johnson is a 'revelation' Jun 06, 2026

Show notes

While discussing Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, Audacy NFL insider Brian Baldinger tells Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote that head coach Ben Johnson is a "revelation." He explains why.