Take The North: A Chicago Bears Podcast

Latest Episodes:

[FULL EPISODE] Bears leaders speak as training camp opens Jul 22, 2025

Show notes

2025 Bears training camp is officially open! To begin it, general manager Ryan Poles, head coach Ben Johnson, quarterback Caleb Williams and defensive tackle Grady Jarrett all took the podium Tuesday. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote walk through the most important comments we heard. Cornerback Jaylon Johnson will remain on the non-football injury list for "a few weeks" with a leg injury, according to Poles. What level of concern do Wiederer and Grote have about that news? Also, why didn't Poles take any questions after his opening statement? Meanwhile, Williams spoke about specific goals he has for the 2025 season. And Jarrett remains awesome.

What are the top stories we're watching for at Bears training camp? Jul 22, 2025

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Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote share the biggest storylines they'll be paying attention to as the Bears begin training camp.

Mark Grote offers his reaction to the Ryan Poles extension Jul 22, 2025

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Our guy Mark Grote hadn't had the chance to share how he felt about Bears general manager Ryan Poles getting a contract extension. He explains for Dan Wiederer how he feels about the deal.

What is going on with Jaylon Johnson? Jul 22, 2025

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Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote try to figure out what's going on with cornerback Jaylon Johnson right now. First, he was on the Rich Eisen Show hinting at possibly looking for a bigger contract soon ... despite having just obtained a new deal in 2024. Then we found out that he's heading to the non-football injury list as camp is set to begin.

[FULL EPISODE] Bears training camp is upon us! Jul 21, 2025

Show notes

Bears training camp is about to get fully underway! Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote have their final preview of camp in this episode. First off, there is interesting news regarding star cornerback Jaylon Johnson, who was placed on the non-football injury list. We aren't sure why yet. Johnson also hinted recently on the Rich Eisen Show that he could be pushing for a new contract soon. Didn't we just go through this with him? Also in this episode, Grote has his chance to react to general manager Ryan Poles landing a contract extension. Plus, what will we be watching for during training camp?

How does Ruthie Polinsky think Ben Johnson & Caleb Williams will mesh? Jul 18, 2025

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Dan Wiederer and guest Ruthie Polinsky of the Chicago Sports Network discuss how Bears head coach Ben Johnson and quarterback Caleb Williams will affect each other. Can Johnson bring the best out in Williams?

What defensive players need to improve this season? Jul 18, 2025

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Dan Wiederer and guest Ruthie Polinsky of the Chicago Sports Network discuss the Bears defense's outlook and which players on that side of the ball they'd like to see more from in 2025.

Who will win the QB2 competition? Jul 18, 2025

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Dan Wiederer asks guest Ruthie Polinsky of the Chicago Sports Network who will win the Bears' backup quarterback competition.

[FULL EPISODE] Ruthie Polinsky previews the top 2025 Bears storylines! Jul 17, 2025

Show notes

Bears training camp is almost here! Dan Wiederer continues the leadup to camp by bringing in guest host Ruthie Polinsky of the Chicago Sports Network. Polinsky discusses what it's been like to be a part of CHSN's launch in the past year. The pair also dives into the top storylines for the 2025 Bears. How will quarterback Caleb Williams and head coach Ben Johnson grow together? Who will win the backup quarterback competition? And how will new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen impact his unit? Finally, why does Polinsky appreciate punter Tory Taylor so much?

BONUS: Wiederer talks Bears 2nd-round picks being unsigned, Ryan Poles' contract extension on 670 The Score Jul 15, 2025

Show notes

Our own Dan Wiederer joined the Rahimi & Harris Show on 670 The Score to discuss why the Bears' second-round picks haven't signed contracts yet. He also reacted to general manager Ryan Poles receiving a contract extension.