Take The North: A Chicago Bears Podcast

Latest Episodes:

What does Caleb Williams need to learn about watching film at the NFL level? May 28, 2025

Show notes

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss how Bears coaches didn't give quarterback Caleb Williams enough guidance when it came to film study during his rookie season. What part of that is Williams responsible for and what blame falls on the coaches?

Why is this Caleb Williams story still relevant? May 28, 2025

Show notes

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss why they believe the recent story from ESPN senior writer and author Seth Wickersham about Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is still worth discussing and why we need to hear from Williams about it.

[FULL EPISODE] How big of a deal is this Caleb Williams story? May 27, 2025

Show notes

We still have unanswered questions following the article from ESPN senior writer and author Seth Wickersham regarding quarterback Caleb Williams being less than thrilled (at first) by the idea of the Bears drafting him in 2024. But the question has been posed — are we making too much of this story? Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote dive into that idea in this episode. Why is it we continue perusing the revelations in that story? The gang also dives into the idea of film study and how responsible Williams is when it comes to seeking an understanding of what he's seeing on the film. Also, Wiederer and Grote give a brief look to the Bears defense. How is it shaping up under new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen?

BONUS: Mark Grote & Dan Wiederer talk Bears with Brian Baldinger on 670 The Score May 24, 2025

Show notes

While hosting on 670 The Score, Mark Grote and Dan Wiederer brought in Audacy NFL insider Brian Baldinger to discuss how Bears quarterback Caleb Williams can take the next step in his career. Plus, what does Baldy think of the NFL keeping the tush push alive for at least one more year?

Tush push is here to stay (for now) May 23, 2025

Show notes

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote react to a proposal to ban the tush push narrowing failing in a vote among NFL owners. Does Bears head coach Ben Johnson like the play? Plus, veteran guard Joe Thuney has received a contract extension.

Ben Johnson was fired up during Bears OTAs May 23, 2025

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Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote react to what they saw from Bears head coach Ben Johnson as he ran practice during OTAs. Johnson clearly has passion on the field!

Ben Johnson handle the Caleb Williams questions well May 23, 2025

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Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss the way Bears head coach Ben Johnson fielded questions regarding quarterback Caleb Williams after a story came out recently about Williams initially not wanting to be drafted by Chicago in 2024.

[FULL EPISODE] Ben Johnson addresses Seth Wickersham's Caleb Williams story May 22, 2025

Show notes

OTA practices are underway for the Bears, but it's an off-field story that's still being addressed by the team. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear how head coach Ben Johnson responded to the story from author Seth Wickersham about quarterback Caleb Williams initially wanting to avoid being drafted by the Bears in 2024. But before that, why didn't Williams himself take the podium to address the story? Also in this episode, we discuss how Johnson brought intensity during the team's practice. Is that a typical practice vibe for him? Plus, guard Joe Thuney has signed an extension!

Arlington Heights is back as the Bears' new stadium front-runner May 20, 2025

Show notes

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote react to the news that Arlington Heights is now officially the primary focus for where the Bears want to build their new stadium.

Bears clearly still have organizational issues to fix May 20, 2025

Show notes

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote look into how messy the Bears' operation was in quarterback Caleb Williams' rookie season. While the team has taken steps to try and make it better, it's still far from perfect.