Take The North: A Chicago Bears Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Caleb Williams has his own responsibility for messy rookie season May 20, 2025

Show notes

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote continue the discussion coming from ESPN senior writer Seth Wickersham's story regarding quarterback Caleb Williams wanting to avoid coming to the Bears early in the pre-draft process in 2024. While the Bears obviously didn't handle Williams' rookie season properly, Williams himself must take responsibility for some of the struggles.

[FULL EPISODE] Caleb Williams was initially reluctant to be drafted by the Bears May 19, 2025

Show notes

It seems the Bears were lucky to draft quarterback Caleb Williams in 2024. That's because Williams and his father, Carl, initially didn't want Williams to be drafted by the Bears, according to a story written by author and ESPN senior writer Seth Wickersham. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss this revelation. It's clear the Bears still have cleaning up to do after botching Williams' rookie year. Also in this episode, the guys offer further thoughts on the team's 2025 schedule. Plus, it looks like the Bears are officially shifting their focus for a new stadium back to Arlington Heights.

BONUS: Bears fans should be happy Caleb Williams let the Bears draft him May 16, 2025

Show notes

While hosting on 670 The Score, Mark Grote reacted to a story from author and ESPN senior writer Seth Wickersham about Bears quarterback Caleb Williams' initial reluctance to be drafted by Chicago in 2024.

Predicting the Bears' five 'island' games in 2025 May 16, 2025

Show notes

Mark Grote and producer Adam Studzinski look into the Bears' five standalone games in the 2025 season. How many of those will the Bears win?

What do we like and dislike about the Bears schedule? May 16, 2025

Show notes

Mark Grote and producer Adam Studzinski explain what they like and dislike about the Bears schedule for the 2025 season.

[FULL EPISODE] Breaking down the Bears' 2025 schedule! May 15, 2025

Show notes

We officially have the full Bears schedule for 2025! Mark Grote and producer Adam Studzinski break it down in this episode. What do they like the most and dislike the most about the schedule? How will the Bears do in their five standalone games? Plus, will the Bears play the dreaded Aaron Rodgers this season?

Rome Odunze jumps out in the intermediate area | Reception Perception May 15, 2025

Show notes

From Reception Perception (subscribe here), Matt Harmon and James Koh dissected Bears receiver Rome Odunze's rookie season amid a crowded Chicago receiving corps.

Whether it's the biggest stars in the league or new rookies bursting on the scene, you won't get better wideout information anywhere else. Along the way, they'll break down the biggest stories in the NFL and offer up a few big-picture fantasy football thoughts.

Follow the guys on Twitter @JamesDKoh and @MattHarmon_BYB. Follow Reception Perception @RecepPerception. Download and subscribe to Reception Perception anywhere you get your podcasts.

Watch segments of the show on YouTube at ⁠⁠Matt Harmon⁠⁠.

Left tackle position remains a mystery for the Bears May 14, 2025

Show notes

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote look into the Bears' left tackle position. Rookie Ozzy Trapilo is getting a look at the spot to begin his spring, but we still aren't sure what the Bears' plan is for this key position.

This Bears coaching staff feels refreshingly honest so far May 14, 2025

Show notes

While discussing what they learned at Bears rookie minicamp, Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote remark on how refreshing the new Bears coaching staff is.

We know some small details of the Bears' 2025 schedule already May 14, 2025

Show notes

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss what we've already learned about the Bears' schedule ahead of the NFL's full 2025 schedule release.