Take The North: A Chicago Bears Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Ben Johnson is clearly a big draw for free agents Mar 19, 2025

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Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss the Bears' recent signings of key free agents. It's clear that new head coach Ben Johnson is a big reason why players want to come to Chicago.

How will Olamide Zaccheaus fit into the Bears offense? Mar 19, 2025

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Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote examine how new Bears receiver Olamide Zaccheaus will be used in head coach Ben Johnsons' offense. Zaccheaus isn't a top-flight receiver, but he seems to have become a solid player in the NFL.

[FULL EPISODE] The Bears are building out their receiver room Mar 18, 2025

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As the offseason moves forward, the Bears continue to build out their roster. In this episode, Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss the team recently signing receiver Olamide Zaccheaus. What role will Zaccheaus play in the new offense? And how about these other receivers the Bears are considering signing? Plus, head coach Ben Johnson had quite the mic drop moment when discussing the difficulty that comes with building an entirely new offense. It seems as if Johnson understands this won't be an easy process.

Drew Dalman wants to lessen the load on Caleb Williams Mar 15, 2025

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Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear from new Bears center Drew Dalman, who wants to help lighten the load placed on quarterback Caleb Williams before any given play. Will Dalman finally stabilize a position that's been through a lot of change for the Bears in recent years?

Ryan Poles & Ben Johnson seem pretty satisfied with their offseason so far Mar 15, 2025

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Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss the vibes they're getting from Bears general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson right now. There's no doubt the two seem to feel a sense of accomplishment with their work in the offseason so far, but they know there's still lots of work to be done.

What should we expect from Dayo Odeyingbo? Mar 15, 2025

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Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo, who recently spoke to the media for the first time as a Bear. His sack numbers weren't too high while he was with the Colts. Does he expect to have more with the Bears?

[FULL EPISODE] Bears officially introduce Drew Dalman & Dayo Odeyingbo Mar 14, 2025

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The Bears have officially announced the signings of center Drew Dalman and defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo! Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote were both in attendance for the new players' first press conference at Halas Hall and bring you their thoughts in this episode. How does Dalman think his experience with a rookie quarterback in Atlanta in 2024 will help him work with quarterback Caleb Williams? And what makes Odeyingbo believe he's yet to reach his ceiling in the NFL? Plus, general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson seem to be pretty satisfied with the moves they've made so far this offseason.

Grady Jarrett is going to be a fan favorite Mar 13, 2025

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Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote share how impressed they were with defensive tackle Grady Jarrett's first press conference with the Bears. If he's even remotely good, he's going to be a fan favorite really fast.

How do Joe Thuney & Jonah Jackson feel about being Bears? Mar 13, 2025

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Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear from new Bears offensive linemen Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson. Thuney addressed whether he's interested in an extension with the Bears, while Jackson was reflective about why his time with the Rams didn't go as planned.

Is Kyler Gordon interested in an extension with the Bears? Mar 13, 2025

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Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss Bears cornerback Kyler Gordon, whose rookie contract will run out after the 2025 season. Does he want to stay with the Bears in the long term?