Take The North: A Chicago Bears Podcast

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear from Bears head coach Ben Johnson on what he thinks his team accomplished during the offseason program. And what does Johnson intend to do during the dead period to prep for training camp? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The official end of the Bears offseason program saw just a couple key veterans in attendance — quarterback Caleb Williams and receiver Rome Odunze. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss why it matters that Williams, especially, felt the need to be at the voluntary workout. Also in this episode, head coach Ben Johnson discusses what he feels the Bears have accomplished during the offseason. What has he learned about working with Williams? Later, the gang gets into a lively back-and-forth with producer Adam Studzinski about how worried we should be that rookie receiver Luther Burden III has missed time with what's been called a "soft tissue" injury. Will he be ready for training camp? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark Grote and Dan Wiederer took over 670 The Score's afternoon show! So of course, the guys held an impromptu live episode of the podcast, where they looked around the NFC North a bit. The Bears aren't the only team in the division with big questions entering the 2025 season. Plus, the guys tracked down old friend/former Chicago Sun-Times reporter Mark Potash to hear what he thinks of the latest news coming out of Halas Hall. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear from Bears coach Ben Johnson, who offered under-the-radar players who have stood out to him during the team's offseason workouts. Plus, why were Bears linemen running routes during practice? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear from Bears backup quarterback Tyson Bagent. What has he thought of head coach Ben Johnson so far? Plus, it sounds like Bagent has a fun birthday party planned! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss what they've seen from Bears quarterback Caleb Williams and the team's offense this offseason. Progress is being made, but there's clearly still work to do. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Bears had a bit of fun to conclude their mandatory minicamp. We got to see offensive linemen running routes during practice! Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear head coach Ben Johnson explain the intention behind that ... and it isn't just to have fun. Also in this episode, Johnson offers surprising standouts from the offseason program. And what has backup quarterback Tyson Bagent thought of the new coaching staff so far? Plus, while the vibes around the Bears remain positive, it's clear they still have a lot of work to do before the regular season. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear what Bears tight end Cole Kmet had to say about the team selecting tight end Colston Loveland in the first round of the NFL Draft. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear Bears tight end Cole Kmet and running back D'Andre Swift discuss first-year head coach Ben Johnson's nearly obsessive attention to detail. It's something the team seems to be welcoming. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There has been a lot of talk about Bears players' body language since Ben Johnson took over as head coach. What have the coaches told receiver DJ Moore after he had some body language issues last season? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bears mandatory minicamp is underway! Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote are here to bring you all their observations from Halas Hall. Is there any concern about the players (such as rookie receiver Luther Burden and cornerback Kyler Gordon) who are missing practice right now? Plus, tight end Cole Kmet spoke to the media for the first time since the Bears selected a tight end in the first round of the NFL Draft. How did he react to that move? Does he still feel comfortable with his spot on the team? The guys also continue discussing the intensity and attention to detail that head coach Ben Johnson is bringing to the practice field. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our own Dan Wiederer spoke joined the Mully & Haugh Show on 670 The Score to preview the Bears' upcoming veteran minicamp. Plus, what's the latest on the Bears' pursuit of a new stadium. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear Bears head coach Ben Johnson explain why he wants quarterback Caleb Williams and the rest of the team to work on body language on the field. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote continue discussing Bears quarterback Caleb Williams' response to revelations about his mindset ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft, as reported by author Seth Wickersham in an upcoming book. Williams had a strong response when asked if his father, Carl Williams, speaks for him. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote react to Bears quarterback Caleb Williams' comments about author Seth Wickersham's story about Williams having concerns about the organization prior to the 2024 NFL Draft. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bears quarterback Caleb Williams has taken the podium to address the revelations from ESPN senior writer and author Seth Wickersham regarding the concerns that Williams had about being drafted by Chicago in 2024. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote break down Williams' comments as we finally look to move past this story. Also in this episode, why does head coach Ben Johnson want Williams to work on his body language? And what is veteran backup quarterback Case Keenum bringing to the quarterback room? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote turn their attention to the Bears defense. How is it developing under new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark Grote and producer Adam Studzinski explain what they like and dislike about the Bears schedule for the 2025 season. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

While discussing what they learned at Bears rookie minicamp, Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote remark on how refreshing the new Bears coaching staff is. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss what we've already learned about the Bears' schedule ahead of the NFL's full 2025 schedule release. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With rookie minicamp in the rearview mirror, Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote reflect on what, if anything, we learned from the Bears during their limited time with their new players. It seems clear that head coach Ben Johnson is still figuring out how everything is going to look for his team. Meanwhile, we still aren't sure who's going to play left tackle for the Bears in 2025. Rookie lineman Ozzy Trapilo worked out at left tackle during the rookie camp. How did he feel there? Plus, we've got a couple of games revealed for the Bears' schedule in 2025! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Leila Rahimi, Marshall Harris and our own Mark Grote welcomed on The Athletic Football Show host Robert Mays on 670 The Score in Chicago to discuss the Bears' aggressiveness in making moves this offseason, second-year quarterback Caleb Williams' potential and more. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote predict the final six weeks of the Bears' schedule in 2025. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote predict the first 12 weeks of the Bears' schedule in 2025. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote celebrate the fact that newly elected Pope Leo XIV is from Chicago! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Huge news! A Chicago native has been elected pope! Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote react to the incredible news to begin this episode. Do we know anyone who has connections to Pope Leo XIV? Later, Wiederer shares his second annual Bears schedule prediction. Grote follows along and predicts which games the Bears will win and which they will lose. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

While hosting on 670 The Score, our own Mark Grote welcomed on Fox Sports reporter Carmen Vitali, who explained why the Bears' offense may not be flashy to start. Vitali preached the need to have patience as new head coach Ben Johnson gets his scheme implemented. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss where they expect offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo to play when the Bears conduct their rookie minicamp. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote analyze Packers coach Matt LaFleur's comments on a recent podcast when asked about a remark that Bears coach Ben Johnson made in his introductory press conference. Is the oldest rivalry in the NFL getting a much-needed spark? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss the conversation surrounding Bears rookie running back Kyle Monangai, a seventh-round pick. The track record of running backs taken that late in the NFL Draft isn't great. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As we make our way through the NFL calendar, the next stop is rookie minicamp! In this episode, Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote talk through what they expect out of the Bears and their rookies this upcoming weekend. We'll all have our eyes on receiver Luther Burden III's explosiveness. And where will offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo line up for this camp? Plus, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur was asked on a recent podcast about comments that Bears head coach Ben Johnson made during his first press conference. Is this historic rivalry heating up even more? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From Upper Hand Fantasy (subscribe here), Faraz Siddiqi talks about the Bears' additions of tight end Colston Loveland and receiver Luther Burden III in the NFL Draft and how they can help quarterback Caleb Williams in his second NFL season. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

FOX 32 reporter Cassie Carlson tells Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote what she thinks about new Bears tight end Colston Loveland, whom Chicago selected in the first round of the NFL Draft. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices