Take The North: A Chicago Bears Podcast

Mark Grote and Dan Wiederer discuss more of the film of the Bears' win over the Cowboys and react to comments from Chicago head coach Ben Johnson and quarterback Caleb Williams, who are showing growth early in their partnership together. 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 got themselves into the win column for the first time in the Ben Johnson era! They beat the Cowboys, 31-14, at Soldier Field on Sunday to move to 1-2 on the season. Dan Wiederer and producer Adam Studzinski react to the win, which brought a lot of much-needed positive vibes. 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 Listen To This episodes are back! Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote bring you the best Bears sound they heard this week. In this one, we hear from quarterback expert Tim Jenkins, former Bears long snapper Patrick Mannelly and Bears offensive line coach Dan Roushar. 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 head coach Ben Johnson challenged the way his players have been practicing amid their 0-2 start. How has the team responded? 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

In their weekly Spotlight segment, Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote preview former Bears head coach Matt Eberflus' return to Soldier Field as the defensive coordinator of the Cowboys. How will fans react? 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 share what to watch for in the Bears-Cowboys matchup. 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 head coach Ben Johnson didn't mince words this week after his team started 0-2. Johnson said the Bears aren't practicing like a championship squad yet. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote react to Johnson's challenge to his team and explain how a few players have responded. Also in this episode, we spotlight former Bears head coach Matt Eberflus' return to Soldier Field as the defensive coordinator for the Cowboys. And how does Johnson feel about FOX analyst Tom Brady, who's also a minority owner of the Raiders, calling the Bears' game the week before they play Brady's team? 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 head coach Ben Johnson, who believes quarterback Caleb Williams improved between the first and second games of the 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 once again are begging the Bears to just lose normally when they 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

As Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote begin this episode, we have a simple request for the Bears. Just lose normally!!! Why does every loss have to be some sort of catastrophe? The guys eventually turn their attention to general manager Ryan Poles, who has been the one under the most fire in the aftermath of the Bears' blowout loss to the Lions. Is this roster he has built still really flawed? Later, what did head coach Ben Johnson think of quarterback Caleb Williams' performance against the Lions? Did he show improvement? Finally, our producer Adam Studzinski is now a married man! 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 joined the Rahimi, Harris & Grote Show on 670 The Score to continue reacting to the Bears' blowout loss to the Lions. What's at the top of the list for the Bears to fix? 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, who was live at Ford Field, recap the Bears' brutal 52-21 loss to the Lions on Sunday in head coach Ben Johnson's first game back in Detroit since he left the organization. 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 Cash the Ticket (subscribe here), the Lions will win their matchup against the Bears, right? Download the latest episode of Cash the Ticket today. 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

In their weekly staple segment, Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote share what to watch for in the Bears-Lions matchup. 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 spotlight the Bears' pre-snap malfunctions this week. The pre-snap operation needs to get better. 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 running back D'Andre Swift. Can Chicago have a better rushing attack against Detroit than it did against Minnesota? 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

Week 2 brings a fascinating game for the Bears as they take on the Lions in Detroit. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote look into all aspects of the matchup, which features Chicago head coach Ben Johnson returning to Detroit for the first time since leaving this past offseason. Can quarterback Caleb Williams operate the offense more smoothly? Will Detroit's offense look any better in its second game without Johnson? We cover it all before, of course, predicting the winner of the game. 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), the fellas explain why they liked what they saw out of Bears second-year receiver Rome Odunze in his 2025 season debut in primetime. 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 the Reception Perception show 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 discuss how Bears head coach Ben Johnson held himself accountable for his own mistakes in the team's loss to the Vikings. 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 emotional tug of war that we're feeling after the Bears' loss to the Vikings in their season opener. 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 mull over the level of patience they have for Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, who struggled in a loss to the Vikings to open the 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

Our own Dan Wiederer joined the Mully & Haugh Show on 670 The Score to continue reacting to the Bears' loss to the Vikings to open the season. What can they do to rebound next week? 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 aren't panicking after the Bears' season-opening loss, but improvements need to be made quickly. Mark Grote and Dan Wiederer reflect on the Bears' 27-24 loss to the Vikings on Monday after having more time to digest what happened. Head coach Ben Johnson made it clear some of the operational issues are on quarterback Caleb Williams and need to get better. Johnson also took accountability for a few decisions he made, which was refreshing to hear. And how much rope do we think Williams will get from his new coach ... and the fans? 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 Leila Rahimi of 670 The Score reflect on how the Bears' loss to the Vikings on Monday reminded them too much of other losses by Chicago through the years. 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 Leila Rahimi of 670 The Score offer their thoughts on the Bears' disappointing 27-24 loss to the Vikings to open the 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

What a horrible way to begin the season. The Bears blew an 11-point lead in the fourth quarter and lost to the Vikings, 27-24, on Monday in their season opener. Mark Grote and 670 The Score midday show host Leila Rahimi talk through the loss. What was the biggest problem they saw in the game? 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 winner of Bears versus Vikings! 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 introduce a new weekly segment: The Take The North Spotlight of the week! This week's spotlight is on the Bears head coach, Ben Johnson. 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 examine the Bears injury report, which has some key players on it. Will linebacker TJ Edwards and corner Jaylon Johnson be able to play versus the Vikings? 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 'Cash The Ticket' (subscribe here): What should we expect from JJ McCarthy and Caleb Williams? Find out on this episode of Cash the Ticket. Download and subscribe today. 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 lead up to Bears vs Vikings on Monday Night Football feels like it's taking forever! Nevertheless, Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote are ready for their final preview for the first game of the year. First off, linebacker TJ Edwards seems to be at real risk of missing the game due to injury. And corner Jaylon Johnson has been practicing, but only in a limited fashion. Will either be able to play? Also this episode, the guys debut a new weekly segment: the Take The North Spotlight! Finally, the gang of course predict the winner of this massive week one game. 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 head coach Ben Johnson saying he's kept up late at night trying to think of how he will distribute the ball to all their offensive weapons. Plus, does receiver DJ Moore think he will have better on-field chemistry with quarterback Caleb Williams this 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, Mark Grote and producer Adam Studzinski predict which Bears player they believe will be the most disappointing 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, Mark Grote and producer Adam Studzinski each predict what they believe the Bears record will be 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

It's one of our favorite episodes of the year! Dan Wiederer, Mark Grote and producer Adam Studzinski offer their predictions for the 2025 Bears! The guys each predict the Bears record, team MVP, breakout player, most disappointing player, signature win, division champ and more. Plus, Wiederer and Grote bring the latest from Halas Hall as the Bears prepare to face the Vikings. 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 who the Bears 2025 team captains are! 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 closely at the Bears left tackle position. Head coach Ben Johnson has named Braxton Jones the starter, but he didn't exactly offer a full throated endorsement. Will Jones be the starter the entire 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 discuss the health of Bears star corner Jaylon Johnson, who is set to return to practice. Will he be able to play versus the Vikings to open the 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

Week one of the NFL season is finally here! As the Bears prepare to face the Vikings on Monday Night Football, it sounds like star corner Jaylon Johnson is set to return to practice after missing all of training camp. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear Johnson explain what the injury was that kept him out, and how likely it is he plays against the Vikings. Also this episode, head coach Ben Johnson officially named Braxton Jones the starting left tackle. How do we feel about the Bears LT spot right now? Finally, Ben Johnson has announced the 2025 team captains! 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

During their takeover of Chicago's 670 The Score, Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote had a chance to speak with former Bear Kyle Long! The guys reacted together to the Packers trading for star pass rusher Micah Parsons. Plus, Long gave a full throated endorsement of Caleb Williams. 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 took over Chicago's 670 The Score's midday show for a day! The pair spent time reacting to the massive news that the Packers traded for star pass rusher Micah Parsons. 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

Play-by-play broadcaster Adam Amin explains for Dan Wiederer what he believes success looks like for this year's Bears. 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 play-by-play broadcaster Adam Amin discuss how the patience of head coach Ben Johnson could be tested this year. Plus, what is the buy-in level of the team when it comes to Johnson? 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 'Cash The Ticket' (subscribe here): Will Ben Johnson be able to turn the Bears around? Download and subscribe to Cash the Ticket today. 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 asks play-by-play broadcaster Adam Amin what he thought of Bears quarterback Caleb Williams during the preseason. How hard is head coach Ben Johnson pushing 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

A special guest joins us for this one! Play-by-play broadcaster extraordinaire Adam Amin joins Dan Wiederer to recap the Bears preseason/training camp! Amin was on the call for two of the Bears three preseason games. He brings us inside what he learned about the team - most importantly when it comes to head coach Ben Johnson and quarterback Caleb Williams. How does he think the Bears will fair 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

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss the Bears current runningback depth. D'Andre Swift is currently the only healthy player in that 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 discuss the most notable cuts the Bears made to get the roster to 53. Defensive tackle Zacch Pickens and receiver Tyler Scott were draft picks in 2023 who did not make the team this 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 discuss what Bears general manager Ryan Poles told us about the status of star corner Jaylon Johnson. Johnson missed all of training camp with a soft tissue injury. 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 joined the rest of the NFL in trimming their roster to 53. However maybe the most notable takeaway for Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote was the update general manager Ryan Poles provided on star corner Jaylon Johnson. Will Johnson be ready for week one? As for the rest of the roster, a couple of 2023 draft picks did not make the cut - Zacch Pickens and Tyler Scott. Were there any other surprises from the day, good or bad? 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