Claim OwnershipThe Charter: A Chicago Bears Podcast
Subscribed: 1,023Played: 91,965
Subscribe
© Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
Description
The Charter Podcast is where you can find everything you need to know about the Chicago Bears. Our team of Ruthie Polinsky & Clay Harbor bring you postgame reaction, interviews, and game previews. We’ll provide you with latest and have some fun along the way. New episodes available every Thursday throughout the season.
1012 Episodes
Reverse
Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor break down the Bears–Eagles Black Friday clash. They examine how a healthier defense could change C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s role, who’s primed for a breakout performance, and how Ozzy Trapilo fits the Bears’ OL equation going forward.
They also discuss what Caleb Williams needs to deliver four clean quarters, how the Bears can force the Eagles into mistakes, and ways Chicago can take advantage of the Philly atmosphere. Plus: defensive injury updates, score predictions, and a Thanksgiving-themed closing question — what are you thankful for?
Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor preview Bears–Steelers in Week 12 as Chicago looks to improve to 8–3 on the season. They talk through the latest on Aaron Rodgers’ injury, whether we’ll see him or Mason Rudolph, and how much that actually affects the matchup. Clay breaks down what Caleb Williams and the Bears offensive line will need to handle from Pittsburgh’s pass rush, and how injuries at linebacker could factor into the Steelers’ ground game. They revisit the up-and-down special teams performance against the Vikings, discuss Ben Johnson’s game management and message to Caleb, and close the show with a thank you and farewell to producer Edgar Perez.
Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor are back on The Charter and they look back at what’s changed for the Bears since Week 1. They break down a more consistent run game, Caleb Williams settling in, and how Ben Johnson’s approach has shaped the offense. They also talk through the challenges of facing Brian Flores’ defense, J.J. McCarthy’s development, and how the Bears can handle Minnesota’s playmakers while dealing with their own injuries in the secondary. And finally, the potential expanded roles for Colston Loveland and Luther Burden and wrap up with their game picks.
Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor get you ready for Sunday’s matchup. The crew breaks down why this game is crucial for the Bears’ playoff chances, how Ben Johnson’s offense has built confidence in the run game, and why Darnell Wright’s growth has been a key part of that success. Clay explains what makes the Giants’ defensive front dangerous, the plan to handle Brian Burns, and how the Bears’ physical style could set the tone early.
The Bears sign C.J. Gardner-Johnson. Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor break down what his arrival means for a banged up defense. We dive into why this addition could inject attitude into the locker room, how his connection with Dennis Allen helps him fit fast, and what kind of spark he can bring right away in Cincinnati. Then we turn to the Bengals matchup: Joe Flacco availability, defensive line pressure problems, red zone failures, and why this week feels like a must-win for Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson’s offense.
Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor break down the stakes for Chicago heading into Week 8 against the Ravens. They discuss the defense’s breakout performance this season and what Caleb Williams needs to clean up after a shaky outing vs. the Saints. The crew hits on Tremaine Edmunds’ renewed play, Colston Loveland’s growing role, why the run game is finally rolling, and how Ben Johnson’s leadership is setting the tone. Plus: what a win with Lamar would really say about this Bears team.
Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor set the stage as the Saints are set to visit the Bears. They break down why weather tilts toward Chicago, how D'Andre Swift can drive the run game, and what Jake Moody’s call-up means with Cairo Santos ruled out. Clay outlines the blueprint on how each team can pull out the victory. Plus: Dennis Allen’s inside intel on New Orleans and Rattler vs. Caleb by the numbers.
With Chicago fresh off the bye week, Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor dive back into Bears football with renewed energy and plenty to unpack. They discuss the team’s momentum, Ben Johnson’s offensive reset, and how Kyler Gordon and Tyrique Stevenson can spark the defense. Plus, a full Bears-Commanders Monday night preview featuring Caleb Williams vs. Jaden Daniels and the key matchups that will define it.
Bears hit the bye after a razor-thin win in Vegas: early defensive takeaways, special-teams heroics, and Caleb’s clutch drive — but big concerns with run D, pass rush, and run-game identity. We sort out the O-line shuffle (Theo at LT), what Ben Johnson wants next, rapid-fire the entire NFL, and look ahead to MNF vs. Washington.
The Bears are fresh off their first win and now it’s on to Vegas. Ruthie and Clay break down what needs to carry over from the Cowboys game, how the offense is finding its rhythm, and why this matchup could be all about protecting the QB, running the ball, and winning on special teams. Plus, how the defense can keep building momentum and why 2–2 at the bye would flip the whole narrative.
Ben Johnson called out the Bears’ practice habits—Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor explain why that matters and how it translates vs. the Cowboys. We cover Caleb Williams’ progression, the OL’s path to keeping him clean, where Dallas can be attacked, and whether Chicago can build momentum into the bye. Plus, Matt Eberflus’ zone tendencies, Dak’s command at the line, injury context in the secondary, and the Tom Brady broadcast/owner conversation.
Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor diagnose the Bears’ Monday night collapse against Minnesota—penalties, late-game defense, and Caleb’s accuracy—before flipping the page to a hostile trip to Detroit. They dig into what Jaylon Johnson’s return unlocks for Dennis Allen, why silent count and cleaner pre-snap ops are non-negotiable, how interior pressure can rattle Jared Goff, and what Ben Johnson must change in his Detroit homecoming. Plus: O-line accountability, run-game tweaks, and final picks for Bears-Lions.
The Charter kicks off the season as Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor break down Week 1 for the Chicago Bears. They start with Thursday night’s opener before diving into the Bears-Vikings matchup: how Chicago’s offensive line holds up against a disruptive front, why cadence can be a weapon against disguised looks, and what the defense must do to slow down Minnesota’s run game and a first-time starter at quarterback. They also hit on a few key injury concerns and share why manageable downs will decide the night.
Ruthie Polinsky, Clay Harbor, and David Haugh are joined by ESPN’s Courtney Cronin on The Big Pro Football Show to react to a stunner in the NFC North: the Green Bay Packers have acquired Micah Parsons from the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for two first-round picks and DT Kenny Clark, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. After breaking down what this blockbuster means for the Bears and the division, we turn to our planned episode with Alex Shapiro, Ruthie, and Clay to tackle the Bears’ biggest questions — health concerns on defense, the uncertainty at left tackle, and which players they expect to emerge as leaders in the 2025 campaign.
The Bears’ preseason clash with the Chiefs gave us plenty to unpack. Ruthie Polinsky, Clay Harbor, and Alex Shapiro break down the sloppiness from the starters, the wake-up call for the defense, and what stood out from Caleb Williams, D'Andre Swift, and the offensive line. Then Ruthie shares her exclusive sit-down with the Bears QB2 after his big weekend that included a contract extension and throwing the first pitch at the White Sox game. Plus, roster cutdowns are looming: which fringe players helped their case, and how will injuries shake up the 53-man roster?
The Bears put together a dominant 38–0 preseason win over the Bills, and Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor are breaking it all down. From Caleb Williams’ sharp opening drive to Tyson Bagent’s extended run, the quarterbacks gave Chicago plenty to be excited about. The crew also dives into the left tackle battle, the running back room, Austin Booker’s emergence on defense, and whether the Bears should kick the tires on outside help before the season opener in Minnesota.
With joint practices against the Bills on deck and preseason game No. 2 around the corner, Ruthie Polinsky, Alex Shapiro, and Clay Harbor dive deep into the Bears’ left tackle battle, Caleb Williams’ progress, and which position matchups will define the week. The crew breaks down Theo Benedet’s surprise reps with the ones, what it means for Braxton Jones and Ozzie Trapilo, and whether a rotation at tackle could linger into the season. Plus, they preview key storylines for joint practices — from testing the run defense against James Cook to how the secondary will hold up against Josh Allen — and share what they want to see from the starters in their first in-game action.
The Bears’ preseason opener against the Dolphins ends in a 24-24 tie, but there’s no shortage of takeaways for Ruthie Polinsky, Alex Shapiro, and Clay Harbor. The Charter crew debates Caleb Williams sitting out, breaks down Tyson Bagent’s full first half, and evaluates strong defensive showings from Noah Sewell, Austin Booker, and Dominique Robinson. They highlight Kyle Monangai’s running style, rookie performances, and Olamide Zaccheaus’ rising role. Plus, thoughts on Ben Johnson’s aggressive calls, special teams miscues, and what to watch ahead of joint practices with the Bills.
Ruthie Polinsky, Alex Shapiro, and Clay Harbor dive deep into the latest from Bears training camp and Family Fest, breaking down the offensive growing pains, the rise of rookies, and the heated left tackle battle featuring Ozzy Trapilo. The crew also discusses the defense’s aggressive identity under Dennis Allen, DJ Moore lining up at running back, and the buzz (and hypothetical price) for a Micah Parsons trade. Plus, joint practices with the Dolphins are on the horizon.
Ruthie Polinsky, Clay Harbor, and Alex Shapiro reunite to break down a pivotal stretch of Bears training camp. The crew shares their biggest takeaways from a physical week, including encouraging signs from the offensive line, a true battle brewing at cornerback, and the return of live tackling at Halas Hall. They dive into the state of the edge rushers, the developing left tackle competition with Kiran Amegadjie shining and Caleb Williams’ growing comfort under center.
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States
what happened to the YouTube post?
if I wanted to listen to negative ranting on fast Forward for an hour I would just get all of my commentary from Reddit. turned it off of the 10-minute mark, why the heck would anyone listen to this for the entire podcast.
I feel like an accessory to murder with all the 'ax'ing' going on in the last podcast. Holmes is one of the most articulate sports broadcasters around & NBC chose this over him...smh.
q
Great episode. That dude has passion.
Great episode 👍
This was a good podcast. Listening to them 3 was funny as hell. LH is always cool. 'Back in 3, 2,, 1.' lol