The Charter: A Chicago Bears Podcast

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 ...

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. P...

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 ...

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 ...

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 S...

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 bef...

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 seas...

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 Zac...

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 practic...

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 W...

The pads are finally on! Alex Shapiro and Clay Harbor break down the Bears' first padded practice of training camp and everything that came with it—from the offensive line standing tall in one-on-ones to a noticeable lack of chippiness on a steamy day at Halas Hall. The guys dive into the left tackle battle and explain why it's still wide open. They also talk DJ Moore lining up at running back, Colston Loveland’s rising stock, Jaqu...

Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor recap Day 3 of Bears training camp from Halas Hall. The offense had a tough day, especially in red zone drills, while the defense brought energy and forced turnovers. Clay shares observations from the trenches, including the battle at left tackle. The crew also discusses coaching expectations, practice intensity, and what to make of the early struggles. With pads set to come on next week, they break ...

Ruthie Polinsky and Alex Shapiro check in from Halas Hall with their thoughts on the first two days of Bears training camp. They break down Ben Johnson’s decision to pull the first-team offense off the field, Luther Burden III’s absence, and early chemistry issues for Caleb Williams. The defense, meanwhile, is ahead of schedule—and the energy Dennis Allen is bringing to the unit is already showing. Plus, early standouts like Kyle M...

It’s a special birthday edition of The Charter as Clay Harbor is joined by Gabe Ramirez of 670 The Score and The Chicago Lead. The two dive deep into the Chicago Bears' biggest training camp questions, including how Ben Johnson will tailor his offense to Caleb Williams, expectations for Year 2 growth, and what remains the biggest hole on the roster. Plus, how does Caleb stack up against last year’s quarterback class? And can the Be...