The Charter: A Chicago Bears Podcast

Post-Minicamp Questions and Roster Moves to Watch

With Ruthie out on vacation, it's just the guys holding it down on The Charter. Alex Shapiro and Clay Harbor take a deep dive into the new questions that emerged after Bears minicamp. Should the team add another edge rusher or running back before training camp? Can Ruben Hyppolite catch up fast enough to be a contributor on defense? And what exactly will the Bears’ offense look like under Ben Johnson? Plus, the guys debate this-or-that scenarios for the 2025 season: Who will be RB2? Will DJ Moore or Rome Odunze hit 1,000 yards? Will the Bears run more 12 or 11 personnel? And how many Pro Bowlers can this team produce?

Why Kyle Monangai Could Be the Bears’ STEAL of the Draft

On this episode of The Charter, Ruthie Polinsky, Clay Harbor, and Alex Shapiro dive into a surprise interview with rookie running back Kyle Monangai, who impressed with his confidence, humility, and mindset. The crew reacts to his thoughtful answers about being a seventh-round pick, handling Eric Bieniemy’s intense coaching, and competing for a spot in a crowded Bears backfield.

Matt Eberflus Responds & Players Who MUST Step Up

On this episode of The Charter, Ruthie Polinsky, Clay Harbor, and Alex Shapiro react to Matt Eberflus’ response to the Caleb Williams excerpts. The rookie class visits Wrigley, and the crew breaks down which players—including Tyler Scott—have the most to prove at training camp.

Ben Johnson to Rework Offense and His Rising Expectations for Rookie Availability

Ruthie Polinsky, Clay Harbor, and Alex Shapiro break down everything they saw during Bears OTAs and mandatory minicamp. From Ben Johnson's demanding tone and creative vision to Caleb Williams’ learning curve and the ongoing battle for trust and reps for the new additions to the team, the crew unpacks where this team stands heading into training camp. They also highlight their early “camp crushes” and take stock of the running back room.

Jaire Out in Green Bay, Chubb to Texans & Bears Coaches Take Control

Ruthie Polinsky, Clay Harbor, and Alex Shapiro break down the impact of the Packers releasing All-Pro corner Jaire Alexander and why it matters for Caleb Williams and the Bears’ offense. The crew also dives into Nick Chubb signing elsewhere, what that says about the Bears’ confidence in their current running back room, and the coaching culture Ben Johnson is instilling at Halas Hall. Plus: Clay’s minicamp takeaways, Caleb’s development curve, Aaron Rodgers' return to Soldier Field, and some standout players flying under the radar.

Minicamp Wrap-Up: Trick Plays, Odunze's Growth, & Battles Taking Shape

The Bears have officially wrapped up their three-day mandatory minicamp, and Ruthie Polinsky and Alex Shapiro were there to see it all. They break down how the team progressed over the week, what stood out from Ben Johnson’s leadership style, and how the new coaching staff is already putting its stamp on the roster. From trick plays to intense competition, the energy at Halas Hall felt different. The crew also discusses position battles, offseason priorities, and what to watch as the team heads into its final OTA before summer break.

Minicamp Recap Day 2: Brisker Speaks on Last Season's Concussion and New Leaders Emerging

Alex Shapiro is joined by ABC7 and ESPN 1000’s Dionne Miller to break down Day 2 of Bears mandatory minicamp. The duo discusses Jaquan Brisker’s emotional return and maturity after battling a vestibular concussion, how the offense is starting to find its rhythm with Caleb Williams, and the standout performances of Olamide Zaccheaus and Kiran Amegadjie. They also dive into the growth of Tyrique Stevenson and Gervon Dexter, and the early impact of new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. 

Minicamp Recap: Offensive Updates, Key Absences & Press Conference Notes

The Bears are back at Halas Hall for Day 1 of mandatory minicamp, and The Charter is on site to break it all down. Alex Shapiro welcomes new Chicago Tribune Bears beat reporter Sean Hammond to discuss the top takeaways from a windy first day — including notable player absences, offensive line shuffling, and Ben Johnson’s early impressions as head coach. Plus, insights from Cole Kmet on adapting to the addition of Colston Loveland, DJ Moore’s evolving role in the new offense, and D'Andre Swift’s take on reuniting with his former coordinator.

Bears Report for Minicamp as Lions Lose Another Key Piece

On this episode of The Charter, Ruthie Polinsky, Clay Harbor, and Alex Shapiro gear up for a pivotal week at Bears mandatory minicamp. But first, they break down the Chicago Fire’s newly announced stadium project at The 78. Then it’s all football: Lions Center Frank Ragnow’s sudden retirement and its ripple effects across the NFC North, position battles to watch at Halas Hall, leadership development in the Bears locker room, and the continued evolution of Caleb Williams under center. Plus, the crew shares early impressions of Rome Odunze, DJ Moore’s usage, and which players could step into cornerstone roles as this new Bears era unfolds.

Caleb Speaks, O-Line Taking Shape, and Dennis Allen's Defense

Caleb Williams speaks—and silences the noise. On this episode of The Charter, Ruthie Polinsky, Clay Harbor, and Alex Shapiro break down the Bears rookie QB’s headline-grabbing press conference and how he showed maturity, self-awareness, and leadership. The crew also dives into Ben Johnson’s emphasis on body language and pre-snap discipline, Case Keenum’s role as mentor and potential QB2, and the early impressions from OTAs. From Ozzy Trapilo flashing at left tackle to Dennis Allen’s complex defense keeping everyone on edge, it’s a loaded episode with plenty of insight and takeaways on the new-look Bears.