The Charter: A Chicago Bears Podcast

Bears vs Packers postgame recap: Well, they are technically in the playoffs

They did it. After a wild regular season which featured a 6-game losing streak, the Bears fell backward into the playoffs, thanks to an Arizona Cardinals loss. JJ Stankevitz, Cam Ellis, and David Kaplan discuss the Bears’ season, break down the 35-16 loss vs. the Packers, and discuss the upcoming playoff matchup next week with the New Orleans Saints. (1:20) - When did you realize that the Bears are going to the playoffs? (7:14) - Are fans happy the Bears are in the playoffs? (14:30) - Will McCaskey make a move to change things for the better or stay pat? (22:20) - Should fans just enjoy the playoff game? (32:40) - The Bears played a game that mattered and a lot of other teams didn't (38:55) - Frustration vs excitement to be in the playoffsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bears vs Packers preview: BIGGEST. GAME. EVER!

Well Bears fans, it's here. The game to decide the fate of the Bears’ season, and possibly this era comes, down to one final game against their biggest rival. To cover all the aspects of this Sunday’s game, JJ Stankevitz and Cam Ellis bring on not just one, but two guests to get you prepared for the Week 17 matchup. First, Football Aftershow analyst and former Bear Lance Briggs joins the podcast to discuss the rivalry from a player's angle and what this game means for Ryan Pace, Matt Nagy, and Mitch Trubisky. Later in the pod, the Under Center crew is joined by Olivia Reiner of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel to break things down from the Packers side, discuss Aaron Rodgers' MVP season, and give a peek into what Green Bay is thinking headed into a game they need as well. We have it all covered on the Under Center podcast. (1:45) - How surprising is it that the Bears are in this position? (6:34) - Do Pro Bowl snubs bother NFL players? (10:57) - What do the Packers do on offense to challenge linebackers? (14:45) - Lance goes over the last time the Bears played the Packers on Week 17 (Don't get angry) (19:27) - Olivia Reiner of the Milwaukee Jornal Sentinel joins the podcast (21:38) - Where are the Packers clicking the most on offense? (27:10) - How much can the Packers take away from the week 12 matchup? (34:38) - Matt LaFleur's year 2 (37:55) - JJ and Cam wrap up the preview of Bears and Packers. Is this a measurement game for the entire Bears organization?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mailbag Tuesday: Do the Bears have a chance vs the Packers?

The weekly mailbag is back with questions from Under Center fans about the resurgent Bears. JJ Stankevitz and Cam Ellis discuss whether Mitch Trubisky is another Alex Smith that can win games as you search for your franchise quarterback, then debate the temperature of Chuck Pagano’s seat before wondering if Mitch Trubisky can beat a good team in the Green Bay Packers. All of that and more on Under Center’s weekly mailbag. (1:50) - Is Mitch Trubisky Alex Smith? (13:00) - When was the last time Mitch Trubisky beat a good team? (20:40) - Is Chuck Pagano on the hot seat? (28:50) - Why has Eddie Jackson gone MIA this season? (34:38) - What should Ryan Pace do about the QB position, if he is still employed by the Bears? (41:40) - How far can the Bears go if they make the playoffs?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bears vs Jaguars postgame recap: Don’t look now but the Bears might do it

In a game the Bears needed to have and the Jaguars didn't want, the Bears had a 2nd half for the ages and beat the Jags 41-17. JJ Stankevitz, Cam Ellis, and David Kaplan discuss the key victory and the growth of Mitch Trubisky as he leads one of the hottest offenses in recent weeks. The crew also discusses the playoff implications associated with the game and will the Bears stand pat with Mitch Trubisky after this season because of his recent play.(1:16) - What changed in the Bears after halftime?(7:44) - Issues with Matt Nagy's philosophy?(14:05) - What should the Bears do with Mitch Trubisky after this season?(21:50) - With the success of the offense in recent weeks, what should Matt Nagy make of finally changing his offensive philosophy to better fit his team?(29:00) - Can Matt Nagy grow as a head coach?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bears vs Jaguars preview: The Bears need to take the Jags seriously

The Bears are on an uphill climb while trying to make the playoffs, and will need help from others. JJ Stankevitz and Cam Ellis preview the Week 16 matchup, discussing who needs to step up on the Bears. Will Bill Lazor and Matt Nagy continue to run David Montgomery? If the Bears win, which they’re favored to do, will the final game vs Green Bay mean anything? (1:14) - The Bears are favored by a lot (8:00) - The Bears need help to make the playoffs. Which matchups should Bears fans be tuned into on Week 16? (14:40) - Bears fans will have to root for the Packers this Sunday (21:20) - Are there any options available next year that's better than bringing back Mitch Trubisky? (27:55) - Is Dak Prescott an option for the Bears? (36:10) - What are you having for Christmas dinner?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mailbag Tuesdays: Which bear is the best kind of bear?

The weekly mailbag episode is back and the Under Center fans delivered once again. JJ Stankevitz and Cam Ellis answer a full boat of questions, from Ryan Pace's future, to the play of the defense, to other potential QB options for next year (some of them laughable), and which bears are best. Is it the grizzly? Polar? Panda? Let the debating begin! (2:50) -Will Ryan Pace select Mitch Trubisky or Allen Robinson to franchise tag? (8:20) - Chances Goerge McCaskey hires a president of football operations to decide the fate of Pace/Nagy (13:30) - Select your bear: Bear in the Big Blue House vs Baloo from The Jungle Book (16:25) - Why has Nagy been so resistant to change in his offense? (26:05) - Should the Bears target Carson Wentz? (29:30) - What kind of bear is best? (34:10) - Who needs to step up more on defense, the pass rush, or the pass coverage? (44:29) - In an expanded playoff year, does getting the final seed count?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bears vs Vikings postgame recap: Folks, the playoffs are back on the table

The Bears have fought back and won their last 2 games, and their 33-27 win over the Vikings put them in realistic contention for the playoffs. Will a postseason run force the Bears to stay pat with Matt Nagy and Ryan Pace? JJ Stankevitz, Cam Ellis, and David Kaplan discuss and debate if the changes fans were calling for in recent weeks are still coming, and if the McCaskey's stick with their GM and coach. They also discuss David Montgomery's career day on the ground, and what is working for the Bears offense now. Bears fans, prepare yourselves for a roller coaster ride to finish the season.(1:25) - Percentages and chances the Bears make the playoffs(7:20) - Will George McCaskey fire Ryan Pace and/or Matt Nagy if they make the playoffs this year?(13:19) - Did Matt Nagy do his job of developing quarterbacks?(23:46) - The Bears may have to bring back Mitch Trubisky(29:56) - Vikings coach Mike Zimmer helped the Bears by not giving the ball to Dalvin Cook late in the game(36:27) - Do the Bears have a shot at winning a playoff game?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bears vs Vikings preview: Olin Kreutz on the new Bears offensive line

The Bears look to use the momentum gained vs the Texans to pick up another win vs division rival Minnesota Vikings to keep their playoff hopes alive. Host JJ Stankevitz and Cam Ellis are joined by NBCS teammate Olin Kreutz to help breakdown the matchup and more specifically what the Bears are doing with the offensive line. Olin breaks down the play of center Sam Mustipher and what he sees in him, they discuss if the offense has improved with Mitch Trubisky, and if the Bears have turned the corner. Later in the podcast JJ and Cam go over the spread of the game and make predictions on this crucial playoff determining matchup.(1:20) - Impressed by the play of Sam Mustipher(6:51) - What does getting an 80yrd run on the 1st play do for an offensive line?(13:57) - Could the Bears have been established if they stuck with Trubisky?(21:00) - Matt Nagy's coaching style(32:20) - The Bears are only 3 point underdogs going into Minnesota(40:20) - Vikings kicking issuesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mailbag Tuesday: After a blowout win, are jobs being saved?

It's been a while since we've done a mailbag episode after a win, but here we are. On this week's edition, JJ Stankevitz and Cam Ellis discuss what the big win vs the Texans means in the grand scheme of things for the Bears. Did the win help Mitch Trubisky, Matt Nagy, or Ryan Pace? Should the Bears look at Lovie Smith if they fire Matt Nagy? The crew answers all of these questions and why producer Tony Gill has an affinity for squirrels? (1:10) - Squirrell talk(5:27) - Did the win save the jobs of Trubisky, Matt Nagy, or Ryan Pace?(14:07) - Are the McCaskey's satisfied if the Bears go 8-8?(22:54) - What is Cole Kmet's role with the Bears moving forward?(33:28) - Should the Bears trade Roquan Smith if the right deal came about?(39:20) - Does tanking work in the NFL?(45:16) - Should the Bears interview Lovie Smith if they fire Matt Nagy?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bears vs Texans postgame recap: Did Matt Nagy finally figure it out?

They did it! The Bears ended the losing streak with a dominating 36-7 win over the Texans. Are the Bears still "In the hunt"? Did Matt Nagy finally figure it out? JJ Stankevitz, David Kaplan, and Cam Ellis discuss the win and what it means for Nagy and Mitch Trubisky. The crew then dives into the defensive performance, wonders if the offense will continue running the ball well, and highlights some good individual performances. (2:11) - Does this win matter for the Bears?(9:15) - Will the Bears keep Matt Nagy but let go of Ryan Pace?(16:10) - Why can't the Bears run David Montgomery more?(23:00) - Why can't the Bears look like this more often? (33:10) - Best individual performances for the BearsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.