The Charter: A Chicago Bears Podcast

Bears vs Texans preview: Houston Chronicle’s John McClain on Deshaun Watson

The Bears are looking to stop their longest losing streak since 2002 with a win vs Houston. Playing against Deshaun Watson brings back nightmares from the 2017 draft as Mitch Trubisky gets another opportunity to face a fellow member of that class. To help preview the matchup, veteran NFL writer for the Houston Chronicle, John McClain joins JJ Stankevitz and Cam Ellis to discuss the issues the Texans have had this year, who will win the QB matchup on Sunday, and Watson's view on the Bears. (1:55) - Remembering the 2017 NFL draft and combine (8:34) - Fan hope in Houston and Watson vs hope in Trubisky in Chicago (14:38) - What does this game mean to Deshaun Watson? (17:35) - Matchups to look at in this game (21:20) - Will Watson remember what the Bears did forever? (28:10) - How will the Bears' secondary keep Watson in check? (34:30) - Will a loss to Watson for a 7th loss in a row be the bow on top of a bad season?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mailbag Tuesday: Ryan Pace and Matt Nagy are still the GM and coach

With the new Under Center schedule starting this week, Mailbag Wednesdays are now on Tuesdays and you guys didn't disappoint. JJ Stankevitz and Cam Ellis discuss Monday's press conference from Matt Nagy and how he has a great relationship with Ted Phillips and the McCaskeys. Later in the podcast, the guys answer questions regarding a possible Ted Phillips retirement, whether Pace and Nagy can save their jobs, and the worst Bears losses you have ever seen. (1:19) - Ryan Pace and Matt Nagy are still leading the Bears after an ugly loss to the Lions(3:34) - Who should be the Bears' overseer of all things football operations if Ted Phillips retires?(12:18) - Is there anything Pace and Nagy can do to save their jobs?(14:50) - Is there any benefit to keeping the coaching staff until the end of the season?(18:36) - If the Bears enter a rebuild, who is untouchable?(27:56) - What is the worst Bears loss you've ever witnessed?(30:58) - Who are the candidates for GM and head coach?(39:12) - Who won the Khalil Mack trade: the Bears or the Raiders?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bears vs Lions postgame recap: Really? The LIONS!?

After being in control for most of the game, your Chicago Bears found a way to lose to the Detroit Lions, 34-30 in heartbreaking fashion. Will this get the attention of the McCaskeys? Is actual change coming to the Bears now? JJ Stankevitz, Cam Ellis, and David Kaplan try and make something out of what the Bears did on Sunday. I mean..(throws hands in the air)(1:00) - Will the Bears finally fire a coach mid-season?(9:35) - Reasons why Matt Nagy might be fired relatively soon(18:50) - Should the Bears lose out to obtain a higher draft pick?(26:25) - If Matt Nagy doesn't get fired tomorrow, he will last the season(35:00) - Were the Bears wrong to hire Matt Nagy at the time that they did?(43:14) - Should the Bears look to get Dave Toub as 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 Lions preview: Does a win vs Lions do anything for the Bears?

JJ Stankevitz and Cam Ellis preview a matchup of bad teams: the Bears, who are attempting to end a losing five-game losing streak, and the Detroit Lions, who’ve seemingly waived the white flag on their season. From the numbers the Bears are the favorites, but does beating the Lions help Ryan Pace? Matt Nagy? Mitch Trubisky? The fans? JJ and Cam discuss that question, then debate whether the Bears use this game as a spring board for the rest of the season. What are you looking for this game?(1:10) - Matt Nagy calls out his defense(8:26) - Does it matter or change anything if the Bears beat the Lions?(16:00) - Will Anthony Miller play well vs the Lions?(22:40) - Will the defense show better effort vs the Lions?(27:00) - Did the Bears give up vs the Packers?(29:46) - Guess the player, Cole Kmet or Adam Shaheen?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mailbag Wednesday: Jason Goff has Bears takes

In this week's installment of Mailbag Wednesday, JJ Stankevitz and Cam Ellis are joined by special guest Jason Goff of the Bulls Talk podcast. The three of them answer fan questions about the struggling Bears, what it may take to fix the organization, and if there need to be changes made above Ryan Pace. They also debate whether 2018 was a fluke and when the organization will stop accepting mediocrity. Put the kids to bed for this one.(2:40) - Are the Bears ok with being just ok?(10:36) - Will there be change above Ryan Pace?(20:35) -There isn't consistent winning in recent Bears history. Why can't they find sustained success? (29:36) - It seems like Matt Nagy and Ryan Pace are living off the playoff appearance in 2018. Was that season a fluke, or can the Bears be that good again? And if it was a fluke, what is the narrative in 2020 if they never have that season?(37:55) - With a of strong class of QBs coming up, should the Bears trade whatever they can to take one?(46:15) - Should Alabama's quarterback Mac Jones be a target for the Bears?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bears vs Packers Postgame recap: Is it time for Ryan Pace and Nagy to go?

There is nothing to say about that game but sheesh. The Bears took a huge loss against the rival Packers on Sunday Night Football and it was not pretty. JJ Stankevitz, David Kaplan, and Cam Ellis discuss the possibility that the Bears start their rebuild after this season, and the chances the McCaskey's step in to replace Ryan Pace and Matt Nagy. Oh, and they talk about that farce of a game too. (smh)(1:56) - Did losing in humiliating fashion to the Packers the final straw for Ryan Pace and Matt Nagy?(8:00) - Every drafting mistake by Pace had to be made up with a free agent or trade(14:50) - What do the McCaskey's value, money or winning?(21:12) - The Bears need to blow it up(28:13) - Was there anything good in the Bears' loss to the Packers?(34:16) - Should Matt Nagy have a conversation with Chuck Pagano about the defensive effort vs the Packers?(40:50) - Game balls for the BearsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

BREAKING: Mitch Trubisky gets the start vs the Green Bay Packers

In a breaking news edition of the Under Center podcast, JJ Stankevitz and Cam Ellis react to the announcement that Mitch Trubisky will make his return to the starting lineup vs the Green Bay Packers on Sunday Night. (1:10) -The Bears make it official: Mitch Trubisky will start on Sunday (4:14) - What if Mitch Trubisky plays well on Sunday? (6:56) - Mitch Trubisky says he was caught off guard by his benching (10:46) - Does Trubisky's exit from the Bears feel similar to Kyle Long's? (16:15) - Will Bill Lazor get more out of Trubisky than Nagy? (21:00) - Is this Mitch's last ride?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mike Tirico & Chris Simms preview Bears vs Packers on Sunday Night Football

After coming off the bye, the Bears look to keep their playoff hopes alive by taking on the Packers on Sunday Night Football and avoid going below .500 for the first time this season. JJ Stankevitz and Cam Ellis are joined by NBC Sports teammates Mike Tirico, who will be broadcasting the game and Chris Simms to discuss and breakdown the NFC North matchup and get you prepared for one of the biggest games for the Bears this season.(1:30) - (Mike Tirico interview) How is it calling big games with no fans?(5:00) - Assessing the Packers flaws on defense the Bears can take advantage of(10:20) - How should Bears ownership view this season if the Bears continue to collapse?(21:15) - (Chris Simms interview) How can Matt Nagy help Mitch Trubisky if he starts?(23:55) - What should Mitch Trubisky's mindset be after being benched?(27:05) - Does this season specifically give coaches more job security even after a poor season?(30:32) - Did the Bears lose Allen Robinson already by not giving him an extension?(3242) - Will the Packers win handedly, or will the Bears defense keep it close?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mailbag Wednesday: Is losing to the Packers the final straw for Pace & Nagy?

The Bears are preparing to play their unquestioned rival, the Green Bay Packers, on Sunday Night Football with a lot riding on the game. In the weekly mailbag segment, JJ Stankevitz and Cam Ellis discuss if there would be implications for Ryan Pace and Matt Nagy if the Bears would lose to the Packers, what their favorite Thanksgiving side dishes are, and whether Colin Kaepernick could fix the Bears’ QB problems. Later in the podcast, JJ and Cam are joined by a special guest, Kathryn Tappen of NBC Sports, to discuss her Sunday Night Football debut. They dive into what it's like covering Notre Dame and her thoughts on the lack of production from former Fighting Irish tight end Cole Kmet. (7:36) - Will a loss to the Packers influence the McCaskeys? (12:51) - Favorite Thanksgiving side dish? (17:51) - Should the Bears prepare for a rebuild or try again next year? (21:32) - Would Colin Kaepernick help the Bears? (26:25) - Bigger mistake, trading up for Trubisky or pairing Mitch with a first year head coach in Matt Nagy? (32:32) - Interview with NBC Sports' Kathryn Tappen (38:46) - Why isn't Cole Kmet producing? (42:30) - Kathryn describes sideline reporting with no fansSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Who will be the Bears starter, Nick Foles or Mitch Trubisky?

The Bears’ bye week gave them some time to figure out the ongoing saga of who will play quarterback in Green Bay. With Nick Foles dealing with an injury, is there a chance Mitch Trubisky returns? JJ Stankevitz and Cam Ellis discuss the comments made by Matt Nagy on the QB situation and where they think the Bears are leaning in terms of naming a starter. Later in the podcast, the guys explain how the Bears still control their playoff destiny. (1:20) - Mitch Trubisky was at practice, Nick Foles was not (8:20) - Will Matt Nagy go back to Mitch Trubisky? (16:55) - Eddie Jackson is placed on COVID-19 reserve list (21:30) - What does the playoff picture look like for the Bears (26:55) - The Bears have made making the playoffs difficult on themselvesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.