The Charter: A Chicago Bears Podcast

Mailbag Wednesday on a Friday: What will it take to change the Bears’ culture?

In the weekly mailbag episode, JJ Stankevitz and Cam Ellis answer Under Center listener questions about the culture of the Bears and the history of mediocrity that has plagued the organization. The guys also answer whether Allen Robinson will sign a contract with the Bears, how can they arrange their offensive line to get literally anything, and which alternate uniforms the Bears should try out.(7:15) - What will take for a culture change?(12:31) - Does the 2020 season feel like Marc Trestman all over again?(16:04) - Has Trubisky's stock gone up or down?(21:10) - Is there any circumstance where Allen Robinson returns to the Bears?(24:48) - What alternate jersey should the Bears try?(33:20) - Worst names for a football player in NFL history(36:24) - Are the Bears at the table with the Browns, Bengals, and other bad/mediocre organizations?(43:22) - Is there any combination on the offensive line that the Bears can do something with?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bears vs Viking postgame recap: The offense stinks

The Bears lost a clunker at home to the division rival Minnesota Vikings 19-13, making it four losses in a row. Nothing on offense seemed to change after offensive coordinator Bill Lazor took over play calling duties resulting in zero touchdowns. JJ Stankevitz, Cam Ellis, and David Kaplan recap the loss and breakdown all the various issues not only the Bears offense has but the organization as well.(1:12) - We should have seen this coming(11:40) - The Bears are stuck in mediocrity(20:40) - Should the Bears start over and gather picks?(28:25) - Is Robert Quinn one of Pace's worst decisions?(33:46) - Kaplan drops a bomb on how the Bears dismissed current Colts GM Chris Ballard from the running as Bears GM(40:30) - Do the Bears want to be better than mediocre?(49:15) - Game BallsSee 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: Can the Bears stop the losing streak?

The Bears look to end their three game losing streak on Monday night with the Vikings in town. JJ Stankevitz and Cam Ellis break down the matchup in this week’s preview pod. The crew discusses the Vikings being the favorite despite having a worse record than the Bears, if the Bears defense can stop MVP candidate Dalvin Cook, and, for the love of all, can the offense finally do something? (1:05) - Why are the Bears an underdog to the Vikings? (7:10) - Will the Bears stop Dalvin Cook like they did Derrick Henry? (13:00) - This game is a pivot point for the Bears (18:20) - Where is the bar for the Bears (Not Alex Bars)? (25:20) - Matt Nagy was asked again on if he will give up play callingSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mailbag Wednesday: Are Ryan Pace and Matt Nagy still on the same page?

Things are looking bleak for the Bears after the third straight loss. Has the struggling offense and consecutive losses put a wedge between Ryan Pace and Matt Nagy? JJ Stankevitz and Cam Ellis try and answer this question — among many — in the weekly mailbag episode of the Under Center podcast. The crew also wonders which Bears beat writer would win in a foot race, whether the Bears would tag Allen Robinson only to trade him, and how much blame should Matt Nagy get for not being able to develop Mitch Trubisky? (1:14) - Matt Nagy speaks about his in game play-calling and the chances he gives it up (9:08) - Should Pace fire Nagy to protect himself? (14:10) - Are Nagy and Pace on the same page? (19:05) - Who would win in a foot race? (25:25) - If Nagy is fired, what other job would he be able to get? (29:37) - How much responsibility should fall on Nagy for not developing Trubisky? (35:06) - Should Pace draft a QB or an offensive lineman with the Bears 1st round pick? (43:50) - Would the Bears franchise tag Allen Robinson and trade him?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bears face-plant against Titans; are they out of answers?

JJ Stankevitz and Cam Ellis are joined by David Kaplan to sift through the wreckage of the Bears' 24-17 loss to the Titans that was not as close as the final score indicated. The guys discuss what went wrong on offense before debating whether Matt Nagy has any answers whatsoever, and later praise Chuck Pagano's defense for letting loose and amping up the pressure against Ryan Tannehill and company.(1:30) - Bears deserved the embarrassing result they got against Tennessee; what's the path forward?(6:00) - Why are the Bears so bad at situational football?(13:00) - The Bears have to stop making excuses about their offense, but is the real problem on the personnel side? (17:45) - How should the Bears prioritize their needs at QB & OL in the next draft? (20:00) - Should Bears ownership continue to have patience with Matt Nagy?(26:30) - The Bears' defense performed well against Derrick Henry & Ryan Tannehill Sunday(31:00) - Chuck Pagano dialed up a much more aggressive defensive gameplan in NashvilleSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bears dealing with COVID-19 ahead of Titans game

JJ Stankevitz and Cam Ellis dive deep into an eventful few days for the Bears organization after the entire team and staff were sent home before practice Thursday due to a second positive COVID-19 test. Later, the guys discuss the awful luck of the injured Mitchell Trubisky and what kind of chances the team has against the Titans on Sunday.(1:30) - The entire Bears organization is in a fluid state after another positive COVID-19 test Thursday(6:00) - What would have to happen for Sunday's game to not be played as scheduled?(15:30) - If Tyler Bray can't be on the sidelines Sunday backing up Nick Foles, who would you like to see be the emergency backup: Matt Nagy, Dave Ragone, or Henry Burris??(19:00) - Mitchell Trubisky potentially has structural problems in his throwing shoulder after getting injured on his only play last Sunday(25:00) - How can the Bears win in Tennessee despite being 6.5-point underdogs according to PointsBet Sportsbook?(36:15) - Breaking News live while recording! Cam & JJ react to the Bears being cleared to return to Halas Hall and practice FridaySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Why Alex Brown wants more from the Bears’ defense

JJ Stankevitz and Cam Ellis are joined by former Bears defensive end and current NBC Sports Chicago Football Aftershow analyst Alex Brown to discuss whether the Bears’ defense has another level to hit, as well as the Javon Wims suspension fallout and whether Matt Nagy needs to tailor his offense a bit differently (1:36). Then, JJ and Cam explain the implications of Jason Spriggs’ positive COVID-19 test (25:25) before reaching into their listener mailbag to answer questions about the offensive line, Halloween candy, Dak Prescott, their top “new” Bear of the season, and whether there’s any hope against the Titans this weekend (31:00). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bears vs Saints Postgame recap: What was Javon Wims doing!?

The Bears lost their second game in a row on Sunday, falling 26-23 to New Orleans in OT. As the offense struggled once again, Matt Nagy's play calling is again the subject of discussion — as is the fight and subsequent ejection of wide receiver Javon Wims. JJ Stankevitz, Cam Ellis, and David Kaplan breakdown the loss. Cam Nick Foles be the starter going forward? Can anything be done with the offense? And what in the world was Javon Wims doing!? (1:15) - What in the hell is Javon Wims doing? (7:20) - Wims was just another example of a lot of Bears mistakes (14:52) - Should Bears fans still have faith in Matt Nagy? (26:15) - Is Nick Foles still the answer? (35:15) - Who is to blame for the Bears struggling offense? (40:48) - Which Bear players get Under Center Game BallsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bears vs Saint preview with former Bear Devin Hester

The Bears look to turn it around vs the New Orleans Saints after an ugly loss to the Rams on Monday Night Football. JJ Stankevitz and Cam Ellis preview the matchup and discuss can the offense play good enough to keep up with Drew Brees and the Saints, and will the defense be able to slow them down. Later in the podcast, former Bears returner Devin Hester joins the podcast brought to you by our partners at PointsBet to help breakdown the matchup.(4:16) - Injury updates on players the Bears might not have vs the Saints(9:30) - Matt Nagy discusses play calling(16:00) - How the defense can change the game vs the Saints(22:00) - Can the defense set the tone for the Bears(29:08) - Devin Hester joins the podcast(34:45) - Why can't the Bears return punts?(38:50) - Does this game have a chance to be higher scoring?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mailbag Wednesday: Will Matt Nagy ever give up play calling?

After suffering an ugly loss to the LA Rams, the weekly mailbag questions from Under Center listeners had one central theme: WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH THE OFFENSE AND MATT NAGY? JJ Stankevitz and Cam Ellis are joined by NBCS Chicago teammate Adam Hoge, of the Hoge and Jahns podcast, as they answer concerns about whether Matt Nagy should give up play calling, if the Bears should go back to Mitch Trubisky, should Ryan Pace go after Saints WR Michael Thomas, and more. Make sure to follow @NBCSBears on Twitter to get your question aired on the podcast. (1:30) - The Bears need to address the offense NOW! (8:00) - Should Matt Nagy give up play calling? (17:00) - Why aren't the Bears good at running zone schemes? (22:38) - Why is there no consistent production from the TE position? (27:54) - Should Pace go after Michael Thomas? (34:15) - Will Nick Foles be benched for Mitch Trubisky? (41:27) - Is Akiem Hicks being hit with ticky-tack penalties? (44:45) - If the Bears don't make the playoffs, will Ryan Pace and Matt Nagy be fired?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.