The Charter: A Chicago Bears Podcast
The Charter Podcast is where you can find everything you need to know about the Chicago Bears. Our team of Ruthie Polinsky, Alex Shapiro, Clay Harbor, and Kevin Lapka bring you postgame reaction, interviews, and game previews. We’ll provide you with latest and have some fun along the way. New episodes available every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday throughout the season.
Episodes

Thursday Sep 19, 2024
Thursday Sep 19, 2024
Colts PA announcer, writer for Colts.com and podcast host JJ Stankevitz joins Kenneth Davis and Josh Schrock to preview the Bears' crucial Week 3 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. JJ shares his thoughts on the Bears' 1-1 start and their struggling offense (3:10). While evaluating Caleb Williams' performance so far, he discusses why he thinks the rookie QB will get better as the season goes on (4:40). They also discuss what JJ learned about Matt Eberflus when the Bears coach was Indy’s defense (6:23), the battle between the Bears' run game and the Colts' defense (9:42), and whether the Colts can exploit Chicago's weak offensive line (12:16). They break down how the Bears can contain Anthony Richardson (16:03), how Colts offensive coordinator Shane Steichen is developing Richardson (18:00), and how Eberflus might make life tough for the second year QB (20:43). Don't miss the predictions for Sunday's game (25:00)!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Monday Sep 16, 2024
Monday Sep 16, 2024
Kenneth Davis and Josh Schrock dive into the Bears' 19-13 loss to the Houston Texans that saw quarterback Caleb Williams face constant pressure. They discuss where the blame lies for the Bears' slow start (0:36), including major issues on the offensive line (2:00) and Ryan Poles’ struggles to select the right personnel (7:15). The guys break down Caleb Williams’ shaky performance under pressure (14:46) and dissect how the lack of a running game is hurting the rookie QB (10:00). While the offense needs serious improvement (19:00), the Bears' defense delivered a statement. The duo analyzes how the Bears' defense stifled C.J. Stroud, highlighting Tyrique Stevenson’s play and their success in containing a strong Texans offense (24:36). How can the Bears bounce back against the Colts in Week 3? Tune in for the full breakdown!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thursday Sep 12, 2024
Thursday Sep 12, 2024
On a new Under Center Podcast, Jonathan Alexander from the Houston Chronicle joins Kenneth Davis and Josh Schrock to dive into the Bears' upcoming clash against the Texans on Sunday Night Football. They explore whether Caleb Williams can follow in the footsteps of CJ Stroud (2:00), and Jonathan reflects on when he first realized Stroud and the Texans had something special. Alexander also details how Stroud’s teammates came to believe in him. They discuss how the Texans’ vital QB-offensive coordinator relationship developed (8:09). Then, they dissect the Texans' improved run game (10:51), and look at how Stefon Diggs is fitting in after his departure from the Bills (13:50). Later, they look at how the Texans aim to prevent big plays (15:40), if they can exploit the Bears' interior offensive line weakness (17:22), and the rise of Will Anderson as a leader (18:50). They wrap up with predictions and a look at how the Bears' defense can stop Stroud and the Texans' offense in this highly anticipated matchup (22:30).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sunday Sep 08, 2024
Sunday Sep 08, 2024
On this episode of the Under Center Podcast, Kenneth Davis, Josh Schrock, and Alex Shapiro break down the Bears' victory over the Titans in Week 1. They start off by discussing how Caleb Williams looked in his NFL debut (00:58). Were Williams' struggles expected or are they cause for concern? They also discuss the offensive line's poor play and the impact it had on the Bears' non-existent run game (17:20). Later, they break down the performance of the Bears’ defense and pinpoint which player stood out the most (30:00). Finally, they discuss how the special teams looked, including Velus Jones Jr.’s latest muffed kick return and the blocked punt that Jonathan Owens returned for a touchdown (42:15).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Friday Sep 06, 2024
Friday Sep 06, 2024
Kenneth Davis and Alex Shapiro team up with Tyler Rowland from the Locked on Titans Podcast to preview the Bears' season opener against the Titans! (0:45) Can the Titans find a way to slow down Caleb Williams and the Bears' high-powered offense? Tyler shares insights into Titans QB Will Levis' growth and expectations for this year (2:56), while the crew discusses how Bears offensive coordinator Shane Waldron can exploit the Titans' defense (5:09). They dive into the identity of Tennessee's run game post-Derrick Henry and whether free agent Tony Pollard can replace his production (7:09). Plus, an in-depth look at the Bears' running back group (13:00), a breakdown of Kevin Byard (16:50), and a matchup of the Bears' elite defensive backs vs. the Titans’ wide receivers (19:30). Lastly, can the Titans pull off the upset as the Bears head in as favorites (32:03)? Tune in for all the predictions!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Wednesday Sep 04, 2024
Wednesday Sep 04, 2024
Kenneth Davis and Alex Shapiro dive into the final episode of Hard Knocks, reacting to the intense roster cuts and Ryan Poles' toughest decision (6:30). They break down the epic Caleb Williams throwing montage (11:16) and discuss whether this Bears team has a unique vibe compared to past seasons (14:05). Can Poles become a standout GM in the NFL (19:35)? Plus, they debate whether keeping Velus Jones was the right move (28:16) and crown the big winners of this season's Hard Knocks (32:25).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thursday Aug 29, 2024
Thursday Aug 29, 2024
On the latest Under Center podcast, Kenneth Davis and Alex Shapiro break down key takeaways from Ryan Poles' post-cut-down day press conference, including his expectations for Caleb Williams this season (1:23). They discuss why Caleb doesn't need to be Superman—just a point guard delivering to playmakers (4:00). The hosts dive into how Poles transformed the Bears' wide receiver room into one of the NFL's best (15:20) and debate his optimistic view of the offensive line (20:17). They also review what might be the best episode of Hard Knocks this season, including heartfelt and humanizing moments from the show (28:53). Plus, get the latest updates from Bears practice and how Velus Jones Jr.'s dual role could benefit the team (45:10).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Wednesday Aug 28, 2024
Wednesday Aug 28, 2024
NBC Sports' Fantasy Football expert Matthew Berry joins Kenneth Davis on the Under Center podcast to break down the Bears' top fantasy players. Who's the highest-ranked Bear this season (0:37)? Berry also ranks the rest of the Bears' offense (2:19) and shares where he thinks fantasy players should draft rookie quarterback Caleb Williams (5:00). Berry discusses where he would rank the rest of the rookie quarterbacks (7:15), shares who he thinks are the top NFC North fantasy players (9:10), gives his ultimate tips and tricks to dominate your fantasy league (10:30). Don't miss these must-hear strategies for your draft!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tuesday Aug 27, 2024
Tuesday Aug 27, 2024
Tune into the latest Under Center podcast with Kenneth Davis, Josh Schrock, and Alex Shapiro for an in-depth analysis of the Bears' initial 53-man roster! (1:00) The guys react to the cuts that were made, then dive into whether Velus Jones Jr. deserved another chance (4:14). They also discuss players likely to join other teams or the Bears' practice squad (5:20). The guys evaluate the strength of the Bears' defensive back group and assess linebacker depth (11:40). They look at the issues with the Bears' defensive line and examine potential additions (13:25) with a look at NFL players the Bears might target (15:50). Finally, they react to surprising NFL cuts (17:55). Don’t miss the inside scoop on Ryan Poles’ most-talented roster to date.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Friday Aug 23, 2024
Friday Aug 23, 2024
Kenneth Davis and Alex Shapiro dive into the Chicago Bears' final preseason game against the Chiefs, highlighting standout performances and discussing crucial roster decisions. They analyze the depth Ryan Poles and Ian Cunningham have built (4:47), tackle the tight end logjam (7:00), and debate which wide receivers will make the cut (10:31). The biggest question remains: What should the Bears do with Velus Jones? (14:00). Plus, updates on the offensive line, including Larry Borom's injury (22:27), and whether cornerback Reddy Stewart's dominant performance secures him a spot (32:52). The episode wraps up with breaking news on the Bears' trade for linebacker Darrell Taylor from the Seahawks (43:20).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.