Rahimi & Grote Show

In the Best of the Bears this week, Leila Rahimi and Mark Grote listened and reacted to quarterbacks coach J.T. Barrett explain why quarterback Caleb Williams should try to "do less" at times on the field; Matt Spiegel and Laurence Holmes discussed how Williams and head coach Ben Johnson can build their relationship in their second year working together; and Rahimi and Grote wondered if the Bears could be a better team in 2026 but have a worse record than they had in the 2025 regular season.

From 'Take The North' (subscribe here): We got our first look at the Bears on the field during the OTA period of the offseason — and got to hear from head coach Ben Johnson. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss what we learned. A definite positive is that Johnson made it sound like quarterback Caleb Williams and the offense are in a better spot than they were last offseason. What still needs to be worked on? Also, Johnson had a ton of praise for receiver Luther Burden III. Is he in for a big 2026 season? And cornerback Jaylon Johnson has made his way to Halas Hall after being absent for the first phases of the Bears' optional workouts

Leila Rahimi and Mark Grote discussed the Cubs’ 7-2 win over the Pirates on Thursday and welcomed on Kevin Fishbain of the Athletic to share his takeaways from the Bears’ work at OTAs.

Leila Rahimi and Mark Grote opened their show by discussing how the Cubs’ offense is starting to turn it around. After that, they explained how opposing teams are making a point to attack the Cubs with breaking balls. Later, Cardinals television analyst Mark Sweeney joined the show to preview the Cubs-Cardinals series in St. Louis this weekend.

In the second hour, Leila Rahimi and Mark Grote discussed how the Bears aren’t shying away from challenging quarterback Caleb Williams to complete 70% of his passes in 2026. After that, they listened and reacted to Bears defensive tackle Grady Jarrett’s comments about his underwhelming 2025 season and how he needs to step up in 2026. Later, they held the Halftime segment.

In the third hour, Leila Rahimi and Mark Grote discussed a variety of sports topics in the 5 On It segment. After that, MLB.com writer Scott Merkin joined the show to discuss the White Sox winning three of four games in their series against the Twins, how the organization is nearing the end of its rebuilding stage and more. Later, Rahimi and Grote wondered if we could get a resolution to the Bears’ stadium saga this weekend.

In the final hour, Leila Rahimi and Mark Grote were joined by Kevin Fishbain of the Athletic to share his observations from the Bears’ work during OTAs. He also discussed if Bears quarterback Caleb Williams can become a top-five quarterback in the NFL in 2026. After that, Rahimi and Grote discussed if the Cubs will pursue Tigers ace Tarik Skubal at the trade deadline.

Leila Rahimi and Mark Grote welcomed on Matt Spiegel and Laurence Holmes for the daily transition segment.

Leila Rahimi and Mark Grote discussed if the Cubs will pursue Tigers ace Tarik Skubal at the trade deadline.

Leila Rahimi and Mark Grote wondered if we could get a resolution to the Bears’ stadium saga this weekend.