In this episode of The Chicago Bears Podcast, Pat The Designer and Shea Norling, presented by The Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana and The Advantage Dealer Group, delve into the latest developments surrounding the Chicago Bears as they conclude their Organized Team Activities (OTAs) and look ahead to the Mini Cam.

00:00:00 – Sports Heartbreak Meals: The hosts kick off the show with a lighthearted discussion about the most outrageous meals they've indulged in following devastating sports losses.

00:08:10 – Left Tackle Position Battle: The conversation shifts to the left tackle position, where Braxton Jones is recovering from a fractured ankle sustained at the end of the 2024 season. While Jones is considered the frontrunner, his absence during OTAs has opened the door for players like Kiran Amegadjie and rookie Ozzy Trapilo to showcase their abilities.

00:20:00 – Edge Pass Rush Prioritization: Pat and Shea debate whether the Bears, under defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, are placing enough emphasis on enhancing their edge pass rush.

00:26:00 – Jaquan Brisker's Role on Defense: The duo discusses safety Jaquan Brisker's emergence as a leader on the Bears' defense. Brisker has expressed his commitment to elevating his performance in the upcoming season.

00:33:00 – DJ Moore's Impact: The hosts analyze wide receiver DJ Moore's role in the Bears' offense and his potential to be a top-tier receiver in the league. Is he expendable?

00:48:00 – NFC North Outlook: With Detroit Lions All-Pro center Frank Ragnow announcing his retirement at age 29, the NFC North landscape may be shifting. Pat and Shea discuss how this development could impact the Bears' chances in the division.

Tune in for an in-depth analysis of the Bears' offseason moves, position battles, and their quest to rise in the NFC North standings.

#ChicagoBears #BearsPodcast #BraxtonJones #JaquanBrisker #DJMoore #NFCSouth #NFL2025 #PatTheDesigner #SheaNorling

In this episode of The Chicago Bears Podcast, Pat The Designer and ESPN's Courtney Cronin, brought to you by The Advantage Dealer Group and The Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana, wrap up the Bears' Organized Team Activities (OTAs) and delve into the most intriguing position battle on the roster: the left tackle spot.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 – Offensive Line Stability: Pat and Courtney discuss the newfound stability in the Bears' offensive line, highlighting the impact of offseason acquisitions like guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, and center Drew Dalman.

00:10:00 – Left Tackle Competition: The hosts analyze the open competition at left tackle, noting that incumbent Braxton Jones is recovering from a fractured ankle sustained in December 2024 and is expected to start training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. This opens the door for second-year pro Kiran Amegadjie and rookie Ozzy Trapilo to vie for the starting role.

00:21:00 – Confidence in Braxton Jones: Despite the competition, there's a belief that Braxton Jones, who earned a 77.4 grade from Pro Football Focus in 2024, ranking 20th among 140 tackles, will reclaim his starting position once healthy.

00:26:00 – Mandatory Minicamp Preview: Looking ahead, Pat and Courtney preview the Bears' mandatory minicamp scheduled for June 3-5, where the coaching staff will further evaluate the offensive line and other key positions.

Join Pat and Courtney for an in-depth analysis of the Bears' offensive line dynamics and what to expect as the team progresses through the offseason.

#ChicagoBears #BearsPodcast #BraxtonJones #OffensiveLine #NFL2025 #ESPNChicago #PatTheDesigner #CourtneyCronin

n this episode of The Chicago Bears Podcast, Pat The Designer and ESPN Chicago's John "Jurko" Jurkovic delve into the latest developments at Halas Hall, highlighting the Bears' significant offseason improvements and the cultural transformation under new head coach Ben Johnson.

00:00:00 - Bears' Offseason Overhaul: The Bears have been recognized as one of the NFL's most improved teams, thanks to strategic acquisitions such as All-Pro guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, center Drew Dalman, and defensive linemen Grady Jarrett and Dayo Odeyingbo.

00:13:00 – Coaching Culture Shift: Jurko discusses how Coach Johnson is instilling a culture of accountability and high expectations.

00:19:00 – Coaching Trajectory Comparison: Jurko compares Ben Johnson's coaching trajectory to that of Hall of Famer Mike Shanahan, emphasizing Johnson's innovative offensive strategies and leadership qualities.

Join Pat and Jurko for an in-depth analysis of the Bears' promising direction as they prepare for the 2025 NFL season.

#ChicagoBears #CalebWilliams #BenJohnson #NFL2025 #ESPNChicago #BearsPodcast

In this episode of The Chicago Bears Podcast, Pat The Designer and former Bears fullback Jason McKie broadcast live from Halas Hall, providing insights into Week 2 of the Bears' Organized Team Activities (OTAs). Brought to you by The Advantage Dealer Group and The Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana, the duo discusses key developments, including quarterback Caleb Williams addressing recent controversies, the pace of practices under new head coach Ben Johnson, and updates on the offensive line.

00:00:00 – Caleb Williams Addresses Media: Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams speaks to the media for the first time during OTAs, addressing reports about his and his father's pre-draft concerns regarding the Bears organization. He emphasizes his commitment to the team, stating, "I wanted to be here. I love being here."

00:10:00 – Ben Johnson's Practice Pace Impresses: Jason McKie shares his observations on the increased tempo and efficiency of practices under head coach Ben Johnson, noting a significant shift in energy and productivity compared to previous seasons.

00:16:00 – Offensive Line Update: Rookie offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo takes first-team snaps during OTAs, indicating his potential to compete for a starting position. Trapilo, known for his toughness and leadership at Boston College, is making a strong impression early in his professional career.

00:28:00 – Coaching Staff's Playing Experience: The hosts discuss the wealth of playing experience among the Bears' coaching staff, highlighting how this background fosters respect and relatability with current players.

00:40:00 – Dawgs of the Week: Pat and Jason recognize standout performers from the week's practices, celebrating players who exemplified excellence and determination.

Join Pat The Designer and Jason McKie for an in-depth analysis of the Bears' progress during Week 2 of OTAs and what it means for the upcoming 2025 season.

#ChicagoBears #BearsOTAs #CalebWilliams #BenJohnson #OzzyTrapilo #NFL2025 #ESPNChicago

In this episode of The Chicago Bears Podcast, Pat The Designer delves into the key takeaways from Week 2 of the Bears' Organized Team Activities (OTAs). Brought to you by The Advantage Dealer Group and The Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana, the discussion focuses on areas of improvement, positional concerns, and player rankings as the team prepares for the upcoming season.

00:00:00 – Week 2 of Bears OTAs: Areas for Improvement: Pat analyzes the progress made during the second week of OTAs, emphasizing the need for enhanced cohesion between quarterback Caleb Williams and the receiving corps, as well as the importance of refining the offensive line's performance.

00:12:00 – Evaluating the Bears' Running Back Room: The running back position remains a topic of concern. Pat discusses the current depth chart, highlighting the need for a standout performer to emerge and solidify the backfield.

00:21:00 – DJ Moore's Standing in PFF's WR Rankings: Despite a dip in production during the 2024 season, DJ Moore is ranked No. 20 in Pro Football Focus's Top 32 Wide Receivers for the 2025 NFL season. Analyst Trevor Sikkema notes Moore's potential resurgence under new offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, citing his previous 89.5 receiving grade and the opportunity for increased slot usage.

Join Pat The Designer for an in-depth analysis of the Bears' offseason developments and what they mean for the team's prospects in the 2025 season.

#ChicagoBears #BearsOTAs #DJMoore #CalebWilliams #NFL2025 #ESPNChicago

In this episode of The Chicago Bears Podcast, Pat The Designer and ESPN Chicago's John "Jurko" Jurkovic dive into the latest developments from Halas Hall. Brought to you by Mitch Lyons Wealth, The Advantage Dealer Group, and The Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana, the duo discusses the Bears' upcoming joint practices, the challenges of the 2025 schedule, and the impact of Head Coach Ben Johnson's leadership.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 – Bears Announce Joint Practices with Bills and Dolphins: The Bears are set to host joint practices with the Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills ahead of their preseason matchups on August 10 and August 17, respectively. These sessions aim to provide valuable experience against unfamiliar opponents.

00:08:00 – Jurko Analyzes the Brutal 2025 Schedule: Jurko breaks down the Bears' challenging 2025 schedule, noting that it is tied for the second hardest in the league based on opponents' 2024 winning percentage (.571). He highlights a particularly tough stretch from Weeks 11 to 14, which includes three away games against formidable opponents: the Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles, and Green Bay Packers, with a home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in between.

00:14:30 – Ben Johnson's Productive Practices Impress Jurko: Jurko shares his observations on the Bears' Organized Team Activities (OTAs) under new Head Coach Ben Johnson. He notes the increased intensity and accountability in practices, with Johnson's hands-on approach and attention to detail setting a new tone for the team.

Join Pat and Jurko as they provide in-depth analysis and firsthand insights into the Bears' preparations for the 2025 season.

#ChicagoBears #BearsOTAs #BenJohnson #CalebWilliams #Jurko #NFL2025 #ESPNChicago

n this episode of The Chicago Bears Podcast, Pat The Designer is joined by FOX 32's Lou Canellis to discuss the latest developments from the Bears' Organized Team Activities (OTAs) at Halas Hall. Brought to you by The Advantage Dealer Group and The Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana, the duo provides insights into the team's progress under new head coach Ben Johnson.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 – Ben Johnson's Emphasis on Accountability: Head Coach Ben Johnson is making a strong impression with his intense and disciplined approach during OTAs, holding players accountable for mistakes and setting a new tone for the team.

Chicago Bears

00:08:00 – Addressing the Caleb Williams Controversy and why hasn't Caleb faced questions yet. The hosts discuss the recent revelations from Seth Wickersham's book, American Kings: A Biography of the Quarterback, which details Caleb Williams' and his father's efforts to avoid being drafted by the Bears. They analyze how Williams and the team are handling the situation moving forward.

00:16:00 – Caleb Williams' Rookie Season and Future Outlook: Despite a challenging rookie season, Williams showed promise with 3,541 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and six interceptions. The hosts discuss how the new coaching staff can build upon his performance.

00:25:00 – Lou Canellis' Observations from Practice: Lou Canellis shares his firsthand observations from the recent OTA practice, highlighting the team's energy, player performances, and the overall atmosphere at Halas Hall.

Join Pat and Lou for an in-depth discussion on the Bears' offseason progress and what it means for the upcoming 2025 season.

#ChicagoBears #BearsOTAs #BenJohnson #CalebWilliams #LouCanellis #NFL2025 #ESPNChicago

In this episode of The Chicago Bears Podcast, Pat The Designer and ESPN's Courtney Cronin broadcast live from Halas Hall as the Bears' 2025 Organized Team Activities (OTAs) commence. Brought to you by The Advantage Dealer Group and The Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana, the duo provides an in-depth breakdown of the day's events for fans unable to attend.

00:00:00 – Ben Johnson's Intense Coaching Approach: Head Coach Ben Johnson sets a rigorous tone during OTAs, emphasizing discipline and attention to detail. His fiery coaching style is evident as he holds players accountable for mistakes, aiming to instill a culture of excellence.

Windy City Gridiron

00:09:00 – Addressing the Caleb Williams Controversy: Johnson confronts recent reports about quarterback Caleb Williams' initial reluctance to join the Bears. He reassures that Williams is now fully committed and focused on leading the team forward.

00:21:00 – Luther Burden III's Injury Update and Other Notes: Rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III is absent from practice due to a soft-tissue injury sustained during rookie minicamp. The team is monitoring his recovery closely.

00:34:00 – Quarterback Competition Behind Caleb Williams: Veteran Case Keenum and second-year player Tyson Bagent are both receiving second-team reps, indicating a competitive battle for the backup quarterback position.

Join Pat and Courtney as they provide comprehensive coverage of the Bears' OTAs, offering insights into coaching strategies, player performances, and team dynamics as the 2025 season approaches.

#ChicagoBears #BearsOTAs #BenJohnson #CalebWilliams #LutherBurden #CaseKeenum #TysonBagent #ESPNChicago #BearsPodcast

In this episode of The Chicago Bears Podcast, Pat The Designer and Jason McKie, presented by The Advantage Dealer Group, The Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana, and Mitch Lyons Wealth, provide a comprehensive preview of the Chicago Bears' Organized Team Activities (OTAs) kicking off tomorrow. They delve into expectations under new head coach Ben Johnson, discuss the recent contract extension of All-Pro guard Joe Thuney, and explore the potential for acquiring Pro Bowl pass rusher Trey Hendrickson.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 – Jason McKie Breaks Down What to Expect from Bears OTAs: With his NFL experience, McKie offers insights into the structure and objectives of OTAs, highlighting the importance of these sessions in building team cohesion and evaluating player performance.

00:11:00 – Anticipated Changes Under Head Coach Ben Johnson: The duo discusses how Johnson's offensive philosophy and coaching style may influence practice routines, player development, and overall team dynamics during OTAs.

00:21:00 – Bears Extend Guard Joe Thuney's Contract: The Bears have agreed to a two-year extension with Joe Thuney, ensuring his presence on the offensive line through 2027. Thuney's experience and leadership are expected to be pivotal in protecting quarterback Caleb Williams and enhancing the team's offensive performance.

00:28:00 – Financial Flexibility Opens Door for Trey Hendrickson Acquisition: With the financial flexibility gained from recent roster moves, the Bears are in a position to pursue Pro Bowl edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, who has expressed dissatisfaction with his current team. Adding Hendrickson could significantly bolster the Bears' pass rush and defensive capabilities.

Join Pat and Jason as they provide in-depth analysis and updates on the Bears' preparations for the upcoming season.

#ChicagoBears #BearsOTAs #BenJohnson #JoeThuney #TreyHendrickson #NFL2025 #BearsPodcast #ESPNChicago #BearsNation

In this episode of The Chicago Bears Podcast, Pat The Designer and Shea Norling, presented by The Advantage Dealer Group, The Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana, and Mitch Lyons Wealth, provide fans with the latest updates from Halas Hall. They delve into recent reports about Caleb Williams' pre-draft sentiments, analyze Vegas odds for the Bears' 2025 season, and discuss the competitiveness of the NFC North.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 – Ben Johnson Addresses Caleb Williams' Pre-Draft Concerns: Head Coach Ben Johnson responds to reports that Caleb Williams and his father were hesitant about joining the Bears.

00:17:00 – Vegas Odds for the Bears' 2025 Season: Pat and Shea break down the latest betting odds, noting that the Bears' win total is set at 8.5, with the under being the favored outcome. They discuss what this means for the team's expectations.

00:32:00 – Navigating the NFC North Gauntlet: The duo examines the challenges within the NFC North, highlighting the strengths of divisional rivals like the Lions, Vikings, and Packers, and what the Bears need to do to compete.

00:38:30 – Caleb Williams' Projected Breakout Season: Why Vegas is hinting that Caleb Williams will have a stand out 2nd season.

00:43:00 – Awaiting the Trey Hendrickson Trade: The hosts express caution, stating that while optimism is high, they won't fully buy into the hype until the Bears secure a trade for All-Pro pass rusher Trey Hendrickson.

Join Pat and Shea for an in-depth discussion on the Bears' prospects for the upcoming season, player developments, and strategic moves that could shape the team's future.

#ChicagoBears #CalebWilliams #BenJohnson #NFL2025 #BearsPodcast #ESPNChicago #NFCNorth #VegasOdds #TreyHendrickson