Hard Knocks finale: Ryan Poles’ tough calls, Caleb Williams’ montage, and Bears’ new identity

Ruthie Polinsky and Alex Shapiro are joined by long time Bears beat reporter Mark Potash. They get Mark's insight on how this disappointing season stacks up against other painful seasons. They also talk about the state of the locker room and the coaching style that would best fit with the current roster. Mark also details his level of concern with Caleb Williams in his rookie season along with the challenges Ben Johnson would face as the next head coach.

Ruthie Polinsky and Alex Shapiro are joined by Clay Harbor for a mid-week Vibe Check. We discuss the tough position Kiran Amegadjie was put in for his first career start and would a second look show better results? The crew discuss the need for the young players to get a chance to show what they can bring to the team. There is also an argument for the veteran players needing to prove they have the motivation to fight. We also bring you a look at head coach candidate Joe Brady.

Alex Shapiro, Clay Harbor, and Kevin Lapka react to another uninspiring Bears performance. They give their concerns with Caleb Williams’ play. The guys go over the struggles by the O-line and Kiran Amegadjie’s first start at left tackle. Key players are underperforming but does the tape still show the effort? Those answers will determine Ryan Poles’ future. The defense has been bitten by the injury bug recently but there might have been a couple bright spots. Roster construction and Caleb’s confidence.

Ruthie Polinsky and Alex Shapiro catch up with Vikings beat reporter, Ben Goessling to talk about their big Monday night matchup versus the Bears. They cover the impressive play of the Vikings compared to the league’s expectation to start the season. Ben also covers the plan for Sam Darnold should he continue to lead the Vikings offense and what happens to JJ McCarthy. Aaron Jones and Jordan Addison are playing major roles in the offense, Ben explains how they are taking advantage of their opponent’s defensive game plan. All that and much more!

Ruthie Polinsky and Alex Shapiro are joined by Clay Harbor on today’s episode. They get a Vibe Check on Thomas Brown’s debut at HC, how Eric Washington handled the defense, and Caleb William’s play. Clay Harbor also identifies someone that may be flying under the radar during all the drama at Halas Hall. Also, Alex Shapiro lays out the resume of Mike Vrabel and his case for being the next head coach of the Chicago Bears.

Alex Shapiro and Kevin Lapka react to the newly led Bears and their loss to the 49ers 38-13. They attempt to explain the woeful first half on offense and the lone bright spot. They also get into the defensive struggles now that Matt Eberflus isn’t calling the plays. Is Ryan Poles’ job security under a microscope? And the chances we see another Bears W this season.

Ruthie Polinsky and Alex Shapiro are joined by Bay Area News Group reporter Cam Inman for an inside look at the 49ers ahead of this Sunday's matchup vs the Bears. He helps explain Kyle Shanahan's standing with the team and the job security rumors. Cam goes into how the turnover at defensive coordinator has effected the team and the pass rush issues. Also, Christian McCaffrey's injury riddled season and Deebo Samuel's drop-off, and much more!  

Ruthie Polinsky and Alex Shapiro will be looking into potential head coaching candidates for the Chicago Bears. Up first: Lions OC Ben Johnson. But first, they talk about their takeaways from the Ryan Poles/Kevin Warren press conference and the pressure mounting for Ryan Poles. A lot of key Bears have landed on the injury report. Will this lead to a bounce back game for the injury plagued 49ers? Also, we get a Vibe Check on Thomas Brown, Kevin Warren, and the importance of the remaining schedule.

Alex Shapiro and Clay Harbor react to another stunning end to a Bears game. We break down the clock management on the final drive, the offensive struggles in the first half, and the Bears recent efforts to stop the run. We also prepare ourselves to begin Mock Draft Season and much more!

Ruthie Polinsky and Alex Shapiro are joined by Lions team reporter Dannie Rogers. She helps paint the picture of where the Lions season expectations stand. Dannie expands on the tenacity that Dan Campbell has brought to the Lions since his arrival and rebounding after last year’s loss in the NFC Championship game. Also, the relationship between the Lion’s 1-2 punch at running back and the keys to Jared Goff’s success in Detroit. As well as the potential departure of both sought after coordinators.