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

The Chicago Bears travel across the pond and handle business in a 35-16 domination over the Jacksonville Jaguars in London, England. Caleb Williams had another efficient performance. Big performances from Cole Kmet, Keenan Allen, and D'Andre Swift are the highlights on offensive side of the ball. The defense also held their ground after coming into this game with key injuries. We discuss what the plans should be for the Bears during their bye week.

Ruthie Polinsky and Alex Shapiro dive into this Sunday's matchup with former Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Clay Harbor. They discuss the impact of traveling overseas for NFL players and the change in routine. Will Trevor Laurence take advantage of a banged up Bears secondary? They go over the plan of attack for the Bears in order to come away with a victory. Also, the Jaguars key to success.

Alex Shapiro, Mike Bolling, and Edgar Perez discuss the latest injury update for the Chicago Bears as they prepare to face the Jaguars in London. We talk about the growing depth of the defensive line with the practice window now open for Jacob Martin. Also, Caleb Williams seemingly starting to take control of the offense and his growth as a vocal leader.  

Alex Shapiro, Mike Bolling, and Edgar Perez bring you the first episode of Da Bearcast. They are recapping a complete Bears victory over the Panthers. A performance that Bears fans were waiting to see. We saw the connection between Caleb Williams and DJ Moore finally take form. The defense dominated the other side of the ball. Only giving up 10 points and forcing 3 turnovers. We also bring you a brief look ahead to next weeks early kickoff. Join us and we're glad you're along for the ride! Bear Down!

As you may know, NBC Sports Chicago’s 20-year run serving Chicago’s passionate fans, its partners, and community is coming to a close on Monday, Sept. 30. This is our final episode of Under Center Podcast. Kenneth Davis and Josh Schrock break down the Bears' thrilling win over the Rams. Caleb Williams had his best performance as a pro. However, lingering miscues with his receivers show there’s still room for growth (1:00). The guys celebrate the Bears' improved run blocking, which paved the way for a breakout day from Roschon Johnson and D'Andre Swift (7:00). They reflect on the return of Keenan Allen (13:45) and continue to address the team's ongoing offensive line struggles (15:30). The defense stepped up against Matthew Stafford. At the same time, penalties remain a thorn in the Bears’ side (18:00). Ken and Josh share heartfelt goodbyes as they sign off for the final time (26:36). We thank our viewers, readers, listeners, and followers for their incredible support over the last two decades. If you are a subscriber of the Under Center Podcast, you will automatically receive podcast episodes from the new Chicago Sports Network. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kenneth Davis and Josh Schrock are joined by The Athletic's Jourdan Rodrigue to break down the Bears’ Week 4 clash against the Rams. They kick things off by discussing Bears fans' growing frustration with offensive coordinator Shane Waldron and whether it's time for concern (1:57). The crew also dives into Chicago’s struggles with their running game (8:40) and why the offense hasn't been able to adapt (7:18). They explore what Sean McVay or Matt LaFleur would do to better acclimate Caleb Williams to the NFL (12:06) and how the Rams managed to beat the 49ers despite several major injuries (16:42). They then look at Matthew Stafford’s impressive play (19:16), key areas the Bears could exploit (23:12), and weaknesses in the Rams’ secondary (25:57). Finally, they predict whether the Bears can capitalize or if the banged-up Rams will pull off another win (29:17). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of the Under Center Podcast, Kenneth Davis, Josh Schrock, and Glynn Morgan break down the Bears' 21-16 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 3. The trio dissect quarterback Caleb Williams' performance and criticize the Bears' poor offensive plan that had the rookie throw 52 passes. They discuss the option call on fourth-and-goal that cost the Bears points and analyze why offensive coordinator Shane Waldron's plan of attack. Then, they talk about the Bears' inability to run the ball. Next, they look at head coach Matt Eberflus' poor clock management that cost the Bears a critical timeout in the loss. The guys then flip over to the defensive side of the ball to break down a good performance against Anthony Richardson. They finish by wondering if the Bears' decision to keep Eberflus is already harming Caleb Williams. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.

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.

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.