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The Chicago Bears Podcast

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Welcome to The Chicago Bears Podcast, brought to you by ESPN Chicago! Hosted by Pat The Designer and joined by former Bears Jason McKie, along with NFL insider Courtney Cronin, former NFL Defensive Lineman John Jurkovic, and ESPN Chicago's Shea...

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United States

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Welcome to The Chicago Bears Podcast, brought to you by ESPN Chicago! Hosted by Pat The Designer and joined by former Bears Jason McKie, along with NFL insider Courtney Cronin, former NFL Defensive Lineman John Jurkovic, and ESPN Chicago's Shea Norling. Our show delivers unmatched access and conversations about the team you love. With new episodes every weekday, our knowledgeable and entertaining hosts provide in-depth analysis, game breakdowns, player interviews, and insider information to keep you up-to-date on all things Chicago Bears. From off-season moves to in-season battles, we've got you covered. So if you're a die-hard Bears fan or just a casual observer, join us for The Chicago Bears Podcast and stay connected to your favorite team all year long.

Language:

English


Episodes
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Courtney Cronin IMPRESSED with Ryan Poles — Bears Draft Grades Breakdown

4/30/2026
🐻 The Chicago Bears Podcast | Draft Grades & Roster Breakdown Hosted by Pat The Designer & ESPN’s Courtney Cronin Brought to you by The Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana & The Advantage Dealer Group Pat and Courtney break down the Chicago Bears’ NFL Draft strategy, with a focus on Ryan Poles’ approach in Rounds 2 and 3 — and Courtney delivers her official draft grade. The crew also dives into the current cornerback depth chart, evaluating whether the Bears have enough talent to compete in the NFC. Then it’s back to a familiar issue: help still needed at edge rusher — did the Bears do enough? Finally, they react to the latest NFC North odds, and once again ask why the Bears continue to be disrespected by sportsbooks. 👇 Episode Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Courtney’s draft grade & Poles’ Round 2–3 strategy 00:06:00 – Evaluating the Bears’ CB depth chart 00:10:00 – Help wanted: edge rusher 00:17:00 – NFC North odds disrespect the Bears again 🎧 Subscribe for daily Chicago Bears draft reactions, roster analysis & insider reporting from ESPN Chicago! 📱 Follow for more: #ChicagoBears #BearsPodcast #ESPNChicago #NFLDraft #RyanPoles #BearsDefense #NFCNorth #BearDown

Duration:00:30:00

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Jurko Praises Bears GM Ryan Poles for Key Adjustments During the NFL Draft

4/29/2026
🐻 The Chicago Bears Podcast | Draft Reaction & What’s Next Hosted by Pat The Designer & ESPN Chicago’s John “Jurko” Jurkovic The Chicago Bears draft is in the books, and Pat & Jurko break down their full reaction to Ryan Poles’ decisions — plus what it means for the roster moving forward. With key holes still unfilled, the guys debate who will need to step up, including a deep dive into Austin Booker’s ceiling and whether he can realistically become the Bears’ answer at edge rusher. They also play a one-choice game: if you could add ONE pass rusher from NFL Free Agency, who are you picking? And in honor of the Bears drafting Dillon Thieneman, the episode wraps with a look at the best safeties in Chicago Bears history. 👇 Episode Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Jurko’s reaction to the Bears draft & Ryan Poles’ approach 00:08:00 – Austin Booker’s ceiling: future edge solution? 00:13:00 – If you could pick ONE free agent pass rusher… 00:18:00 – Best Bears safeties of all time (Thieneman pick reaction) 🎧 Subscribe for daily Chicago Bears draft reactions, roster debates & insider analysis from ESPN Chicago! 📱 Follow for more: #ChicagoBears #BearsPodcast #ESPNChicago #NFLDraft #RyanPoles #AustinBooker #DillonThieneman #BearDown

Duration:00:23:44

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Is Ben Johnson Calling the Shots Over Ryan Poles? Bears Draft Dynamic Examined

4/27/2026
🐻 The Chicago Bears Podcast | Full NFL Draft Reaction Hosted by Pat The Designer & Shea Norling Brought to you by The Advantage Dealer Group & The Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana The Chicago Bears’ NFL Draft is complete, and Pat & Shea break down everything — the good, the bad, and the confusing. The biggest question: how did the Bears not address edge rusher? The guys dive into why that decision is so puzzling and what it means for the defense moving forward. They also discuss a growing narrative — are the Bears’ roster decisions now more Ben Johnson’s than Ryan Poles’? Plus, they take a hard look at Poles’ process, whether it should be questioned, and why the roster may be better… but expectations shouldn’t necessarily be higher. And when in doubt — should Bears fans just trust Ben Johnson? 👇 Episode Timestamps: 00:00:00 – No edge rusher? A puzzling draft decision 00:08:00 – Are roster moves more Ben Johnson than Ryan Poles? 00:18:00 – Questioning Ryan Poles’ draft process 00:24:00 – Roster improved, but expectations shouldn’t rise? 00:30:00 – When in doubt… trust Ben Johnson? 🎧 Subscribe for daily Chicago Bears draft reactions, analysis & insider discussion from ESPN Chicago! 📱 Follow for more: #ChicagoBears #BearsPodcast #ESPNChicago #NFLDraft #RyanPoles #BenJohnson #BearsDraft #BearDown

Duration:00:39:29

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Courtney Cronin: Bears Draft Pick Dillon Thieneman Was the STEAL of the 1st Round

4/24/2026
🐻 The Chicago Bears Podcast | Bears Draft Reaction Hosted by Pat The Designer & ESPN’s Courtney Cronin Brought to you by The Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana The Chicago Bears select Safety Dillon Thieneman (Oregon) — and Courtney Cronin is calling it the STEAL of the draft. Pat and Courtney break down why this pick could be a game-changer for Chicago’s defense and how it fits into Ryan Poles’ long-term plan. The conversation then turns to what’s next: will the Bears need to trade up on Day 2 to land an impact edge rusher, and what are the top priorities heading into Day 3 of the NFL Draft? 👇 Episode Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Courtney calls Dillon Thieneman the steal of the draft 00:05:00 – Will the Bears trade up on Day 2 for an edge rusher? 00:12:00 – Bears’ goals for Day 3 of the NFL Draft 🎧 Subscribe for daily Chicago Bears draft coverage, reactions & insider analysis from ESPN Chicago! 📱 Follow for more: #ChicagoBears #BearsPodcast #ESPNChicago #NFLDraft #DillonThieneman #BearsDraft #RyanPoles #BearDown

Duration:00:25:08

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Bears GM Ryan Poles Press Conference: Extension Talks & Draft Targets

4/21/2026
🐻 The Chicago Bears Podcast | LIVE from Halas Hall Hosted by Pat The Designer & ESPN’s Courtney Cronin Brought to you by The Advantage Dealer Group Pat and Courtney are LIVE from Halas Hall reacting to GM Ryan Poles’ pre-draft press conference just days before the NFL Draft. What did Poles reveal — and what should Bears fans take seriously? The crew breaks down Poles’ comments on a potential contract extension for RT Darnell Wright, why the center position appears to be a major draft priority, and how the Bears currently view the safety position — which may not be as big of a focus as expected. They also look ahead to the big picture: which roster holes might still be left unfilled after the NFL Draft, and what that means for the Bears’ offseason strategy moving forward. 👇 Episode Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Ryan Poles on a possible extension for Darnell Wright 00:09:00 – Center position becomes a clear draft priority 00:13:00 – Bears’ perspective on safety (not a major focus?) 00:18:00 – What holes will remain after the NFL Draft? 🎧 Subscribe for daily Chicago Bears draft coverage, insider reporting & offseason analysis from ESPN Chicago! 📱 Follow for more: #ChicagoBears #BearsPodcast #ESPNChicago #NFLDraft #RyanPoles #DarnellWright #HalasHall #BearDown

Duration:00:24:55

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Chicago Bears Mock Draft: Who We’re Taking in Every Round (1–4)

4/20/2026
🐻 The Chicago Bears Podcast | Full Mock Draft (Rounds 1–4) Hosted by Pat The Designer & Shea Norling Brought to you by The Advantage Dealer Group Pat and Shea dive into a full Chicago Bears mock draft, breaking down picks from Round 1 through Round 4 as the NFL Draft approaches. Who should Ryan Poles target — and how should the board fall for Chicago? Before the picks, the guys react to the latest Bengals & Dexter Lawrence fallout, and what it could mean for the defensive market and Bears strategy. Then it’s time to build the roster: multiple first-round scenarios, followed by Day 2 and Day 3 selections that could shape the future of the franchise. 👇 Episode Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Bengals & Dexter Lawrence fallout 00:09:00 – Bears 1st-round mock draft pick 00:16:00 – 1st-round mock draft (take 3) 00:21:00 – Bears 2nd-round mock draft picks 00:27:00 – Bears 3rd-round mock draft pick 00:31:00 – Bears 4th-round mock draft pick 🎧 Subscribe for daily Chicago Bears draft coverage, mock drafts & offseason analysis from ESPN Chicago! 📱 Follow for more: #ChicagoBears #BearsPodcast #ESPNChicago #NFLDraft #MockDraft #RyanPoles #BearsDraft #BearDown

Duration:00:38:37

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Best & Worst Chicago Bears Offensive Linemen of All Time | w/ Jurko

4/17/2026
🐻 The Chicago Bears Podcast | Best & Worst in Bears History Hosted by Pat The Designer & ESPN Chicago’s John “Jurko” Jurkovic Brought to you by The Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana & The Advantage Dealer Group Another edition of Best & Worst in Chicago Bears History with Jurko! Pat and Jurko break down the worst offensive linemen to ever suit up for the Bears, followed by a look at the best O-linemen in franchise history — the guys who defined toughness in Chicago. Then it’s time for Jurko’s Story Time, where he gives a rare and honest perspective on how NFL players know when the end is near, and how athletes adjust to life after football. 👇 Episode Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Worst linemen in Chicago Bears history 00:06:00 – Best O-linemen in Bears history 00:11:00 – Jurko Story Time: life after the NFL 🎧 Subscribe for daily Chicago Bears history, analysis & insider stories from ESPN Chicago! 📱 Follow for more: #ChicagoBears #BearsPodcast #ESPNChicago #NFL #BearDown #BearsHistory #Jurko #OffensiveLine #NFLStories For More Bears Content Watch: The Chicago Bears Podcast : https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCGqxB8UeLZiM5tuLNUFDXgj54SQhCpO_ Waddle & SIlvy : https://www.youtube.com/@WaddleAndSilvy/videos Kap & J Hood : https://www.youtube.com/@KapAndJHood/videos Carmen & Jurko : https://www.youtube.com/@CarmenAndJurko/videos

Duration:00:25:03

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Courtney Cronin Makes a SHOCKING Draft Pick for the Chicago Bears

4/16/2026
🐻 The Chicago Bears Podcast | Dueling Mock Drafts Hosted by Pat The Designer & ESPN’s Courtney Cronin Brought to you by The Advantage Dealer Group & The Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana The NFL Draft is just 1 week away, and it’s time for dueling mock drafts! Pat The Designer and Courtney Cronin step into the GM chair and make the picks they’d choose if they were Ryan Poles running the Chicago Bears. The crew breaks down their full Bears mock draft strategies, debating positions of need, best player available, and how aggressive Chicago should be heading into draft night. From potential first-round targets to later-round value, it’s a complete look at how the Bears could shape their future. Which mock draft would YOU trust more? 🎧 Subscribe for daily Chicago Bears draft coverage, mock drafts & insider analysis from ESPN Chicago! 📱 Follow for more: #ChicagoBears #BearsPodcast #ESPNChicago #NFLDraft #MockDraft #RyanPoles #BearsDraft #BearDown

Duration:00:35:41

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Chicago Bears DE Daniel Hardy Talks Playoff Run & Huge Offseason | w/ Jason McKie

4/15/2026
🐻 The Chicago Bears Podcast | Daniel Hardy Interview Hosted by Pat The Designer & former Chicago Bear Jason McKie Special Guest: Chicago Bears DE Daniel Hardy Pat and J Mack are joined by Chicago Bears defensive end Daniel Hardy for an exclusive interview diving into his offseason focus, role on the team, and expectations for the upcoming season. Hardy breaks down what he brings to the Bears defense, how the unit is working to overcome offseason losses, and what it’s like playing under Dennis Allen’s coaching style. He also shares insight into his wild playoff experience, the energy of Bears fans, and what he’s seen from Caleb Williams as a leader inside the locker room. 👇 Episode Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Daniel Hardy on his offseason focus 00:06:00 – What Daniel Hardy brings to the Bears defense 00:14:00 – Overcoming defensive losses & Dennis Allen’s coaching style 00:20:00 – Playoff experience & the impact of Bears fans 00:32:00 – Caleb Williams’ leadership on the team 🎧 Subscribe for daily Chicago Bears interviews, insider analysis & player perspectives from ESPN Chicago! 📱 Follow for more: #ChicagoBears #BearsPodcast #ESPNChicago #DanielHardy #BearsDefense #CalebWilliams #DennisAllen #NFL

Duration:00:38:55

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Bears Draft Preview: Top Prospects for Pick No. 25 — Deep Dive

4/13/2026
🐻 The Chicago Bears Podcast | Pick #25 Draft Targets Hosted by Pat The Designer & Shea Norling Brought to you by The Advantage Dealer Group & The Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana The Chicago Bears are on the clock at pick #25, and Pat & Shea take a deep dive into the top NFL Draft prospects who could be in play. With multiple needs on both sides of the ball, what direction should Ryan Poles go to maximize value? Shea is officially on the hot seat, breaking down key targets including LT Kadyn Proctor, edge rushers R. Mason Thomas and Akeem Mesidor, and DT Peter Woods — all players who could shape the future of the Bears roster. The guys also examine how Dennis Allen’s defensive scheme will impact draft decisions, and which prospects truly fit the identity Chicago is trying to build this offseason. 👇 Episode Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Shea’s on the hot seat 00:04:00 – LT Kadyn Proctor breakdown 00:14:00 – Edge rusher R. Mason Thomas breakdown 00:24:00 – Dennis Allen’s scheme & player fit on trial 00:28:00 – DT Peter Woods breakdown 00:37:00 – Edge rusher Akeem Mesidor breakdown 🎧 Subscribe for daily Chicago Bears draft coverage, prospect breakdowns & insider analysis from ESPN Chicago! 📱 Follow for more: #ChicagoBears #BearsPodcast #ESPNChicago #NFLDraft #RyanPoles #KadynProctor #PeterWoods #AkeemMesidor #DennisAllen #BearDown

Duration:00:45:01

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Tyrique Stevenson & Jaylon Johnson Aren’t Enough for the Chicago Bears at Cornerback

4/9/2026
🐻 The Chicago Bears Podcast | Roster Concerns & Draft Regrets Hosted by Pat The Designer & Jack McGrath Brought to you by The Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana & The Advantage Dealer Group Reports are coming out that CB Tyrique Stevenson is expected to be a starter next season — but should Bears fans feel comfortable with that? Pat and Jack break down the Chicago Bears secondary, and whether pairing Stevenson with Jaylon Johnson is enough to compete at a high level. The guys also discuss a growing concern: the Bears don’t have enough draft picks to fill all the holes created this offseason. What does that mean for Ryan Poles’ strategy moving forward? Finally, they dive into Ryan Poles’ draft regrets, and how past decisions could impact the Bears’ ability to build a complete roster. 👇 Episode Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Are you comfortable with Tyrique Stevenson & Jaylon Johnson starting? 00:14:00 – Not enough draft picks to fix all Bears roster holes 00:18:00 – Ryan Poles’ draft regrets 🎧 Subscribe for daily Chicago Bears offseason analysis, roster debates & insider discussion from ESPN Chicago! 📱 Follow for more: #ChicagoBears #BearsPodcast #ESPNChicago #NFL #BearDown #TyriqueStevenson #JaylonJohnson #RyanPoles #BearsDraft #BearsDefense

Duration:00:20:40

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Dexter Lawrence Wants Out of New York — Will the Bears Trade a 1st-Round Pick for the Pro Bowler?

4/8/2026
🐻 The Chicago Bears Podcast | Trade Debate + Bears History Hosted by Pat The Designer & ESPN Chicago’s John “Jurko” Jurkovic Brought to you by The Advantage Dealer Group & The Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana A major trade question is on the table: Pro Bowl NT Dexter Lawrence wants out of New York — should the Chicago Bears give up a 1st-round pick to land him? Pat and Jurko break down whether this is the type of move Ryan Poles should make to upgrade the defensive line. Jurko also dives into the current state of the Bears’ pass rush, evaluating the talent on the roster and what’s still missing. Then the guys discuss the ideal traits of a dominant defensive lineman, and what separates the good from the elite in today’s NFL. Finally, the conversation turns fun — ranking the best and worst quarterbacks in Chicago Bears history. 👇 Episode Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Should the Bears trade a 1st-round pick for Dexter Lawrence? 00:09:00 – Breaking down the Bears’ current pass rushers 00:15:00 – What makes a great defensive lineman? 00:25:00 – Best and worst QBs in Bears history 🎧 Subscribe for daily Chicago Bears offseason talk, trade debates & insider analysis from ESPN Chicago! 📱 Follow for more: #ChicagoBears #BearsPodcast #ESPNChicago #NFL #BearDown #DexterLawrence #RyanPoles #BearsDefense #NFLTrade #Jurko

Duration:00:30:03

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Jurko Sounds Off on New NFL Rule Changes — What It Means For Chicago Bears

4/1/2026
🐻 The Chicago Bears Podcast | NFL Rule Changes Debate Hosted by Pat The Designer & ESPN Chicago’s John “Jurko” Jurkovic Brought to you by The Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana & The Advantage Dealer Group The NFL is on the verge of major rule changes, and Pat and Jurko break down everything that could reshape the game as we know it. From kickoffs to scheduling, nothing is off the table. The guys debate whether the NFL should just get rid of kickoffs altogether, why replacement referees could become a serious concern, and whether an 18-game NFL schedule is inevitable — and maybe even a good thing. Plus, Jurko shares the one rule change he would implement immediately to improve the NFL product. 👇 Episode Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Should the NFL just eliminate kickoffs? 00:06:00 – Concerns about replacement referees 00:09:00 – 18-game NFL schedule feels inevitable 00:19:30 – Jurko’s rule change to improve the NFL 🎧 Subscribe for daily Chicago Bears talk, NFL debates & insider analysis from ESPN Chicago! 📱 Follow for more: #ChicagoBears #BearsPodcast #ESPNChicago #NFL #NFLRules #NFLSchedule #Jurko #BearDown

Duration:00:21:24

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Bears HC Ben Johnson Calls Out Staff & Players at the NFL Owners Meetings | w/ Courtney Cronin

3/31/2026
🐻 The Chicago Bears Podcast | LIVE from NFL Owner’s Meetings Hosted by Pat The Designer & ESPN’s Courtney Cronin Brought to you by The Advantage Dealer Group Live from the NFL Owner’s Meetings in Arizona, Courtney Cronin joins Pat to break down everything coming out of Bears HC Ben Johnson’s media session — and it was anything but quiet. Ben Johnson called out his coaching staff and wide receivers. Pat and Courtney react to what it means for the Bears heading into a critical offseason. They also dive into concerns about the Bears offensive line, which has suddenly become a question mark again after showing signs of stability, and discuss Johnson’s evolving relationship with key defensive leaders Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon. 👇 Episode Highlights: Ben Johnson calls out coaching staff & WRs Concerns about the Bears O-line stability Johnson’s relationship with Jaylon Johnson & Kyler Gordon 🎧 Subscribe for daily Chicago Bears news, NFL Owner’s Meetings coverage & insider analysis from ESPN Chicago! 📱 Follow for more: #ChicagoBears #BearsPodcast #ESPNChicago #BenJohnson #CourtneyCronin #NFLMeetings #JaylonJohnson #KylerGordon #BearDown

Duration:00:31:12

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Top Trade-Up Candidates for the Chicago Bears & Ryan Poles in the NFL Draft

3/30/2026
🐻 The Chicago Bears Podcast | NFL Draft Strategy + March Madness Energy Hosted by Pat The Designer & Shea Norling Brought to you by The Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana & The Advantage Dealer Group Fresh off the excitement of March Madness, Pat The Designer celebrates his Fighting Illini making the Final Four before diving into a critical conversation about the Chicago Bears’ NFL Draft strategy. The guys debate which NFL Draft prospects Bears fans would actually be OK trading for, and whether GM Ryan Poles should be aggressive in moving up the board to secure a franchise left tackle like Monroe Freeling. They also explore the idea of stockpiling picks for a future draft, and whether the Bears should balance win-now moves vs long-term roster building as Caleb Williams continues to develop. 👇 Episode Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Pat celebrates the Fighting Illini making the Final Four 00:11:00 – Which draft prospects would Bears fans be OK trading for? 00:18:00 – Trade-up scenario for a franchise LT (Monroe Freeling) 00:25:00 – Should the Bears stockpile picks for a future draft? 🎧 Subscribe for daily Chicago Bears news, draft coverage & offseason analysis from ESPN Chicago!

Duration:00:39:55

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Bears Mock Draft Disappointment?! Field Yates Sends Chicago a Project Player

3/26/2026
🐻 The Chicago Bears Podcast | NFL Mock Draft Season Hosted by Pat The Designer & ESPN’s Courtney Cronin Brought to you by The Advantage Dealer Group NFL Mock Draft season is here, and Pat & Courtney dive into the latest projections for the Chicago Bears. What direction should Ryan Poles take in Round 1 — and beyond? The crew reacts to Field Yates’ mock draft, which has the Bears landing an exciting defensive prospect, and breaks down whether that’s the right move. They also discuss Jacob Rodriguez as a potential linebacker fit, where his value lies, and whether Chicago could look to add a running back in the late 2nd round. Plus — expectations are rising for new addition Coby Bryant, who may be relied upon as a leader and potential Pro Bowl-caliber player in this defense. 👇 Episode Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Field Yates’ mock draft: exciting defensive pick for the Bears 00:10:00 – Jacob Rodriguez fit at LB: where is his value? 00:16:00 – Could the Bears target a RB in the late 2nd round? 00:23:00 – Coby Bryant expected to step into a leadership role 🎧 Subscribe for daily Chicago Bears draft coverage, mock draft reactions & insider analysis from ESPN Chicago! 📱 Follow for more: #ChicagoBears #BearsPodcast #ESPNChicago #NFLDraft #MockDraft #RyanPoles #FieldYates #CobyBryant #BearDown For More Bears Content Watch: The Chicago Bears Podcast : https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCGqxB8UeLZiM5tuLNUFDXgj54SQhCpO_ Waddle & SIlvy : https://www.youtube.com/@WaddleAndSilvy/videos Kap & J Hood : https://www.youtube.com/@KapAndJHood/videos Carmen & Jurko : https://www.youtube.com/@CarmenAndJurko/videos

Duration:00:32:32

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Defense Has to Be the ONLY Focus for the Chicago Bears in the NFL Draft

3/25/2026
🐻 The Chicago Bears Podcast | Roster Breakdown Hosted by Pat The Designer & ESPN Chicago’s John “Jurko” Jurkovic Brought to you by The Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana Where do the Chicago Bears actually need to improve — and where are they already set? Pat and Jurko break down the roster from top to bottom as the offseason continues. The guys start with the offense, explaining why it may only need a few tweaks to truly flourish under Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams. Then they turn to the defense, where there are still major holes to fill if the Bears want to compete at the highest level. What should Ryan Poles prioritize — and how close are the Bears to being a complete team? 🎧 Subscribe for daily Chicago Bears offseason analysis, roster breakdowns & insider discussion from ESPN Chicago! 📱 Follow for more: #ChicagoBears #BearsPodcast #ESPNChicago #NFL #BearDown #RyanPoles #CalebWilliams #BearsOffseason #RosterBreakdown

Duration:00:35:30

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Ranking All Sports Playoffs | March Madness Is King & CFB Playoff Is Trash!

3/23/2026
🐻 The Chicago Bears Podcast | Best Playoffs Debate Hosted by Pat The Designer & Shea Norling Brought to you by The Advantage Dealer Group & The Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana With March Madness in full swing, Pat and Shea take a break from Bears talk to settle a major debate: what is the best playoff format in all of sports? From the NFL Playoffs to College Football Playoff, and of course the chaos of March Madness, the guys rank every major postseason and argue what truly makes a great playoff system. They discuss why the CFB Playoff may be the worst format, where the NFL postseason stacks up, and make the case for why March Madness might be the best playoff in sports. Then it’s time for their final, definitive rankings. 👇 Episode Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Hockey does not count 😂 00:05:00 – Where do the NFL Playoffs rank? 00:09:30 – Is the CFB Playoff the worst format in sports? 00:15:00 – The case for March Madness as the best playoff 00:19:00 – Final rankings of sports playoffs 🎧 Subscribe for daily Chicago Bears coverage, NFL talk & sports debates from ESPN Chicago! 📱 Follow for more: #ChicagoBears #BearsPodcast #ESPNChicago #MarchMadness #NFLPlayoffs #CFBPlayoff #SportsDebate #BearDown

Duration:00:35:38

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Draft vs Free Agency: Will Bears GM Ryan Poles’ Plan Actually Work?

3/18/2026
🐻 The Chicago Bears Podcast | NFL Draft Preview Hosted by Pat The Designer & Shea Norling Brought to you by The Advantage Dealer Group Pat and Shea dive into the Chicago Bears’ options in the 1st round of the NFL Draft, breaking down the top prospects and how Ryan Poles should approach a pivotal pick. The guys emphasize the importance of finding a Montez Sweat replacement, highlighting why pass rusher remains one of the biggest needs on the roster. They also discuss how this could be a true “building block” draft if Caleb Williams hits the ground running in Year 1. Finally, they examine whether Ryan Poles is learning from past draft decisions, including not selecting players like Jared Verse, and how that could shape Chicago’s strategy moving forward. 👇 Episode Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Bears’ options in the 1st round of the NFL Draft 00:17:30 – Importance of finding a Montez Sweat replacement 00:23:00 – Building block draft if Caleb Williams hits the ground running 00:35:00 – Is Ryan Poles learning from passing on Jared Verse? 🎧 Subscribe for daily Chicago Bears draft coverage, offseason analysis & insider discussion from ESPN Chicago! 📱 Follow for more: #ChicagoBears #BearsPodcast #ESPNChicago #NFLDraft #RyanPoles #CalebWilliams #MontezSweat #PassRush #BearDown

Duration:00:39:26

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Kyler Murray to the Vikings… But the Bears Are Still Top Dog in the NFC North

3/16/2026
🐻 The Chicago Bears Podcast | NFL Free Agency Reaction Hosted by Pat The Designer & Jack McGrath Brought to you by The Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana & The Advantage Dealer Group After the first week of NFL Free Agency, Pat and Jack ask the big question: have the Chicago Bears actually gotten any better? The guys break down the current roster and debate whether Ryan Poles has done enough to improve the team so far this offseason. They also rank the NFC North after Week 1 of Free Agency, including the ripple effects of a shocking move that could send Kyler Murray to the Minnesota Vikings, potentially reshaping the division. Finally, the crew weighs in on how big of a threat the Bears truly are to the NFC right now, and what moves still need to happen for Chicago to take the next step. 👇 Episode Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Have the Bears actually improved after Week 1 of Free Agency? 00:06:00 – Ranking the NFC North after Free Agency Week 1 00:13:00 – Kyler Murray potentially making the Vikings a bigger threat 00:19:00 – How dangerous are the Bears to the NFC right now? 🎧 Subscribe for daily Chicago Bears offseason coverage, free agency reactions & roster analysis from ESPN Chicago! 📱 Follow for more: #ChicagoBears #BearsPodcast #ESPNChicago #NFLFreeAgency #NFCNorth #RyanPoles #KylerMurray #BearDown

Duration:00:24:41