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The Bears Wire Podcast

Sports & Recreation Podcasts

Bears Wire managing editor Alyssa Barbieri brings you up to date on all things Chicago Bears, as part of the USA Today Sports Podcast Network.

Location:

United States

Description:

Bears Wire managing editor Alyssa Barbieri brings you up to date on all things Chicago Bears, as part of the USA Today Sports Podcast Network.

Language:

English

Contact:

9732168085


Episodes
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Our 4th annual Bears Draft Bingo card and final draft thoughts for Day 1

4/18/2024
Hosts Ryan O'Leary and Alyssa Barbieri get ready for the 2024 NFL Draft with the unveiling of their fourth annual Bears Wire Draft Bingo card. The hosts also tackle a six-pack of questions surrounding all things Bears and the NFL. Topics include Caleb Williams' unconventional style, NFL rule changes, Justin Fields’ chances to start in Pittsburgh and more! The episode concludes with a square by square breakdown of this year’s bingo card. Can the show hit bingo for a fourth consecutive year?

Duration:01:03:06

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Final thoughts on Justin Fields as Caleb Williams Watch commences in Chicago

3/21/2024
In their latest offseason episode, hosts Ryan O'Leary and Alyssa Barbieri dive into the polarizing trade of Justin Fields to the Steelers, questioning if the Bears truly “did right” by their former quarterback. They also explore Chicago's likely pivot to Caleb Williams, analyzing the team's readiness and expectations. Additionally, the hosts discuss the team’s key offensive acquisitions like Keenan Allen and DeAndre Swift, weighing their impact on the Bears' future. The episode concludes with insights into the Jaylon Johnson extension. Join us, and don’t forget to support us by subscribing and leaving a review!

Duration:01:03:17

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Lots of intrigue, little insight as Bears stare down franchise-altering decisions

2/15/2024
Hosts Ryan O’Leary and Alyssa Barbieri weigh in on Bears president Kevin Warren’s endorsement of QB Justin Fields amidst trade rumors. Topics include the Bears, Caleb Williams and what’s to come at the NFL Scouting Combine; what to like about the Shane Waldron hire; and reflections on Devin Hester, Steve McMichael and Julius Peppers entering the NFL Hall of Fame.

Duration:00:53:42

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Ryan Poles is betting his own future on Matt Eberflus, QB decision. What could go wrong?

1/12/2024
Hosts Ryan O’Leary and Alyssa Barbieri discuss GM Ryan Poles tethering his own future to coach Matt Eberflus, the team’s decision to part ways with Luke Getsy, and the latest surrounding Justin Fields’ future. The hosts also hit on potential offensive coordinator candidates, the impact of the Bears’ loss in Green Bay, and Poles’ comments on star corner Jaylon Johnson.

Duration:00:45:16

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The groundswell of support for Justin Fields from fans, teammates should speak volumes

1/4/2024
Hosts Ryan O'Leary and Alyssa Barbieri react to the Bears clinching the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft (via Carolina) before looking ahead to some of the major decisions facing GM Ryan Poles and the franchise. Topics include Justin Fields’ statement performance in what could be his final home game at Soldier Field, and the groundswell of support from fans and teammates to keep him as QB1. The hosts also discuss reports that Matt Eberflus is set to return as head coach in 2024, before previewing Bears-Packers in Week 18 with predictions against the spread. Can the Bears close their season on a high by ending Green Bay’s playoff hopes?

Duration:00:51:48

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Fourth quarter failings should seal Matt Eberflus’ fate as head coach of the Bears

12/21/2023
Hosts Ryan O'Leary and Alyssa Barbieri dive into another late-game Bears collapse, this time against the Browns. They scrutinize the team's alarming trend of squandering double-digit leads in the fourth quarter, and reset their thoughts on the future of both Matt Eberflus and Justin Fields in Chicago. The hosts then turn their attention to a must-win game against the Cardinals with predictions against the spread.

Duration:00:35:48

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Has Matt Eberflus already done enough to save his job?

12/14/2023
Hosts Ryan O'Leary and Alyssa Barbieri dive into the Bears' recent success and what it means for the future of head coach Matt Eberflus. The hosts discuss the national perception that Justin Fields will be on a new team in 2024, and playoffs? For the 2023 Bears? Why it’s not as far-fetched as you think. The show ends with a Bears-Browns preview with predictions against the spread.

Duration:00:38:21

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Should the Bears be all-in on Marvin Harrison Jr.?

12/7/2023
Hosts Ryan O'Leary and Alyssa Barbieri tackle five intriguing questions coming out of the Bears’ bye week. Topics include Marvin Harrison Jr. vs. Caleb Williams at No. 1 overall, the Bears’ reported interest in Eric Bieniemy, and how long can the Bears stay mathematically alive in the NFC playoff picture? The hosts also break down the Bears-Lions matchup with picks against the spread. Are the Lions ripe for an upset at Soldier Field?

Duration:00:54:02

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Are these Bears giving off 2022 Detroit Lions vibes?

11/30/2023
Hosts Ryan O'Leary and Alyssa Barbieri discuss the Bears’ upset win over the Vikings and explore what’s to come over the team’s final five games. Topics include Justin Fields’ fourth-quarter heroics, and thoughts on the future of head coach Matt Eberflus and offensive coordinator Luke Getsy.

Duration:00:44:45

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At what point will the Bears start trusting Justin Fields?

11/23/2023
Hosts Ryan O'Leary and Alyssa Barbieri break down the Bears' frustrating loss to the Lions, emphasizing the team’s conservative play-calling and Justin Fields' commendable performance despite an apparent lack of confidence from the coaching staff. Was the Bears’ meltdown in Detroit another indication that the organization must overhaul the coaching staff this offseason? And what would that mean for Fields’ future? Those topics are covered, along with a Thanksgiving-themed 6-pack of questions to get you primed for a long weekend of family, food and football.

Duration:00:48:58

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Comparing Justin Fields to the top 2024 quarterback prospects. Has he done enough to stay in Chicago's plans?

11/16/2023
Hosts Ryan O'Leary and Alyssa Barbieri react to Justin Fields' impending return and look ahead to what could be his final seven games as the Bears’ starting quarterback. With the potential No. 1 overall pick in hand, has GM Ryan Poles already made a decision on Fields’ future in Chicago? Could Fields still win the job with a torrid finish to the season? The hosts discuss all of that and more while weighing on top 2024 prospects like Caleb Williams and Drake Maye. The show then shifts to a Bears-Lions preview with picks against the spread.

Duration:00:42:47

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What to love (and hate) about the Montez Sweat trade and contract extension with Bears

11/9/2023
Hosts Ryan O'Leary and Alyssa Barbieri discuss the big Montez Sweat extension and what it could mean down the road for a player like Jaylon Johnson. Other topics include the mixed signals around Justin Fields’ possible return, and why the Bears falling short in a winnable game in New Orleans is a poor reflection on the team’s coaching . The second segment looks ahead to the Thursday Night Football matchup with the Panthers with predictions. Will the Bears help their own cause in the 2024 NFL draft by handing Carolina another loss?

Duration:00:35:47

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Montez Sweat trade reaction // Jaylon Johnson’s future in Chicago // What’s going on with Justin Fields?

11/2/2023
Hosts Ryan O'Leary and Alyssa Barbieri react to the Bears' surprising trade for star defensive end Montez Sweat. Were the Bears right to spend such a high draft pick on a player with an expiring contract? The hosts also discuss Jaylon Johnson’s future with the team, and search for clues on what is becoming an awkward situation between the team and Justin Fields. Why was the team’s QB1 ruled out for Week 9 so early? And why was Sunday Night Football broadcaster Cris Collinsworth talking up Tyson Bagent like he was Joe Montana? All of those topics, including another awkward Matt Eberflus press conference, are covered along with a Bears-Saints preview with predictions.

Duration:00:52:12

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Tyson Bagent apology // Bagent vs. Fields debate // Bears-Chargers preview with predictions

10/26/2023
Hosts Ryan O’Leary and Alyssa Barbieri react to Tyson Bagent’s first career start and weigh in on the Bagent-vs.-Justin Fields debate. It’s apology time for Ryan after he ripped the Bears last week for going with Bagent as the backup quarterback over a veteran who could aid in Justin Fields’ development. Other topics include D’Onta Foreman's impact on the running game and the remarkable turnaround of the Bears' defense. In the second segment, the hosts discuss the Bears-Chargers matchup with predictions against the spread and total.

Duration:00:43:52

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It’s Tyson Bagent time!

10/19/2023
Ryan O'Leary and Alyssa Barbieri react to Justin Fields' thumb injury and undrafted rookie Tyson Bagent’s big opportunity. Other topics include Luke Getsy’s hot seat, Cody Whitehair vs. Lucas Patrick at center, and the improved play of the defense in recent weeks. In the second segment, the hosts preview Bears-Raiders in what could be a matchup of rookie quarterbacks. They close the show with some matchup analysis and picks against the spread

Duration:00:41:27

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Bears win! // Build around Justin Fields or tank for Caleb Williams? // Chase Claypool debacle

10/12/2023
In this week's episode of the Bears Wire Podcast, hosts Ryan O'Leary and Alyssa Barbieri celebrate the Chicago Bears' first victory in nearly a calendar year. They dive into Justin Fields' impressive performance over the past two games. Is the QB’s improved play the result of playing weaker competition or signs of real progress? The hosts also get into the surprising trade of Chase Claypool and weigh in on Matt Eberflus' job security after a much-needed win over the Commanders. The show wraps up with a Bears-Vikings preview with picks against the spread and total. Can the Bears capitalize on the struggling Vikings without star WR Justin Jefferson?

Duration:00:44:06

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Matt Eberflus’ hot seat // Chase Claypool MIA // Justin Fields in 4th quarters

10/5/2023
In this episode of the Bears Wire Podcast, Ryan O'Leary and Alyssa Barbieri weigh in on head coach Matt Eberflus and whether the team’s Week 4 loss to the Broncos was a fireable offense. The other big topics include Chase Claypool missing in action, Justin Fields’ struggles in the fourth quarter and a Bears-Commanders preview for Thursday Night Football with picks against the spread. Will the Bears break their losing streak before it hits 15 games?

Duration:00:44:37

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Are Justin Fields’ days now numbered as QB1 of the Bears?

9/28/2023
Hosts Ryan O’Leary and Alyssa Barbieri dive deep into the Chicago Bears' tumultuous season. In this episode, they dissect Justin Fields' candid comments about coaching and his struggles to play his natural game. The hosts discuss the implications of Fields' frustration and the potential for his departure from Chicago if things don't improve in short order. They also cover Ryan Poles' response to that situation and more in what was a wild week at Halas Hall. In the second segment, it's a showdown of two struggling teams as the Bears take on the Broncos. Will this be a get-right game for Fields and the Bears? Ryan and Alyssa give their takes on the game with predictions against the spread.

Duration:00:49:13

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Luke Getsy’s hot seat // Justin Fields' regression // Can Bears hang with Chiefs?

9/21/2023
Join hosts Ryan O’Leary and Alyssa Barbieri as they dissect the Bears' turbulent start to the season. Lavonte David's biting postgame comments set the stage for a deep dive into the offense's struggles, Luke Getsy's hot seat, and Justin Fields' lack of progress. The hosts also question the state of the defense and how that unit was constructed by GM Ryan Poles. They also preview the Bears' matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, where they are 12.5-point underdogs. Can the Bears find a way to compete, or will their current losing streak slide to 13 games? Ryan and Alyssa discuss and give their pricks against the spread.

Duration:00:42:40

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Why Bears were doomed from the start vs. Packers

9/14/2023
Hosts Ryan O’Leary and Alyssa Barbieri dive deep into the aftermath of the Bears' Week 1 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Alyssa doesn't hold back as she shares her frustrations about the team's performance. The hosts explore the challenges that Justin Fields faced on the field, from a shaky offensive line to the Bears' lack of a clear identity on offense. The offensive play calling, Chase Claypool’s effort, Matt Eberflus' performance and the Bears' defense are also scrutinized. In the second segment, the hosts preview the upcoming matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Get insights on the spread, total, and the tough road ahead for the Bears as they aim to bounce back!

Duration:00:39:51