Dan Wiederer @danwiederer.bsky.social · 23/06/2026Now’s your chance … BEARS MAILBAG QUESTIONS. (And quite honestly, how about some non-Bears questions, too?) Drop them in the slot. Reply here or e-mail takethenorthpod@gmail.com 📭🏈📩📭 351
Dan Wiederer @danwiederer.bsky.social · 15/06/2026Rarely a day passed this spring where someone inside Halas Hall didn’t praise Ben Johnson. For his elite football acumen. Or his direct and truthful communication style. Or his unrelenting and contagious work habits. The Bears have momentum. www.nytimes.com/athletic/735...nytimes.comBen Johnson still dialed in as Bears end minicamp, break for summerThe Bears coach led an impressive turnaround in 2025. Now, his players can't wait to see what's in store for an encore. 1205
Dan Wiederer @danwiederer.bsky.social · 10/06/2026📈 Arrow up for Bears TE Colston Loveland. 🗣️ New praise for Darnell Wright 🎯 Ball location. Ball location. Ball location. A constant priority for Caleb Williams. 🏈 A focus on fundamentals is driving the D-line. MINI-CAMP ROUNDUP www.nytimes.com/athletic/734...nytimes.comColston Loveland's emergence continues as Bears push through minicamp 080
Dan Wiederer @danwiederer.bsky.social · 05/06/2026At the Madden 27 cover shoot in L.A., there was a push to recreate Caleb Williams’ magical fourth down throw to Rome Odunze from the Bears’ playoff win. Caleb added a Jordan-esque twist. To be like Mike. Fun. Bold. And perhaps a self-given push for QB1. www.nytimes.com/athletic/733...nytimes.comInside Caleb Williams’ Madden arrival: another ‘stepping stone’ honor for the Bears QBLanding on the cover of Madden 27 is just the precursor for much bigger goals, the Bears quarterback says. 1142
Dan Wiederer @danwiederer.bsky.social · 21/05/2026The 2025 season presented an encouraging breakthrough for Caleb Williams and the Bears offense. But the stair climb must continue. “That was a good stepping stone for me. But that wasn’t the last stepping stone.” www.nytimes.com/athletic/729...nytimes.comWhat's next for Caleb Williams and the Bears offense? A mission to level up 042
Dan Wiederer @danwiederer.bsky.social · 15/05/2026Bears schedule. What does it all mean? www.nytimes.com/athletic/727... 1133
Dan Wiederer @danwiederer.bsky.social · 11/05/2026Notes, nuggets, insight from a packed weekend of Bears rookie camp: www.nytimes.com/athletic/726...nytimes.comBears rookie minicamp: Does Logan Jones have the inside track to start at center? 1112
Dan Wiederer @danwiederer.bsky.social · 07/05/2026The Bears are convinced Zavion Thomas’ speed, instincts and play style are game-changing. Now comes the task of creating his ideal niche. www.nytimes.com/athletic/725...nytimes.comHow Chicago Bears plan to maximize rookie speedster Zavion ThomasThe Bears say there was a consensus to draft Thomas. “We all have a vision for how this guy could really help us," coach Ben Johnson said. 1112
Dan Wiederer @danwiederer.bsky.social · 06/05/2026— The opener isn’t where you think it should be. — The rivalry clashes with Green Bay have to wait. — Think big stage: prime time and holidays galore. 020
Dan Wiederer @danwiederer.bsky.social · 06/05/2026🚨RELEASED🚨 No one attacks a mock schedule quite like this. My maximum-theater wish list for the Chicago Bears’ 2026 schedule. www.nytimes.com/athletic/725... 171
Dan Wiederer @danwiederer.bsky.social · 02/05/2026For your weekend viewing enjoyment … 🏈 The skinny on the Bears’ 2026 draft class. 🎞️ @BigAntHerron glides through some Malik Muhammad tape. 🏟️ It’s May now. Is THIS the month for cementing a stadium location? THE OFFSEASON w @CassieCarlsonTV youtu.be/_xgzimyEi18?...youtu.beHow will the Bears draft picks fit into Ben Johnson's team identity? | The Offseason - Ep. 11YouTube video by FOX 32 Chicago 180
Dan Wiederer @danwiederer.bsky.social · 30/04/2026The Bears have spent almost as much time this offseason repairing their roster as they have improving it. After a wave of changes, the next step now is creating improvement. www.nytimes.com/athletic/724...nytimes.comBears' roster has undergone major change. Now, how will they get better? 0113
Dan Wiederer @danwiederer.bsky.social · 27/04/2026“We’re looking for high-level competitors. (We’re after) guys who, if you took football away, they’d really not know what to do with themselves.” The story and the construct of the 2026 Bears draft class starts here. www.nytimes.com/athletic/723...nytimes.comChicago Bears’ draft class steered by Ben Johnson’s vision for the team he desiresIn a quest to find players with passion, toughness and aptitude, Johnson and Bears GM Ryan Poles attacked the 2026 draft in a direct way. 2132
Dan Wiederer @danwiederer.bsky.social · 26/04/2026With the NFL draft concluded, @kfishbain.bsky.social unpacks the Bears activity throughout the weekend. 🏈 Best value pick 🏈 Most surprising selection 🏈 Biggest question 🏈 Remaining needs www.nytimes.com/athletic/723...nytimes.comBears 2026 NFL Draft takeaways: Good value in Round 1, but what about D-line? 221
Dan Wiederer @danwiederer.bsky.social · 25/04/2026Open exercise ... If you had been in charge at Halas Hall each time the Bears were making a pick in this draft, how would your class have been assembled? Go. 1-25: 2-57: 3-69: 3-89: 4-124: 5-166: 6-213: (will revisit this in the offseason of 2030) 471
Dan Wiederer @danwiederer.bsky.social · 25/04/2026Your 2026 Chicago Bears draft class ... 1-25: S Dillon Thieneman 2-57: C Logan Jones 3-69: TE Sam Roush 3-89: WR Zavion Thomas 4-124: CB Malik Muhammad 5-166: LB Keyshaun Elliott 6-213: DT Jordan Van Den Berg 6333
Dan Wiederer @danwiederer.bsky.social · 25/04/2026CHICAGO BEARS KEY ROSTER ADDITIONS (and losses) DEFENSE EDGE: X (Robinson) DT: Gallimore, Street, Jordan Van Den Berg (Billings) LB: Bush, Keyshaun Elliott, Sanborn (Edmunds, Ogbongbemiga) S: Bryant, Dillon Thieneman, Cam Lewis (Byard, Brisker, Owens) CB: Malik Muhammad (Wright, CJGJ, McCloud) 180
Dan Wiederer @danwiederer.bsky.social · 25/04/2026CHICAGO BEARS KEY ROSTER ADDITIONS (and Losses) OFFENSE QB: X RB: X WR: Raymond, Zavion Thomas (DJ, OZ, Duvernay) TE: Roush (Smythe) OL: Bradbury, Logan Jones, Wills (Dalman) **** 1120
Dan Wiederer @danwiederer.bsky.social · 25/04/2026ICYMI ... As the Bears acknowledge their defensive needs, they used three Day 2 picks in the draft on offense. @kfishbain dives in with the inital thoughts ... www.nytimes.com/athletic/722...nytimes.comChicago Bears go offense with all 3 picks on Day 2: Time to trust Ben Johnson?The Bears still need help on defense, but they added three players who could be long-term contributors at center, tight end and receiver. 080
Dan Wiederer @danwiederer.bsky.social · 25/04/2026The first of three Bears picks tonight is Iowa center Logan Jones ... The early skinnny: www.nytimes.com/athletic/722...nytimes.comChicago Bears select Iowa center Logan Jones with the 57th pick of the 2026 NFL DraftThe Bears made a statement by picking Jones in the second round, but they'll likely want a veteran center in front of Caleb Williams in 2026 581
Dan Wiederer @danwiederer.bsky.social · 24/04/2026NFL Draft LIVE BLOG from Team @TheAthletic ... www.nytimes.com/athletic/liv...nytimes.comNFL Draft 2026 tracker, live updates: TV channel, Round 1 order, best available players, latest news and analysisFollow our live coverage of the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft tonight 000
Dan Wiederer @danwiederer.bsky.social · 24/04/2026The NFL draft is underway. So is @TheAthletic live show with analysis and discussion galore. www.youtube.com/live/b4zZYz5...youtube.comLIVE 2026 NFL Draft: Round 1 CoverageYouTube video by The Athletic Football Show 011
Dan Wiederer @danwiederer.bsky.social · 23/04/2026⏱️🏈 Draft day has arrived. One last Bears primer on: — Planning for the early runs at EDGE and OL — Corner help needed? — Positions of need — What the Bears are targeting most with the draft class www.nytimes.com/athletic/721...nytimes.comChicago Bears are eager for the NFL Draft. Will they pass the big test?From needs on the defensive and offensive lines to identifying "competitors," the Bears understand their opportunity this weekend. 091
Dan Wiederer @danwiederer.bsky.social · 21/04/2026Four years after Ryan Poles assembled his first draft class as Bears GM, @kfishbain.bsky.social and I have done a deep dive to assess every pick. (We also retroactively included grades for the picks made by Phil Emery and Ryan Pace — 2012-2021.) ANALYSIS www.nytimes.com/athletic/720...nytimes.comHow did Ryan Poles' first Bears draft turn out? A comprehensive review of the 2022 class 090
Dan Wiederer @danwiederer.bsky.social · 21/04/2026Ahead of the NFL Draft … big Athletic event this afternoon/evening in the city. The first 100 fans who show up starting at 4 PM will get a hard copy of The Beast, and a chance to ask draft questions. Plenty of good insight to be had. Matt Forte as the headliner. 040
Dan Wiederer @danwiederer.bsky.social · 15/04/2026🗣️🎙️🏈👂📺 😕 Grote has edge rusher anxiety. 🌟 The Bears draft opportunity is intriguing. ⛳️ A short Masters review. And much more … TAKE THE NORTH www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lsz1...youtube.comWhat position are we most comfortable with the Bears taking at No. 25? | Take The North, Ep. 467YouTube video by 104.3 The Score 180
Dan Wiederer @danwiederer.bsky.social · 15/04/2026March was a real slalom course for Bears GM Ryan Poles as he dealt with a surprise retirement, two trades, the signings of nine newcomers and the exits of 12 players who started at least once last year. Now: the draft. The challenges just keep coming. www.nytimes.com/athletic/719...nytimes.comAfter an eventful March, Bears GM Ryan Poles seeks exclamation point in the draft 060
Dan Wiederer @danwiederer.bsky.social · 08/04/2026Of all the exhilaration that the 2025 Bears season provided, George McCaskey might have been the most delighted fan in Chicago. His thoughts on all the magic, all the viral content and that “F—- the Packers!” punctuation in January. www.nytimes.com/athletic/717...nytimes.comBears’ George McCaskey thrilled with dream season, even Ben Johnson’s F-bombsThe Bears' chairman is typically averse to curse words, but 2025's viral moments, especially from wins over the Packers, made him smile. 180
Dan Wiederer @danwiederer.bsky.social · 01/04/2026Ryan Poles, George McCaskey and Kevin Warren recently visited Roger Goodell in NY to state their case for the comp picks they believe they deserve for Ian Cunningham's hiring as Atlanta GM. As of right now, they don't believe a final ruling has been made. www.nytimes.com/athletic/716...nytimes.comBears have not given up hope of receiving compensatory picks for Ian Cunningham's move 0161
Reposted by Dan WiedererKevin Fishbain @kfishbain.bsky.social · 31/03/2026Ben Johnson spoke with reporters at the league meetings in Arizona. Story from @danwiederer.bsky.social on what what the Bears head coach had to say about the offense’s room for improvement, a new center and next steps for Caleb Williamsnytimes.comBears’ Ben Johnson knows his offense has a lot of work to do and can’t wait to get started (Gift Article)Johnson had kind words for center Drew Dalman, who retired at age 27, and said replacement Garrett Bradbury will "fit us like a glove." 0221
Dan Wiederer @danwiederer.bsky.social · 01/04/2026🏈 Coby Bryant: “trained killer” 🏈 Complacency and entitlement: NO ENTRANCE 🏈 Draft opportunities are coming 🏈 “We still have Al Harris.” 📝 Nuggets from the NFL spring meetings 🏜️ www.nytimes.com/athletic/716...nytimes.comWhy the Chicago Bears view Coby Bryant as a tone-setter for a defense in fluxBears coaches will be “hyper-alert” for any signs of complacency or entitlement when the offseason program begins. 040
Dan Wiederer @danwiederer.bsky.social · 31/03/2026G’morning from AZ 🌵 From O-line flux to a focus on fundamentals to another push for Caleb Williams, Ben Johnson is eager to propel the Bears offense forward again. www.nytimes.com/athletic/715...nytimes.comBears’ Ben Johnson knows his offense has a lot of work to do and can’t wait to get startedJohnson had kind words for center Drew Dalman, who retired at age 27, and said replacement Garrett Bradbury will "fit us like a glove." 0100
Dan Wiederer @danwiederer.bsky.social · 30/03/2026Ben Johnson on the missed catch moments for Rome Odunze in '25: "That’s something we’ll talk about. I don’t think that was a thing for him coming out. I don’t want to speak that into existence. That’s something we’re going to emphasize in the spring: getting back to basics." 2171
Dan Wiederer @danwiederer.bsky.social · 30/03/2026Asked Ben to expand on Coby Bryant's play style ... "The best defenses usually have two or three trained killers who are tone setters who can really elevate the play of everyone around them. ... If he sees somebody, he's looking to light them up." 0110
Dan Wiederer @danwiederer.bsky.social · 30/03/2026Ben Johnson has had limited exposure to new safety Coby Bryant but has already identified the "it factor" in the headliner of the Bears free agent class. "The way he plays the game is what we want our defense to look like." 1160
Dan Wiederer @danwiederer.bsky.social · 30/03/2026More Ben on DJ: "We had to make some decisions in terms of the salary cap and things of that nature. I think the best thing for him is, he’s going to a great situation. He’s got a history with Joe Brady. I think he’s very excited to play with another talented quarterback in Josh Allen." 0140
Dan Wiederer @danwiederer.bsky.social · 30/03/2026Ben Johnson, this AM, on the DJ Moore trade: "Shoot, I got a little emotional when the trade happened. He came in and he made his rounds saying goodbye to the coaches and Ryan (Poles) and his crew. It hurts because I viewed him as one of the leaders. Yet the business is the business. (cont.)" 1242
Dan Wiederer @danwiederer.bsky.social · 19/03/2026The menu of options at No. 25 continues to be promising. Another mock draft offers the Bears a look at another defensive standout. Have a look … www.nytimes.com/athletic/712...nytimes.comNFL beat writer 2026 mock draft 2.0: How far could Jeremiyah Love slide?If Love doesn't go in the top five, there aren't many teams with a glaring need at running back. Could he become Derrick Henry's successor? 140
Reposted by Dan WiedererMike Sansone @mikesansone.bsky.social · 12/03/2026What's up with the Bears? @danwiederer.bsky.social breaks it down in his latest free-agency reset. www.nytimes.com/athletic/710... 071
Dan Wiederer @danwiederer.bsky.social · 13/03/2026There were introductions Thursday at Halas Hall … Bryant, Bush, Raymond, Gallimore. (And Bradbury over Zoom.) Talk a little, learn a lot. Bears. www.nytimes.com/athletic/711...nytimes.comThe Chicago Bears’ new free-agent class has big goals — and a sense of humorThursday's newcomer introductions at Halas Hall came with a balance of ambition and levity for a retooling Bears team. 051
Dan Wiederer @danwiederer.bsky.social · 27/10/2025A costly INT. Two intentional grounding penalties. More operational sloppiness. Red zone hiccups. Only one TD drive across nine possessions. Sunday was not Caleb Williams’ finest hour leading a sputtering Bears offense.nytimes.comFor Caleb Williams and the Bears offense, ill-timed sloppiness remains the constantA day full of struggle left the Chicago Bears offense with a sobering reality check. Their rut may be deeper than they realized. 2101
Dan Wiederer @danwiederer.bsky.social · 27/10/2025With a basket of readymade excuses, the Bears’ defense didn’t choose any after Sunday’s loss. That group also didn’t make enough plays to secure win No. 5 … From Kevin Fishbain.nytimes.comBears can’t contain Ravens QB Tyler Huntley as their takeaway magic runs outDown two starters, the Bears defense didn't do enough to affect Lamar Jackson's backup as their takeaway streak — and win streak — ended. 091
Dan Wiederer @danwiederer.bsky.social · 23/10/2025Chicago Bears Intel … — What to make of the fourth down hiccups through six games. — Are the stumbling Ravens one punch away from toppling? — What’s next for Ozzy Trapilo?nytimes.comChicago Bears Intel: Will early fourth-down hiccups temper Ben Johnson’s aggressiveness?The Bears hope to be an aggressive and productive fourth-down offense. But the early returns have lagged. 191
Dan Wiederer @danwiederer.bsky.social · 21/10/2025In a lot of ways, Sunday afternoon felt like an identity win for the Bears. From the continued takeaway surge to the punishing running game to the whole team’s success in resetting in a short week after an emotional win. More from inside Halas Hall …nytimes.comBears’ confidence building along with winning streak: ‘We know how good we can be’As they strive to play their best football, the Bears believe they've found a special combination of energy, chemistry and purpose. 0131