Take The North

Bears assistant coaches have finally gotten their chance to sound off on pressing offseason topics. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote begin the episode where we left off last time — with quarterback Caleb Williams. Quarterbacks coach J.T. Barrett seems to agree with others on what Williams needs to do better. Make the "boring" play more! Also, offensive line coach Dan Roushar offered insight on rookie center Logan Jones and how the left tackle competition is looking. And most importantly, did receivers coach and Chicagoland native Antwaan Randle El hear the "Green Bay sucks" chants at the Cubs-White Sox games?!

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss the aspects of NFL quarterbacking that Caleb Williams still needs to improve on.

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear where some national NFL commentators rank Bears quarterback Caleb Williams among his peers. Is he being too highly ranked right now?

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss the noise and hype that we're beginning to hear about Bears quarterback Caleb Williams.

As predicted, the national hype for Bears quarterback Caleb Williams has begun. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear the recent talk about Williams and express how they feel about where the young quarterback is at headed into his third NFL season. What more needs to be done before we can call him a top-10 — or dare we say top-5 — quarterback in the NFL?

Matt and James discuss why football fans seem to be quite excited for Burden in this Bears offense as he looks to build on a strong finish to his rookie season. Whether it's the biggest stars in the league or new rookies bursting on the scene, you won't get better wideout information anywhere else. Along the way, they'll break down the biggest stories in the NFL and offer up a few big-picture fantasy football thoughts. Follow the guys on Twitter @JamesDKoh and @MattHarmon_BYB. Follow Reception Perception @RecepPerception. Download and Subscribe to the Reception Perception Show anywhere you get your podcasts. Watch segments of the show on YouTube at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matt Harmon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!!

Guest host Kevin Fishbain brings Dan Wiederer part one of his personal watchability rankings for the games on the Bears' schedule in 2026.

Guest host Kevin Fishbain brings Dan Wiederer part two of his personal watchability rankings for the games on the Bears' schedule in 2026.

Dan Wiederer and guest host Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic react to the latest developments in the Bears' stadium location search. The organization will apparently be updating the rest of the NFL on its search at the league meetings this week.

The Bears still haven't decided where they're going to build their new stadium, but the answer could be coming soon. Illinois has just a couple of week left to pass legislation that would help lure the Bears to Arlington Heights. Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic joins Dan Wiederer to react to the latest news, which includes the fact the Bears will update the league on their search at the NFL owners meetings. Also in this episode, Fishbain brings his signature annual Bears schedule watchability rankings to the podcast! Which game(s) does he think will bring the most hype?

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss which teams the Bears play in 2026 could be better or worse than what most people think this year.

While discussing the Bears-Lions game on Thanksgiving this upcoming season, Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote reflect a bit on the last time that Chicago went to Detroit on that holiday.

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote examine the Bears' 2026 schedule. There are definitely more island games for the team this season!

We officially know the entire 2026 Bears' schedule! Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote share their initial thoughts. It's a schedule that certainly looks challenging right now. How will the Bears handle the step up in competition in the second year of the Ben Johnson era? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear from Bears offensive coordinator Press Taylor, who offers how he envisions rookie tight end Sam Roush could fit into the offense in 2026. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear from Bears rookie corner Malik Muhammad, who was working at the nickel position most of rookie minicamp. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote ponder exactly what type of role rookie receiver Zavion Thomas could play in the 2026 Bears. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the offseason rolls on, Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote have another edition of Listen To This! The guys hear from new Bears offensive coordinator Press Taylor, who spoke during rookie camp. How does he envision his new role with the team? And how does he think rookies like tight end Sam Roush and receiver Zavion Thomas will factor into the offense this year? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our own Dan Wiederer, while co-hosting with Matt Spiegel on 104.3 The Score in Chicago, reacted to rumors trickling out about the Bears' schedule for the 2026 season. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear from Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, who shares what he thinks of rookie safety Dillon Thieneman, the team's first-round draft pick. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen explain how he believes he can coach his unit better in 2026. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One of the highlights from Bears rookie camp was hearing from defensive coordinator Dennis Allen for the first time since the NFL Draft. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear Allen explain exactly how he and the rest of the defensive staff can coach better in the upcoming season. How do they plan to get more out of a defensive line group that was subpar in 2025? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss an extremely important topic. Bears rookie center Logan Jones will be wearing No. 54 this season. He'll be the first Bears player since Hall of Fame linebacker Brian Urlacher retired to wear the number. Is this OK?! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear from Bears head coach Ben Johnson. How long does he think it will take rookie center Logan Jones to become the starter? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote share their observations from the first day of Bears rookie camp. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We've gotten our first view of this Bears rookie class on the turf at Halas Hall! Dan Wiederer tells Mark Grote what he observed from the first day of rookie minicamp. Was there anything to take away from the day? Also in this episode, head coach Ben Johnson was asked what the path is for rookie center Logan Jones to be the starter. Could he eventually take over the job this season? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear from former Bears receiver Allen Robinson, who offers more insight on head coach Ben Johnson's mentality. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear from former Bears receiver Allen Robinson, who reflects on what happened to the organization after a successful 2018 season. How can this version of the Bears avoid the same downfall? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss how much the Bears rookie class will contribute in the 2026 season. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As we get set for Bears rookie minicamp this weekend, Mark Grote and Dan Wiederer are wondering what kind of impact this rookie class will have on the team in 2026. The Bears' rookies in 2025 had a huge impact on the season. Can we expect that level of play from this new group? Also in this episode, former Bears receiver Allen Robinson offered a lot of great perspective in a recent interview on 104.3 The Score in Chicago. The guys hear Robinson describe the level of competitiveness Bears coach Ben Johnson has ... and we might not have seen anything yet. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer and Adam Studzinski discuss what they hope to learn when the Bears host rookie camp this weekend. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer and Adam Studzinski discuss the Bears' defensive linemen. The coaches simply need to make the best of what they have at this point. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer previews for Adam Studzinski his wish list for the 2026 Bears schedule. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Bears will soon get to see their rookies on the field for the first time as they host rookie camp. Dan Wiederer and Adam Studzinski, who pinch hits for Mark Grote in this episode, ponder what they hope to learn over the weekend. How obvious will receiver Zavion Thomas' speed be? Will safety Dillon Thieneman look the part? And we will get to speak with defensive coordinator Dennis Allen for the first time since the NFL Draft. How's he planning to get more out of his defensive line this season? Finally, the NFL schedule release is right around the corner. Wiederer has a preview of his annual wish list for the Bears' schedule! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer and Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic discuss if they believe the draft class the Bears added this year will help them build sustained success for the first time since the 1980s. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer and Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic talk through what all the Bears have lost and/or need to replace from their 2025 squad. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer and Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic discuss whether the Bears have a better roster now compared to their 2025 team. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer is joined by Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic for this one as we continue breaking down what we think of the Bears after they added their 2026 draft class. Is this Bears roster better now than it was after the 2025 NFL Draft? Fishbain thinks it might be. And how will this draft help build sustained success? That's something this franchise hasn't truly had since the mid-1980s. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our own Dan Wiederer joined Mike Mulligan and David Haugh on Chicago's 104.3 The Score as we continue discussing the Bears' draft class. How might this 2026 class help the Bears more in the future than it will in this upcoming season? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss the interesting tidbits they've learned about the players the Bears drafted. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote examine the Bears' pass rushers as the roster currently stands. Head coach Ben Johnson proclaimed he and his assistants will coach the group better this year, which will help them be more productive. How so? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The 2026 NFL schedule release, a tentpole event of the offseason, occurs in mid-May. Audacy Original podcast It's Always Gameday In Buffalo chatted with one of the men who's at the center of planning the NFL's broadcast schedule in a wide-ranging conversation that all football fans will enjoy.  It's time for one of our favorite episodes of the year! Sal and Matt are joined once again by the vice president of NFL broadcast planning Mike North. They discuss the Bills' home opener in the new stadium, how the NFL is looking at Patrick Mahomes' status in the early season, the decision around no more Monday Night Football doubleheaders, Fridays no longer being considered a short week, holiday matchups, growing the game with an expanded international schedule, who North thinks is the juiciest Bills opponent this year and much more! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices