Take The North: A Chicago Bears Podcast
Take The North is a weekly podcast covering the Chicago Bears. Hosts Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss the latest news and storylines surrounding the team. They aim to provide informed, compelling, honest, and responsible analysis of all topics related to the Bears.
Episodes
![[FULL EPISODE] Montez Sweat suspended 2 games for PED violation](https://images.castfire.com/image/661/0/0/0/0-8382443.jpg)
[FULL EPISODE] Montez Sweat suspended 2 games for PED violation
The Bears got rough news Tuesday about one of their highest-paid players. Defensive end Montez Sweat has been suspended by the NFL for two games due to a violation of the league's performance-enhancing substance policy. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote react to the news. How will this impact the Bears defense? Also, defensive tackle Shemar Turner has been activated off of the physically-unable-to-perfo
BONUS: Dan Wiederer shares thoughts on Bears' blowout loss to Packers on 104.3 The Score
Dan Wiederer joined Leila Rahimi and Mark Grote on 104.3 The Score in Chicago to sort through the aftermath of the Bears' horrible 31-7 loss in Green Bay. Wiederer feels that quarterback Caleb Williams' absence is being felt more and more with each passing week as he has missed the last three contests with a hamstring injury.
[FULL EPISODE] Bears get blown out in Green Bay, 31-7
Well, that was ugly. The Bears got trounced 31-7 by the Packers in Green Bay on Sunday. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote react to a truly ugly game for the Bears.
Bears have a chance to send this Packers season into a spiral
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss how different the Bears-Packers rivalry feels right now as Chicago heads into Green Bay looking to beat its rival for a third straight time.
Bears want Tyson Bagent to push the ball downfield more
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss what Bears coaches want quarterback Tyson Bagent to get better at while he fills in for Caleb Williams: pushing the ball downfield.
Kyle Monangai is dealing with a turf toe injury
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss the Bears' most recent injury news. Running back Kyle Monangai reportedly has a turf toe injury, putting his status in doubt against the Packers on Sunday. And what's the latest on quarterback Caleb Williams' hamstring injury?
[FULL EPISODE] Bears head to Green Bay looking for 3rd straight win over Packers
The Bears head into Green Bay as fearless as they've been in years, it would seem. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote break it all down in this one. The Bears have the chance to beat the Packers for a third time in a row — and maybe send them into a spiral at the same time. Also in this episode, head coach Ben Johnson said he wants quarterback Tyson Bagent to be more aggressive pressing the ball downfiel
Ben Johnson and Matt LaFleur are handling Bears-Packers week much differently
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear the different ways that Bears head coach Ben Johnson and Packers head coach Matt LaFleur have talked about the rivalry between their teams. One coach seems to be handling it much differently than the other.
Ben Johnson is embracing the Bears-Packers rivalry in ways no Bears coach has since Ditka
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss how Bears coach Ben Johnson continues to lean heavily into the rivalry with the Packers. We think he's the first coach since Mike Ditka to embrace the rivalry so much.
Will D'Andre Swift resume his normal role after being benched against Jets?
Bears running back D'Andre Swift was benched after having a bad fumble against the Jets in the second half last Sunday. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote wonder has head coach Ben Johnson lost any long-term faith in Swift?
[FULL EPISODE] Bears continue to lean heavily into the rivalry with the Packers
It's Packers week and Ben Johnson's Bears continue to not shy away from how they feel about the rivalry. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote remark on how the Bears have become the aggressor in the rivalry and explain why fans should follow the team's lead. Also in this episode, running back D'Andre Swift appeared to be benched after a bad fumble against the Jets. Will he resume his typical role in the ne
How did we feel about Tyson Bagent's play against the Jets?
After the Bears beat the Jets 23-12, Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote dove into how quarterback Tyson Bagent handled his first start in three years.
BONUS: Dan Wiederer talks Bears bullying of the Jets on 104.3 The Score
Dan Wiederer joined Leila Rahimi and Mark Grote on 104.3 The Score in Chicago to break down the Bears' 23-12 win against the Jets. Wiederer explained how the Bears bullied their way to victory.
[FULL EPISODE] Bears take down Jets, 23-12!
The Bears ran all over the Jets and beat them 23-12 on a beautiful Sunday at Soldier Field! Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote react to what they saw. The Bears didn't punt, had more first downs than the Jets had total plays and won a second straight game in convincing fashion with a backup quarterback.
Dennis Allen seems excited by the idea of getting Kyler Gordon back
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss the latest developments in the saga of Bears nickel cornerback Kyler Gordon. How does defensive coordinator Dennis Allen feel about the idea of getting him back in the near future?
It doesn't look like Braxton Jones will play against Jets
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote ponder who will play left tackle for the Bears if Braxton Jones can't play against the Jets.
We still aren't sure who will start at QB for the Bears against the Jets
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote sort through all that we currently know about whom might start at quarterback for the Bears against the Jets. We think we know whom it will be, but the team is being extremely coy about it.
[FULL EPISODE] Bears prepare for Jets with (insert name here) at QB
The Bears will play the Jets in Week 4, and we can confirm they will have a starting quarterback ... but we can't as of the recording of this episode tell you if it will be Case Keenum or Tyson Bagent. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote sift through what we do know about the quarterback situation and whom they think will end up starting. Also in this episode, nickel cornerback Kyler Gordon has officially
Ben Johnson had a blunt response when asked about Rome Odunze's dropped pass
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss Bears receiver Rome Odunze's drop of a would-be touchdown against the Eagles on Monday. It was a costly mistake that could've been a much bigger factor if the game was closer.
Kyler Gordon has returned to the practice field
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote react to nickel cornerback Kyler Gordon returning to practice. When might we see Gordon play in a game?
Who should start: Tyson Bagent or Case Keenum?
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss all the factors to be considered when debating whom the Bears should start at quarterback in their next game.
[FULL EPISODE] Should Case Keenum or Tyson Bagent start against the Jets?
Only Chicago would have a debate between whether the Bears' second- or third-string quarterback should start a game! Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote have that question on their minds in this episode. Do they think it should be Tyson Bagent or Case Keenum to start the game against the Jets in Week 4? Also in this one, nickel cornerback Kyler Gordon's practice window has been opened. Will we see him on
Wiederer & Grote react to Bears' stunning MNF win
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote caught up with each other after the Bears' 27-7 win over the Eagles on Monday Night Football. How impressed were they by reserve quarterback Case Keenum?!?
[FULL EPISODE] Bears beat Eagles 27-7 on Monday Night Football!
Well, we're not sure anyone saw that one coming! The Bears beat the Eagles, 27-7, on Monday Night Football behind a great performance from third-string quarterback Case Keenum! Mark Grote is joined by Dan McNeil to react to what we witnessed. We also hear from Dan Wiederer, who caught up with Grote for a quick chat after the game. This was quite an impressive win for head coach Ben Johnson and his
Bears believe Case Keenum will be prepared to face the Eagles
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss the Bears' likely starting quarterback against the Eagles. Can Case Keenum find the fountain of youth for the game?
Predictions for Bears-Eagles
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote predict the winner of the Bears' matchup against the Eagles in Week 3 at Soldier Field.
What makes Vic Fangio's defense so tough?
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote turn their attention to the Eagles defense. What makes a defense coordinated by Vic Fangio so hard to face?
[FULL EPISODE] Can the Bears beat the Eagles with a backup QB?
It's looking more and more like Bears third-string quarterback Case Keenum will be the starter against the Eagles on Monday Night Football. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote break down everything they know. What type of game plan could head coach Ben Johnson dial up for the 38-year-old Keenum? And what challenge will Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio's unit present? Also, the Bears have a new long
Ozzy Trapilo continues to make remarkable progress
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss left tackle Ozzy Trapilo's continued progress as he seems to be extremely close to suiting up for a game. His injury recovery has been remarkable!
Case Keenum feels ready to play if needed
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear how confident Bears head coach Ben Johnson is in reserve quarterback Case Keenum, who could start against the Eagles on Monday.
Bears face big challenge on MNF with a backup QB
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss the challenge the Bears will have against the Eagles on Monday as they likely turn to their third-string quarterback.
[FULL EPISODE] Is Case Keenum going to start against the Eagles?
The Bears' quarterback situation for Week 3 is suddenly murky. Backup quarterback Tyson Bagent is in concussion protocol, which means third-stringer Case Keenum could be the starter against the Eagles. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote walk through everything they know. How much faith do the Bears have in Keenum if he has to start? Also in this episode, left tackle Ozzy Trapilo continues to make remarka
Bears have faith in Tyson Bagent to fill in for Caleb Williams
Dan Wiederer, Mark Grote and Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic discuss the faith the Bears have in backup quarterback Tyson Bagent to run their offense effectively while starter Caleb Williams is out.
Ben Johnson wasn't happy with the Bears' final 3 plays in loss to Vikings
Dan Wiederer, Mark Grote and Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic break down Bears head coach Ben Johnson's comments about the final three plays the team ran in the red zone in the closing seconds of a 9-3 loss to the Vikings on Sunday.
Ben Johnson: Caleb Williams is 'week-to-week' with his hamstring injury
Dan Wiederer, Mark Grote and Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic discuss the latest news on Bears quarterback Caleb Williams' hamstring injury.
[FULL EPISODE] Caleb Williams avoids serious injury, is considered 'week-to-week'
The Bears got good news when it comes to quarterback Caleb Williams, who left the game against the Vikings on Sunday with a hamstring injury. Williams didn't suffer a severe injury and is considered "week-to-week," head coach Ben Johnson said. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote are joined by Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic to talk through all that we know. When will we see Williams play again?
BONUS: Dan Wiederer talks latest on Caleb Williams' injury on 104.3 The Score
Our guy Dan Wiederer joined his co-host Mark Grote and Leila Rahimi on 104.3 The Score in Chicago to react to the latest news about quarterback Caleb Williams' hamstring injury. It appears Williams has avoided a serious setback.
Bears beat themselves in many ways in loss to Vikings
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss the non-Caleb Williams factors in the Bears' 9-3 loss to the Vikings on Sunday. There were many unforced errors for Chicago.
[FULL EPISODE] Caleb Williams leaves game with injury in Bears' 9-3 loss to Vikings
The Bears lost a disastrous home game to the Vikings, 9-3, on Sunday. To make matters worse, quarterback Caleb Williams left the game with a hamstring injury. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote offer their thoughts on a horrible day at Soldier Field.
Can the Bears defense show improvement this week?
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote ponder if the Bears defense can find its footing against the Vikings in Week 2.
Predictions for Bears-Vikings
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote predict the winner of the Bears-Vikings game in Week 2.
What could be the Bears' game plan against the Vikings defense?
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote dive into the how the Bears could be planning to attack the Vikings' blitz-heavy defense.
[FULL EPISODE] Bears preparing for 'mental war' against Vikings
Bears head coach Ben Johnson and his staff believe it's going to be "mental war" when they face the Vikings on Sunday. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote break down the Week 2 matchup in this episode. How is Johnson trying to avoid overthinking what Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores might do? Also, the Bears defense has to be better than it was against the Panthers. What's defensive coordinator
D'Andre Swift gets a pair of awards for his Week 1 performance
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss leftover topics coming out of the Bears' win in Week 1. That includes running back D'Andre Swift getting named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week!
How is Ben Johnson preparing for Brian Flores?
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote listen to Bears head coach Ben Johnson explain how he's getting ready for the challenge that is Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores.
What makes Caleb Williams so hard to grade as a QB?
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss the discourse about how to grade Bears quarterback Caleb Williams' performance against the Panthers.
[FULL EPISODE] Bears shift their attention to the Vikings
The focus up at Halas Hall has shifted to the Vikings, the Bears opponent in Week 2. Of course, Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote are still marveling at that 59-point explosion by the Bears offense against the Panthers. What more can we expect against the Vikings? It will be a different test, as Vikings defense coordinator Brian Flores has a tough scheme to diagnose. How is Bears head coach Ben Johnson
Ben Johnson vs. Brian Flores going to be awesome
Dan Weiderer and guest Alec Lewis of The Athletic discuss the marquee matchup that will be Bears head coach Ben Johnson facing Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores on Sunday.
[FULL EPISODE] The Athletic's Alec Lewis gives us a look at the Vikings!
As we turn the page to Week 2, Dan Wiederer is joined by Alec Lewis, who covers the Vikings for The Athletic. The guys reflect on the Bears and Vikings both earning wins in Week 1 before turning their attention to the marquee matchup of Chicago head coach Ben Johnson's explosive offense against Minnesota defensive coordinator Brian Flores' dangerous unit. Which coach will gain the edge in this gam
BONUS: Dan Wiederer talks Bears' offensive explosion on 104.3 The Score
Our own Dan Wiederer joined his co-host Mark Grote and Leila Rahimi on 104.3 The Score in Chicago the day after the Bears' 59-37 win over the Panthers in their season opener. How high is the ceiling for this Bears offense?!?
[FULL EPISODE] Bears put on offensive display in win over Panthers
The Bears went into Carolina and beat the Panthers, 59-37! Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote catch their collective breath enough to talk through what we witnessed. The Bears put up 552 yards of offense and still felt like they left some points on the field.
[FULL EPISODE] Terron Armstead tells us what he learned about the Bears this summer
In this extra special episode, Dan Wiederer is joined by former All-Pro offensive tackle Terron Armstead! He spent some of the offseason with Bears left tackle Braxton Jones and got to spend time with the full team at training camp. Armstead tells us why he's excited for the direction the Bears are headed in.
All eyes are on Caleb Williams as the Bears season begins
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote examine the matchup of Bears quarterback Caleb Williams and Panthers quarterback Bryce Young in Week 1 of the new NFL season.
Ozzy Trapilo's recovery timeline continues to be remarkable
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss the latest injury report from Halas Hall. Do we feel good about receiver Rome Odunze playing against the Panthers? Also, left tackle Ozzy Trapilo continues to make remarkable progress as he recovers from his knee injury.
Predictions for Bears-Panthers!
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote predict who will win the Bears-Panthers matchup in Week 1 of the NFL season.
[FULL EPISODE] Bears head to Carolina for first game of 2026 season
It's time for our first game preview episode of the 2026 season! Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote bring you a full preview of Bears-Panthers. What's the latest on the injury front? Will receiver Rome Odunze be good to go against Carolina? And left tackle Ozzy Trapilo continues to make remarkable progress as he recovers from his knee injury. In our first game spotlight of the season, all eyes are on Bea
What will the Bears' record be in 2026?
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote predict what the Bears' record will be this season. Will they improve on their 11 wins from 2025?
Who will TAKE THE NORTH in 2026?
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote predict which team will win the NFC North in 2026. Do we believe the Bears will repeat as division champions?
[FULL EPISODE] 2026 Bears season predictions extravaganza!
It's time for one of our favorite annual episodes! Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote predict in a wide variety of ways how they believe the upcoming Bears season will unfold! The guys offer their thoughts on the Bears' record, team MVP, breakout player, most disappointing player, division winner and more!
How does the Panthers defense match up with the Bears?
Joe Person of The Athletics explains for Dan Wiederer how the Panthers defense could have improved since 2025. Do the Panthers match up well with the Bears?
How is Bryce Young being viewed in Carolina?
Dan Wiederer and guest Joe Person of The Athletic discuss Panthers quarterback Bryce Young's progress as the Bears prepare to face him in Week 1 of the NFL season.
BONUS: Dan Wiederer looks ahead to Bears-Panthers on 104.3 The Score
Our own Dan Wiederer joined David Haugh and Jarrett Payton on 104.3 The Score in Chicago as the Bears prepare to face the Panthers in Week 1 of the NFL season. What types of threat do the Panthers present?
[FULL EPIOSDE] The Athletic's Joe Person gives us a look at the Panthers
It's game week! The Bears take on the Panthers to begin the regular season, so Dan Wiederer brings in writer Joe Person, who covers the Panthers for The Athletic. He discusses the expectations for Carolina, which won the NFC South in 2025 despite having a losing record. How much is quarterback Bryce Young improving? And how does Person think the Panthers could beat the Bears?
Brian Hoyer talks next steps for Caleb Williams
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear former Bears quarterback Brian Hoyer's comments on current Chicago quarterback Caleb Williams from his interview on 104.3 The Score in Chicago.
Caleb Williams wants to be in Chicago his entire career
Bears quarterback Caleb Williams recently spoke to a group of reporters about his potential future contract and a number of other topics. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote have the quotes and bring them to you via dramatic reading from Grote.
When will the Bears get deep into their bag of tricks on offense?
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear from Bears offensive coordinator Press Taylor, who was asked when he thinks the team will start really digging into its bag of tricks.
[FULL EPISODE] Listen To This: The best Bears sound of the week!
It's time for another edition of Listen To This! Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote have picked out the best Bears sound of the week. We hear from quarterback Caleb Williams (via dramatic reading from Grote), former NFL quarterback Brian Hoyer, offensive coordinator Press Taylor and Score football analyst Anthony Herron. But to begin this episode, Wiederer has an update from Halas Hall, where a pair of k
Dennis Allen is happy with where Jaylon Johnson is at
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear defensive coordinator Dennis Allen's comments about cornerback Jaylon Johnson, who seems to finally be getting back to his old self.
Even Ryan Poles doesn't know when Kyler Gordon will be back
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote continue discussing cornerback Kyler Gordon's mysterious injury. Even general manager Ryan Poles can't give us a timeline for his return.
What does Ben Johnson mean when he says Caleb Williams is more serious this year?
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote believe they know exactly what Bears head coach Ben Johnson meant when he told the media that quarterback Caleb Williams is a more serious professional in 2026.
[FULL EPISODE] Ben Johnson is seeing a more serious Caleb Williams in 2026
As we continue counting down to the Bears' first game of the 2026 season, head coach Ben Johnson explained that quarterback Caleb Williams is "less goofy" this year. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote decipher what they believe Johnson meant by that. How's Williams being more serious when it comes to his approach to the game? Also, we still have zero idea what's going on with nickel cornerback Kyler Gord
Was there anything surprising about the Bears' initial 53-man roster?
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss the Bears' initial 53-man roster. Was there anything that surprised us?
Why did the Bears feel comfortable trading Gervon Dexter?
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss the Bears' decision to trade defensive tackle Gervon Dexter. What made general manager Ryan Poles feel comfortable enough to trade someone who had been a starting defensive player?
[FULL EPISODE] Bears trade Gervon Dexter, trim roster to 53
The Bears preseason is over and we're officially counting down to the first game of the regular season. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote begin by examining the Bears' trade of defensive lineman Gervon Dexter Sr. to the Falcons in return for cornerback Clark Phillips III and a 2027 fifth-round pick. How surprising was the move? Also, we have the Bears' initial 53-man roster. Were there any surprising cu
BONUS: Dan Wiederer reacts to Bears' initial 53-man roster on 104.3 The Score
Our own Dan Wiederer joined David Haugh and Jarrett Payton on 104.3 The Score in Chicago to discuss the Bears' initial 53-man roster. Also, what did Wiederer think of the Bears trading defensive lineman Gervon Dexter Sr.?
Bears continue to push the line of physicality in practices
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote appreciate the way the Bears, under head coach Ben Johnson, aren't afraid to push the line of aggression during joint practices.
Ben Johnson is always pushing Caleb Williams to be better
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss how Bears coaches are pushing quarterback Caleb Williams to reach his full potential.
Ben Johnson really doesn't like looking to the past
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear Bears head coach Ben Johnson further explain why he isn't concerned with the past and is always looking forward.
[FULL EPISODE] Bears participate in feisty joint practice with Titans
The Bears went down to Tennessee for a joint practice with the Titans, and it was physical. Dan Wiederer was there and brings all the details to Mark Grote. We kind like that the Bears are pushing the line of aggression in these practices. Also in the episode, quarterback Caleb Williams described the way he's improving at coverage recognition — which is something head coach Ben Johnson continues t
Bears are still figuring out who their 2nd safety is
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss the how the Bears are filling the safety position left open by Coby Bryant's injury. Who will be the starter next to rookie Dillon Thieneman?
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