The Charter: A Chicago Bears Podcast

Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor hand out their pre-training camp superlatives on this episode of The Charter. They discuss which Bears players are primed for a breakout season, who could take a step back, the veterans and rookies poised to make the biggest impact in 2026, and the position group that still needs the most help before training camp begins.

Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor break down Super Bowl LX, where the Seahawks controlled the action from start to finish in a 29-13 win over the Patriots. The two dissect how Seattle set the tone early, the moments that swung the game, and what ultimately separated the champs on the biggest stage. From there, the spotlight shifts to the Bearas. What lessons can they learn from the way the Seahawks are built? Clay and Ruthie examine roster construction, culture, and whether a dominant defense is still the formula for a title. They discuss if the Bears need to chase a marquee defensive addition or if the pieces already in place are closer than people think, while outlining potential offseason paths that could push Chicago toward contender status.

Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor kick off the episode with the Super Bowl matchup officially set, breaking down New England Patriots vs. Seattle Seahawks and the major storylines already taking shape ahead of the championship. The conversation then shifts into “What’s Trending” around the league, reacting to a busy NFL coaching carousel that includes Mike McCarthy landing in Pittsburgh, Brian Daboll heading to Tennessee, and Joe Brady taking over in Buffalo. From there, the duo zeros in on Bears-related news, including Chicago Bears assistant GM Ian Cunningham interviewing with the Atlanta Falcons for their general manager opening. They also touch on the Denver Broncos moving on from offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi, highlight Austin Booker being named an "Unsung Hero" by NFL Network, and wrap up with Pro Bowl additions, including the Bears’ Nahshon Wright.

Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor get you ready for the Divisional Round as the Bears prepare to host the Rams, starting with a look at how Chicago’s winter weather could shape the game plan and impact both teams on Sunday. From there, Ruthie and Clay dig into what Chicago must do to put itself in position to advance, highlighting the critical factors that could swing the game and where the Bears can create an edge. As kickoff nears, the episode closes with final thoughts and predictions, with Ruthie and Clay locking in their picks for a playoff clash that feels primed for drama.

Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor set the stage for a high-stakes Wild Card showdown as the Bears get ready to face the Packers, breaking down how this rivalry has intensified heading into the postseason. They react to pointed comments from Green Bay’s locker room, while also discussing defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley’s confidence. With the stage set, Ruthie and Clay zero in on the Bears’ keys to victory, breaking down exactly what needs to go right on both sides of the ball for Chicago to keep its playoff run alive. The episode wraps up with final predictions and game picks as kickoff approaches and postseason tension continues to build.