On this weeks episode of RAOP we kick it off with Amp owning up to his McRib Bet. Then we chop it up about Black Onlyfans women having an issue with Sophie Rains $43 million, who is more blind Ray Charles or Stevie Wonder, OJ Simpson deathbed confession and a ton more. Remember to send in your listener questions, "They Need Their A** Beat" or "Real N*gga Of The Week" submissions, email us at MAIL@RAOPodcast.com or call 424-260-RAOP to leave a voicemail.
This week on Summer Sessions Scott, Pav & Bang give their thoughts on the Jay-Z allegations that came out, Kendrick is doing a stadium tour, the "here nigga damn" theory explained in full & much more.
Another week, another loss, and another seven days of figuring out who is to blame for the current state of the Chicago Bears. Over a week ago, the Bears made an unprecedented move (for the organization, at least) and fired head coach Matt Eberflus after two and a half seasons that amounted to a win-loss record of 14-32. What cemented his firing was a clock management gaffe that saw the Bears waste two minutes off the clock and Eberflus failing to use the final timeout in his pocket. It was such a drastic error that no one inside or outside of Halas Hall assumed he would stick around. His reasoning for not using the timeout came off as more of a "dig" against rookie quarterback Caleb Williams than an admission of guilt. His exact words: “Yeah, uh... we liked the play, um, that we had. We were hoping that he was gonna... get the ball snapped, and then we would’ve called timeout.” His final post-game press conference was truly a word salad to end all word salads. Fans, pundits, and current Bears players alike knew how disastrous it was. Wide receiver Keenan Allen was even quoted after the game saying, “I feel like we did enough as players to win the game.” It was as damning an indictment against a coach and his practices as I have ever seen in my five years covering this team. Most of us on the beat knew that he was going to be fired, and while we had no sources ready to divulge his imminent firing, we knew it had to be coming. If you’ve been following and rooting for the Bears as long as I have, then you know that nothing is ever done smoothly at Halas Hall.
The next morning, I woke to an email from the Bears' communications staff with the Zoom link for Monday’s typical press conference. Unlike normal operations, we typically have the Zoom with captions that say, "HC Matt Eberflus Virtual Media Availability." For the first time, the email contained none of that. There was confusion around who was going to speak and why there had been secrecy. As sure as I live and breathe, I believed the Bears had actually done it. I was, instead, greeted with a familiar face in Matt Eberflus. He seemed to have no indication that he was being fired and proceeded to give the media a typical “coach-speak” press conference that teetered on not admitting fault while vaguely taking the blame. It was as “typical” of a Bears press conference as you can get, and it was a damning example of the incompetence that flows throughout this organization. To my surprise, however, the Bears did the unthinkable and fired Eberflus several hours later. They explained that they had been conferring all morning to make the decision and that it was not an easy one. I was too busy with my day job of being a high school teacher to attend the press conference, but Scott was there, and the only word he could use to describe it was: fear. He told me of the stunned look that rested upon General Manager Ryan Poles’s face and how CEO Kevin Warren appeared more like a disappointed father than an executive. It was emblematic of the Bears' experience: make the right move far too late and do it in an exceptionally terrible fashion. But hey, at least it happened, right? During this aftermath, offensive coordinator Thomas Brown (who himself was elevated after the Shane Waldron debacle) was promoted to interim head coach.
“What the hell did I do?” - Roger Smith - Ryan Poles
While the decision was a long time coming and absolutely necessary for the health of this fanbase and team, I can’t help but laugh at how spectacularly silly the implementation was. It’s almost as if this franchise is allergic to modernizing its football operations and behaving like an organization that knows what it’s doing. That notwithstanding, that is in the past, and the future is all I am concerned about. Well, that future is here now. The Chicago Bears played their first game of the Thomas Brown era, and it was fascinatingly terrible. The defense allowed Brock Purdy to post near-perfect passing stats in the first half, and the offense woke up for only two scoring drives before eventually faltering in the second half. It seems as if the solution to this problem is found in, once again, tearing away at the foundations of this current team makeup and starting from a position that is far removed from expectations. So, who will it be? Will it be Ben Johnson, Joe Brady, Brian Flores, Mike Vrabel? All four men are linked as the top coaching candidates for the Bears, and they have a chance to restore hope in a city that has desperately searched for it in their team for quite some time. However, before we can get to that, we must ask ourselves: who will be making these hires? Plenty of fans and pundits assume that Ryan Poles will stay on and draft another coach to lead Caleb Williams to greater heights, but I have a different question: why should he be allowed to do it?
Matt Eberflus was certainly not the coach the team needed, but his failures come off the back of the decisions that Ryan Poles has made. Whether it was the physical debacle from attempting to sign Larry Ogunjobi, the decisions to pursue skill players while not properly addressing the offensive line, or trying to find a competent defensive interior at a discount, Ryan Poles’s decisions have come to haunt the Bears' future, and I’m not sure that allowing him to do it again would be what’s best for this organization. I don’t fault George Halas for the decision to bring in people like Bill Polian to find competent coaching and management; the problem arises when you allow parts that are not working to continue attempting to. Ryan Poles has done a lot of great for this organization, and that cannot be understated. He is responsible for finding the Bears their franchise QB while also securing picks and players that led to DJ Moore and Rome Odunze. He’s done some damn good things. With that being said, his three-year tenure has been marked by inefficiency and poor planning, and it does seem to defy logic that he be allowed to continue down this path. If he is selected to continue, CEO Kevin Warren must set a standard of excellence that trickles down from his position to everyone else in the organization. Whether he will do that is anyone’s guess. The only thing Bears fans can do is hope for the best. After all, that’s what they’ve been doing for decades.
It’s A New Day | #theFBCPod
It happened; Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods kicked Big E out the New Day. In a move that's been planned for months, what would need to happen for this move to be successful? The Street Profits can't catch a break and Camp is sure to be pissed about this. No more PLE's in 2024 but Saturday Night's Main Event is on dack. the pod talks about the history and legacy of the show and give their predictions on the big night on December 14th plus, WWE treating the first Raw on Netflix like Wrestlemania.
Rate, Like, Subscribe, and Download the First Black Champ Podcast on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. Search #theFBCPod for all episodes and follow us on Instagram and Twitter at @theFBCPod!
Survivor Series recap, a look ahead to Saturday Night's Main Event, and Cyber Sunday 2008
Jarrett and Brian are joined this week by @CarasikS to discuss Kirk Cousins disastrous performance against the Chargers and if it’s time for Michael Penix Jr to see the field.
I have lost what once felt impossible to lose. I’m wrestling with an unshakeable feeling. I’m mindful of the present, pausing as moment becomes moments, and at a hair’s breadth, it envelops me. I feel it pulling—a deep-seated settling that crashes and wanes in a rhythm impossible to decipher. It’s a stillness almost beyond understanding or quantification, and as time passes, I catch a glimpse of its essence. One thing becomes clear: it’s inherent in all of us. The misery and joy that it can bring can affect any and everyone. Why? Because stillness is a constant theme in the background of being. It’s that unshakable quiet that settles in when the distractions are gone, and we’re left to face the truth we’ve been avoiding. It’s the angst of the beginning of an ending you’ve been dreading and it’s a byproduct of a life that is lived. It’s dark, cold, and empty, and there is no more complete way of describing it than to say that is simply is. When I pause to take a breath, I feel it beating on my chest, its energy reserves never expiring. It reappears whenever it chooses to. Yet, it isn’t the absence of motion; it’s the heavy presence of truth. It’s what lingers in the moments when the noise of hope, denial, or distraction fade away, leaving you with nothing but the reality before you. As I ponder my own life and how I have experienced and created this stillness, I’m reminded of the events and actions that unify experience. Sure, we’re dynamic and non-monolithic, but there are times, places, and situations when our shared experiences mirror each other. I’ve found that similarity in stillness. While the name “stillness” is probably irrelevant, and different people will call it different things, the truth is that we all experience it.
Stillness is reality at its most basic. With nothing to shape or form it, it simply is. It doesn’t coax or comfort; it doesn’t wound or heal. It simply exists, unaffected by how I—or you—feel about it. However, its existence is not independent of me. In fact, we can only understand it because of being. A being shapes its ontology because its existence is shaped by perception. And because it’s so tied to perception, its nature constantly changes. There is never a point at which stillness is permanently fixed; it exists in a constant state of flux. When I am hurting and grieving, I see it through the lens of pain. It becomes the cold finality of endings—a harbinger of grief, a weight of truth I chose to ignore. As I write this, I’ve lost. So, when I see this stillness, all I can grasp is pain. It feels cruel and indifferent. Its memory is jaded by the whims of now, and it brings misery in its wake. I’m so desperate to avoid sensing the presence of stillness in my life that I anxiously pace around, waiting for a moment of peace so this stillness can flee. I’ve screamed out in pain and anguish at the God who would allow one to experience this stillness so profoundly. Why would anyone choose to follow someone who allows His creations to go through such harmful stillness? What good does this bring to its bearer? How will this transform me or create something good and pure?
When I feel these thoughts rising, I’m reminded of my error because stillness isn’t inherently pain. I pore over the details of this grief like a magistrate poring over a case, and the more I seek to find the nature of this stillness, the farther it gets. Stillness has no form or shape. It’s not the cruel hand of fate or the warmth of hope. It’s not even the voice that whispers, “Let’s move on.” It’s just there—unchanging, unmoving. And that’s what makes it so profound: it becomes whatever I project onto it. It’s pain when I am grieving, clarity when I’m ready to see, and peace when I’m finally able to rest. The problem with stillness is that we often notice it when we don’t want to. We can accept the truth of a joyful evening without the need for further reflection. We revel in it, letting it provide a boost of serotonin that jolts our system. But it is in the moments of pain, just beyond the edge of an ending, where stillness has something to communicate. Perhaps stillness is teaching me that so much of this could have been avoided. Perhaps it wants to pull me closer, to show me that if I had followed it more, pain might have been avoided. Perhaps it’s a reminder of a promise I made to myself long ago—a promise of “never again.” Unfortunately, humans tend to learn truth at the most inconvenient moments, and that is where I find myself now: inconvenienced and broken, wishing for this stillness to claim someone else, so that I might delight in a fantasy of my own making. A fantasy where my problems are nonexistent, and things go right in the world with minimal effort.
I know it’s a façade, but living with this stillness feels like a knife cutting deeper and deeper with no hope for reprieve. The façade would at least give me feelings of euphoria, even if they’re not real. It would feel more comfortable, more routine and orderly. But stillness cannot exist in such a manner, and I want to escape it. Therein lies the problem: what I’m escaping from cannot be escaped because it reflects how I see the world. This stillness follows me in every situation, and seeking its end is a fool’s errand. At its worst, it can pull me into a pit of impossible proportions. At its best, it’s a gentle reminder of the beauty of my existence.
I’ll remember it all—every moment, every negative and positive interaction. I will cherish the moments stillness brought me and will grieve the moments that will no longer find me.
The guys are back! Scott, Pavy, Merk & Bang talk about Drake running to the police with 2 legal "petitions" and how it effects everything, Scott & Pav get into a HEATED argument over Drake & Kendrick perceptions, GNX album review & the guys talk about the "hear n*gga damn" theory.
Scott & Flows breakdown the Bears 30-27 Overtime loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
It’s Survivor Series | #theFBCPod
It’s Survivor Series time, and the Thanksgiving tradition looks to deliver with the New Bloodline vs. OG Bloodline in War Games, but what else can we expect? Will CM Punk tip the scales for the Bloodline, or will Paul Heyman swerve and become the Wiseman for someone else?
Why is Cody Rhodes vs. Kevin Owens unconfirmed for the Survivor Series? Is Chelsea Green headed for History or will she end up like her husband?
Rate, Like, Subscribe, and Download the First Black Champ Podcast on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. Search #theFBCPod for all episodes and follow us on Instagram and Twitter at @theFBCPod!
Rejoice Chicago, only 2 more home games left of this.
The Bears took on the Minnesota Vikings in an anticipated NFC North matchup and... once again fell to their opponent. It has become a trend over the course of my career as a beat reporter to report another Bears loss. This one, however, has followed a disturbing trend of late game decisions that have cost the Bears a crucial victory. The final score was 30-27 and it came after Caleb Williams led 3 drives to close the game, get an onside kick, then tie the game. Notable amongst the throws was a bullet to DJ Moore near the end of regulation to set the Bears up in field goal position. Unfortunately, it was all for naught, and the Bears fell to 4-7 on the season with their playoff hopes virtually gone. After the game, we caught up with head coach Matt Eberflus, who expressed frustration with how things played out but praised the “grit” and “determination” of his players. The offense battled back from a two-score deficit to force overtime against the Vikings, and it was due to the effort by rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. He finished 32-of-47 for 340 yards, two touchdowns, and no turnovers. He was able to spread the ball around to his skill players with DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, Cole Kmet, and Rome Odunze recording 7, 9, 7, and 5 receptions, respectively. Caleb’s footwork was efficient, and his throws were decisive. In a league where young quarterbacks struggle with adjusting to NFL passing “windows”, Caleb routinely found his man in tight spaces and placed it where they had a chance to make a play. As you can assume from the tone of this writing, this is where the good news ends.
Defensively, it was far from the performance you’d expect from such a talented group. Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold went 22-of-34 for 330 yards and looked comfortable all afternoon. The Bears' linebackers routinely plugged the wrong gaps, and the secondary allowed chunk play after chunk play. To make matters worse, the defensive front failed to generate any meaningful pressure. Defensive Coordinator Eric Washington loves to generate pressure with his front four, but they consistently failed in that marker. Normally a team would adjust to this with simulated pressure on blitzing more but the Bears chose to forgo that option. Matt Eberflus was hired with the expectation that, as a defensive-minded coach, he would solidify it and continue the Chicago trend of having an excellent group. However, as the NFL season progresses, it’s becoming evident that this group is nothing more than "bum slayers." For those unfamiliar with the term, it refers to defensive units that dominate weak opponents but collapse against competent teams. In back-to-back weeks, the Bears have allowed nearly five yards per carry to starting running backs while playing soft coverage, giving up huge plays in the game’s most crucial moments. The unfortunate highlight of the game was second-year wide receiver Jordan Addison torching the Bears' secondary for eight catches, 162 yards, and a staggering 20+ yard average.
Quarterback Sam Darnold—yes, the six-year journeyman—looked like a man reborn. It didn’t matter the quarter or the field position; Darnold consistently found the open man. Even though several of his throws resembled the infamous meme: “Fuck it, he down there somewhere,” his play was top of the line. While the Bears’ defense struggled, the coaching staff’s decision-making was equally baffling. In the first half, faced with a 4th-and-2, Eberflus opted for a field goal instead of keeping the offense on the field. To make matters worse, right tackle Braxton Jones visibly threw his hands up in frustration, seemingly unhappy with the conservative call. Later in the game, a similar situation arose on a 4th-and-4. This time, the field goal unit rushed onto the field only to be waved off by the offense. Eberflus later took responsibility, claiming he needed to get the play call in earlier. However, to outside observers, this looked like an offense outright ignoring its head coach and taking matters into its own hands. It’s emblematic of the entire Bears season: players and coaches on different wavelengths, resulting in heartbreaking losses. This marks the third game this year (after the Commanders and Packers matchups) where the Bears had late momentum, only to squander it in the end.
The lone bright spot for Chicago remains Caleb Williams and interim offensive coordinator Thomas Brown. In his short tenure, Brown has transformed the offense, moving away from confusion over play calls and personnel groupings to decisive, effective play. He’s used pre-snap motion to scheme players open and trusted Caleb to rise to the occasion in high-pressure moments. Caleb even noted that, in clutch situations, Brown tells him through the headset: “Go be Superman” and to Caleb’s credit, he’s delivered. Sadly, his Herculean efforts have consistently been undermined by the team’s shortcomings. On special teams, things aren’t any better. Kicker Cairo Santos has struggled with depth and accuracy, with one of his kicks blocked in back-to-back weeks. Such issues crush team morale, and the road ahead only gets tougher.
At this juncture in the season, where do the Bears go from here? With roughly 90 hours until their Thanksgiving matchup, there’s little time to implement meaningful changes. Eberflus commented, “The team will be in tomorrow, we’ll make corrections and go from there.” While this is typical “coach-speak”, he’s not wrong—there’s no luxury of time for reflection or overhaul. However, after Thanksgiving, the organization faces a crucial decision. With playoff hopes nearly extinguished, it’s time to send a clear signal that the culture is changing. That begins with moving on from the head coach. While this move won’t salvage the season, it would demonstrate to players and fans alike that the franchise is serious about developing Caleb Williams and building a winning team. Kevin Warren faces an uphill battle as he seeks to secure funding for a new stadium. A winning team would undoubtedly make that proposition more appealing to taxpayers and city officials. Expecting sympathy and understanding while fielding a subpar product is a fool’s errand—one that I’d hope Warren understands. He and general manager Ryan Poles have the power to salvage what remains of the season and build upon Caleb’s success.
At least, that’s what a good organization would do. But this is the Chicago Bears we’re talking about—so don’t hold your breath.
Jarrett and Brian are back to discuss the Falcons disappointing loss in the Mile High City & search for answers headed into the Bye.
November 21st…
November 21st, 1990, at around 2:21 pm, I was born. It’s been 34 years since that day and birthdays have come and gone, and I’ve experienced them in all kinds of ways—celebrating with friends and family, preferring solitude, and everything in between. In my youth, my birthday felt like a holiday. My mother used to wake me up early and play a personalized happy birthday song from “Captain Zoom.” I’m not sure if the song was a midwestern thing or if other American children remember it but goodness, it made me feel like I was on top of the world. I even remember the first time she played that song and the joy I felt. Unfortunately for me, the song didn’t have a personalization option for the names “Joseph” or “Joe,” so my mother settled on “Joey”, a name I certainly did not go by but the sentiment was still felt. The song would start with these words:
"Hey Joey, it’s your birthday! I’m in charge of the stars, and I’m here to say, Hey Joey, you’re the big star today!"
Never knew who Captain Zoom was or why this character was made for the song, but I didn’t care; it was my day. In those days, after my mother would start playing the song, she’d bring out a cake and my father and brother would join in singing “Happy Birthday.” I would jump out of bed, beaming from ear to ear, feeling a since of joy that most words fail to capture. I’d get ready head to school to hear my classmates would say, “Happy Birthday!”. Nothing could ruin my day. After school, my mother would take the family to a restaurant of my choosing. I usually settled for Red Lobster or some other familiar chain. The hosts would sing “Happy Birthday,” and I’d end the day with a full belly and a grateful heart. It was everything a child could ask for. Decades later, that spark of excitement for my birthday is gone. Birthdays don’t carry the same meaning they did when I was younger I’m not sure if that’s necessarily a bad thing, but it is the reality. Now, when I wake up, I’m not greeted by applause or handed a cake. Today, I woke up and limped to the bathroom as I waited for my Achilles to “warm up”. I coughed out mucus from a lingering bout of laryngitis and squeezed into a polo that doesn’t fit as freely as it did last year. I entered my classroom and started work like it was any other day.
For the past few years, my birthdays have gone like they did this morning. It’s probably because my birth date was relatively unknown to my colleagues or students—not by design but simply because I didn’t bother to tell anyone. Birthdays began to feel like more of a hassle than something I should honor or celebrate. I’d go to work, come home, and the day would end like any other—wrapped in monotony. This year, though, was different. A few friends who knew my birthday shared it with my colleagues, and I got some “Happy Birthday” shouts in the hallways and texts on my phone. Later in the day, my juniors and seniors (I teach high school) sang “Happy Birthday” to me, and for the first time in over a decade, I felt “something” again. Their singing reminded me of something I’d forgotten—what it feels to have that spark I had as a child. And it felt good. But as I basked in that joy, the Lutheran in me kicked in. Was I being too selfish by centering the day on myself? Should I shun this attention I’m getting? I’m not any more important than the person besides me. After all, from a scientific perspective, this day is no different from any other. My journey around the sun spans another year, but a year is simply a human construct, a way to measure the passing of moments. Also, from a Christian perspective, every day should be joyous because God has allowed you to see another. As St. James the Just wrote:
"Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’” (James 4:13-15)
Even without a theological lens, this idea is logical. Life is fleeting and the only moment you have is now. So, this morning, as I reflected on my birthday, I asked myself: Should I be grateful for the time I’ve had, or is it okay to miss the days when birthdays felt like holidays? Even now, as I sit alone in my classroom hours after my colleagues have gone home, I ask myself: “Now what?” What is the purpose of my birthday? What is the point of waking up early to do the same job I’ve done for years? What’s the meaning behind it all? Last year, these questions depressed me. I mourned the loss of the “spark” I had as a child and the joy I once felt. But today, my students changed everything. They reminded me of that spark, and they helped me realize something profound: The spark never left. I chose to ignore it, focusing instead on the negatives and uncertainty of life. Yes, growing older comes with its challenges. The things I once did effortlessly, like sprinting without stretching, are behind me. But what I’ve gained in return is perspective. I have this moment before me, and I need to rejoice and be glad in it. I was given another year of life, and it was done purposefully.
The question I’m going to continue to interrogate daily is what I will do with what I’ve been given. Who knows how long we have on this earth? But while I am here, I have a job to do. I see my life as a groundskeeper’s task. Imagine a beautiful building surrounded by lush grass and perfectly trimmed shrubs. It maintains its brilliance because of the hard work of the groundskeepers. My life is like that lawn—I must take care of my body, mind, and soul, making the most of the time I’ve been given. Why? Because someone is always watching. As my students left my classroom today, they said, “We love you, Mr. Lewis.” In that moment, I remembered the strong Christian teaching that my life is not my own:
"You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love." (Galatians 5:13)
I exist to help the person opposite me. I exist to keep up with and maintain what I have been given. You never know whose life you will inspire or who will be forever changed by the example you set. Not everyone shares the same religious beliefs, and some may have different understandings of service to others. But there is undeniable logic in a life that seeks to help those around you. If you take care of the person near you and they do the same, a cycle begins—one where no one has to carry the weight of life’s uncertainties alone. Imagine a world where everyone looks out for one another. Isolation fades, fear diminishes, and love becomes the foundation of our existence. Today, my students reminded me that the spark of my life has not faded. I only need to seek it out to find it. I’m thankful for the lesson they taught me, and tonight, I’m going to go home, order the largest pizza known to humankind, and stuff my face. Why? Because I’m thankful the Good Lord Jesus gave me another year. Peace.
Welcome to hell, Chicago
I’m going to state the obvious: The Chicago Bears’ season is unraveling. What started as a promising 4-2 campaign with hopes for the playoffs, cheers of a competitive culture and a renewal of interest by the fans has spiraled into a skid that highlights the franchise’s longstanding issues. Perhaps none of these issues is more glaring than their inability to shed the “little brother” label when it comes to their storied “rivalry” with the Green Bay Packers. For the past 10 years, the rivalry has had a consistent setting; most years, Bears fans wait with anticipation for that autumn matchup against the Packers with thoughts of revenge on their minds. For Packers fans, it’s a tune-up game where they get to remind their “little brothers” about who is in control of this rivalry. Unfortunately for residents of the Windy City, the Big Brothers have reminded the Bears over and over about their place within this history.
Sunday’s 20-19 loss marked the Bears’ 11th consecutive defeat in the series, the longest streak in the history of a matchup that was once far more balanced. At this point, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to even call this a “rivalry.” After all, what defines a rival? According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a rival is “one of two or more striving to reach or obtain something that only one can possess.” In the NFL, teams strive for a division title, a conference championship, and ultimately, the Super Bowl. While you can occasionally bypass a divisional crown to achieve the other two, the goal is to secure all three—a mark of a truly competitive franchise. In a true rivalry, both teams act as barriers to each other’s success, fighting to achieve these shared goals. But when it comes to Bears-Packers, what have the Bears accomplished? Since 2014, they’ve claimed just one division title and beaten the Packers only twice. Meanwhile, Green Bay has consistently made the playoffs and relegated the Bears to irrelevance within the NFC North. For all intents and purposes, this isn’t a rivalry anymore. The numbers make that clear. The Packers now lead the all-time series 108-95-6, a commanding margin that reflects not just a recent trend but a seismic shift in dominance over the decades. The brutal truth is that the Bears haven’t beaten Green Bay in their last 10 attempts and rivalries thrive on competition, but this one feels more akin to an annual asswhooping than a rivalry.
This trend and these losses have left some unanswered questions: Where is the leadership? Where is the accountability? As with any struggle in sports, there comes a point when blame needs to be assigned. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, viewed as the future of the franchise, has shown flashes of brilliance but his development remains inconsistent—a reflection of the instability surrounding him. One week, he dazzles with performances like his four-touchdown outing against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The next, he struggles with bad habits, such as holding onto the ball too long or failing to take his checkdowns, as seen in the November 10th loss to the New England Patriots. While this inconsistency led to the firing of offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, one wonders about the decisions that went into hiring Waldron in the first place . In Caleb’s first game without Waldron, he displayed impressive poise, clutch decision-making, and determination, sparking hope that he might still develop into the player Chicago desperately needs. But was his inconsistency simply a product of Waldron’s poor coaching, or does it point to deeper rot within the organization? That’s where head coach Matt Eberflus comes into focus. Under Eberflus’ leadership, the Bears’ flaws have only become more pronounced. Caleb’s struggles aren’t the first time this has happened to a young Quarterback. Justin Fields went through a similar process during his team, including struggles from the offensive coordinator role. So, when you add Justin’s & Caleb’s inconsistent development, it all reflects back on Eberflus’ decisions. Whether it’s questionable hirings, puzzling personnel groupings, or baffling in-game calls, the blame logically necessitates his inclusion. His puzzling decisions have been obvious during this current season. In Week 8’s loss against the Washington Commanders, Eberflus inexplicably allowed Washington to gain extra yards late in the game, setting up room for an improbable Hail Mary that stunned them. Then, in Sunday’s loss to Green Bay, he burned precious time by opting for a 40 plus yard field goal instead of trusting his offense to gain more yards for a closer attempt—or better yet, a touchdown.
“Tough Times don’t last, Tough People do” - Matt Eberflus
The Bears’ issues increasingly point to Eberflus’ struggles as a head coach, and these cannot be ignored any longer. For Chicago to move forward, the leadership at the top must be held accountable. The question now should not be whether Eberflus can right the ship, it should be about who can replace him so that the Bears can become a true contender because 3 years of Eberflus’s direction have failed to produce it.
That withstanding, pinning all the blame on Eberflus would miss the bigger picture. This team is a product of General Manager Ryan Poles’ vision. He entered the offseason with significant resources—ample cap space and draft capital—but the roster still feels incomplete. Poles opted to pursue high value skill players while ignoring the glaring holes on the offensive and defensive line. Those costly decisions have been apparent during this recent skid. The patchwork offensive he produced cannot protect Williams consistently, with them allowing a season high NINE sacks against the New England Patriots, which was coming off a 6 sack performance the week before. On the defensive side of the ball, the lack of interior pressure has allowed this talented defense to fold in critical moments. In their matchup against the Packers, their only sack came when Jordan Love scrambled towards the end zone, after he failed to find an open receiver.
This isn’t just about losing to Green Bay. It’s about what those losses represent. Rivalries are supposed to bring out the best in a team, to push them to rise above their limitations. Instead, the Packers games have become a microcosm of everything wrong with the Bears: poor execution, questionable leadership, and a glaring lack of identity. I’ve stated this numerous times during my time covering this team: Chicago deserves better. Bears fans, who hold the Bears to near religious significance in their hearts, deserve a team that matches their passion and resilience. Instead, they’ve been left with a franchise that can’t seem to get out of its own way. The clock is ticking for Poles and Eberflus. If they can’t right the ship soon, this season will end up being another tick in the hamster wheel from hell.
To break free from this frustrating cycle, the Bears need more than just tweaks—they need wholesale change. They need new leadership, a bold vision, and an unflinching commitment to accountability. While the Bears have slid into the role of lovable losers, their divisional rivals are moving in the opposite direction. The Detroit Lions, once the league's perennial punchline, have transformed into a powerhouse, poised to secure another division title and even contend for a Super Bowl. The Packers remain a consistent threat, and the Vikings—despite losing their first-round quarterback to injury—have rallied behind Sam Darnold and clawed their way into playoff contention.
These realities should light a fire under Bears President & CEO Kevin Warren. Brought in to usher the franchise into a new era, Warren must recognize that the transformation begins with assembling a staff that shares his passion, vision, and sense of urgency. Right now, GM Ryan Poles and HC Matt Eberflus have delivered a product that feels more like a relic of the past than a step toward a brighter future. The only question left now is simple: What will Kevin Warren do to turn this franchise around?
On this week's episode we bring on the host of Who Are You podcast Connor. We chop it up about the aftermath of the election, wild stories from working pest control, odd sexual advances, some Presidential conspiracy theories and more. Also we get into some voicemails.
Jarrett and Brian break down the loss in New Orleans and preview their matchup with Bo Nix and the surprise Denver Broncos.
