The Chicago Bears bounced back after an embarrassing defeat the week prior with a 24-18 victory against the Los Angeles Rams, fueled by 165 total yards from running back D’Andre Swift, who also added a touchdown. Soldier Field was loud, hopeful and the the mood in the locker room, unlike last week, was filled with smiles, daps, and hugs among the players.
More surprising than the victory was the improvement from an offense that saw Caleb Williams lead four scoring drives. This was a welcome development during a time when offensive coordinator Shane Waldron had faced significant scrutiny for his play-calling decisions. So, what changed? The answer is simple, and it comes down to three words: Run. The. Ball.
Rookie QB Caleb Williams noted that the meeting with Shane Waldron helped to get them “on the same page”
Despite the absence of G Teven Jenkins, the Bears’ makeshift offensive line managed to create daylight for Swift, who had his best game as a Bear with 16 carries for 93 yards, averaging an impressive 6.0 yards per carry. The Bears' offensive struggles in prior weeks had been well-documented, but Swift’s standout performance highlighted the importance of leaning on the ground game, even at a time when the Bears' rushing attack ranked below the average (3.5). Football, for all its complexities, isn’t rocket science—it’s about executing fundamentals. Too often, the Bears have struggled to turn success into consistency, showcasing these flaws week after week. As with any significant change, there is a catalyst.
Fox insider Jay Glazer reported on a players-and-coaches meeting held early Sunday, where tight ends Cole Kmet and Marcedes Lewis, along with quarterback Caleb Williams, sat down with Waldron to address differences in offensive play-calling and execution. Caleb Williams expressed after the game that the main difference in the performance against the Rams was that the team was "on the same page" regarding the game plan's execution and implementation. Players only or coaches meeting have a well-earned “bad rep”. They consistently happen when a team is playing below their standards or on a skid but for all intents and purposes, this meeting seemed to help the team.
Though much of the spotlight was on the run game, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams continued to show progress. Despite being sacked three times, Williams received enough protection to facilitate a balanced attack. He displayed poise in the pocket, completing 17 of 23 passes for 157 yards and a touchdown. While his numbers won’t jump off the page, it was his decision-making and accuracy that stood out. Williams seemed more confident in his reads, consistently threading passes into tighter windows. One particularly impressive moment came on a 2nd down pass to Cole Kmet, which he lofted just over the defender’s hands to secure a critical first down. Week by week, Williams is showcasing improved mechanics, patience under pressure, and growing trust in his receivers.
This performance came in the wake of significant criticism aimed at Shane Waldron’s play-calling, with analysts—including myself—calling for more creativity and fewer predictable plays. In this game, Waldron responded. The shift to a run-first approach not only played to the strengths of the Bears' offensive line but also allowed the team to control the clock and wear down the Rams' defense. By moving away from an over-reliance on bubble screens and horizontal passes, Waldron gave the offense a more dynamic look. There was an emphasis on quicker releases for Caleb Williams, minimizing the Rams' pass rush and helping keep Williams upright. If Waldron can maintain this balance, it could unlock the full potential of this offense.
While the offensive improvements dominated the headlines, the Bears' defense quietly did its job. They displayed their trademark "bend but don’t break" mentality, allowing some chunk plays but tightening up in critical moments, particularly in the red zone. The defense managed to sack Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford twice and intercepted him once—although a second interception was called back. As The Barber’s Chair Network’s own Scott Lewis often says about Stafford: “He’s going to give you the ball back at least once,” and that’s exactly what happened when safety Jaquan Brisker picked him off to seal the game.
This win moves the Bears to 2-2 on the season and, more importantly, stops the bleeding, calming an anxious fanbase. The question now is whether the Bears can sustain this offensive balance in the weeks to come. Chicago is fortunate to have the next three games against struggling opponents—the Panthers, Jaguars, and then a bye week. If ever there were a time to create momentum and solidify their offensive identity, it’s now. While fans praised the offense after Sunday’s performance, the Bears are always one bad drive away from hearing the groans, boos, and frustrations of a fanbase desperate for consistency.
But for now, at least, fans can breathe a sigh of relief.
Scott & Flows recap a crazy week in the world of the Bears, why Bears fans need to accept the fact that Caleb is the villain, why the Caleb/Jayden Daniels comparisons are stupid, are Matt Eberflus & Shane Waldron already on the hot seat? the guys also discuss why this weekends game against the Rams might be for the season.
A consistent theme has plagued the Chicago Bears when it comes to offense, summed up perfectly by a quote from my grandfather: “three downs and a damn punt!” It’s a legacy Bears fans have reluctantly passed down through generations—an offense that seems incapable of effectively throwing the football. From Rex Grossman to Caleb Williams, something has always been missing. Regardless of who’s under center, it’s a safe bet that they’ll struggle to keep pace with the average 21st-century offense. Ask any Bears fan on the street what they do during passing plays, and many will admit they hold their breath. Why? Because if there’s one scenario they’re all too familiar with, it’s a medium-to-deep pass that ends in an interception. I’ve encouraged Bears fans to grapple with these feelings and set them aside, believing a new day was on the horizon. But perhaps I spoke too soon.
Despite the loss, Caleb’s 363 passing yards were the most ever for a Bears rookie in a single game.
In the Bears’ recent loss to the Colts, the offense looked confused as to who they wanted to be. Some decisions, like the 4th and goal speed option, were enough to want to pull your hair out. So much so that even the most senior of reporters on the Bears beat could be heard saying “what the hell? Was that?” under their breath in the press box. It was enough to wonder the following: it is really that hard? We understand that running a professional football team is not something easy; it’s a job and the average person would not be able to do so. However, a large percentage of teams throughout the National Football League have put together offenses (in the past decade) that have understood how to make the best of a modern passing scheme.
So, why has it been so hard for the Bears to muster up a consistent offense that looks like it’s in the 21st century? The answer isn’t simple, but it starts with an identity crisis. Caleb Williams spoke to the media after yesterday’s matchup and noted that the Bears were “one small detail” away from turning this crisis into something better but fans must ask themselves, how many times have they heard or felt that way before? The Bears have cycled through offensive coordinators like a carousel since I was a child with each year bringing in a new scheme, a new philosophy, and a new playbook. Add in the past ten years and the same can be said of quarterback play. It isn’t that the Bears have been stubborn in starting over, they’ve done it several times but each times, there is a step back that prevents its growth.
Under the current Eberflus regime, the Bears have promised to install a more modern, pass-focused offense. Caleb Williams demonstrated this potential to an extreme, breaking a Bears rookie record with 363 passing yards in a single game. However, there’s a fundamental problem: you can’t run a 21st-century offense with an anachronistic mindset. This issue began with Ryan Poles’ neglecting of the starting offensive line. Drafting skill players and defensive standouts left the line vulnerable, and now it’s become a revolving door for defenders. When Williams drops back, it’s often a coin flip whether he’ll have time to go through his progressions or be forced to scramble for his life.
Then there’s the question of play-calling. The Bears’ offense frequently feels disjointed—one drive might feature all run plays, while the next is all passing. The lack of rhythm or identity in these calls is frustrating to watch. At times, it appears that Shane Waldron and Matt Eberflus are simply throwing ideas at the wall, hoping something sticks.
Matt Eberflus spoke on how “missed opportunities” cost them the game
This leads us to the heart of the matter: What’s next? Drafting a player like Caleb Williams and pairing him with weapons such as DJ Moore and Rome Odunze creates a litany of expectations. However, talent alone is not enough without a clear and coherent offensive plan. For the Bears to turn their early struggles around, they must establish and commit to a defined offensive identity.
This identity requires a balanced approach—relying on fundamental plays, not cute ones, in crucial situations, like short-yardage scenarios, and trusting your franchise quarterback to make plays. With this responsibility will inevitably come failure and Williams’ two interceptions against the Colts were far from ideal, but these growing pains are necessary. Without allowing Williams to learn from his mistakes, his development and confidence will stagnate.
Offensive coordinator Shane Waldron now finds himself under intense scrutiny. Unlike defensive coordinator Eric Washington, whose defensive unit has been exceptional, Waldron’s offense has yet to find its footing. Fans are impatient, eager to move past the trauma of recent seasons. The silver lining is that there were enough positive moments to suggest a path forward. If the Bears can address their issues with simple scheming and open communication, then a path may be charted forward.
- J
J.R. Bang fills in for Flows & joins Scott to recap the Bears tough loss from this past Sunday, Scott discusses what the vibe was up at Halas Hall, who is more to blame for the offensive struggles, Shane Waldron or the offensive line? the guys also preview & give their picks for the Bears big game in Indy this weekend.
Aw shit, here we go again…again. This feeling of déjà vu for Bears fans is the one consistent facet of their fandom and has been for quite some time. I will set the scene as I did last week: The defense showed signs of brilliance while the offense struggled and the more things change, the more they stay the same. While many members of the media, myself included, predicted the Bears wouldn’t come out on top against the Texans, the manner in which they lost left a bitter taste as questions about the offensive production began to surface. You’ve seen this movie before, so I’ll cut right to the chase: The Bears dropped their Week 2 matchup against the Houston Texans 19-13 amidst a backdrop of ugly and stagnant offense
Photo by Scott Lewis for the Barber’s Chair Network
Caleb Williams, the rookie quarterback many hope will be the franchise’s savior, had his moments, but they were overshadowed by inconsistent play and costly turnovers with both of those interceptions coming at time when the Bears were in desperate need of points. Williams would finish the game with 23 completions on 37 attempts for 174 yards. The tweets came in a flurry from Bears fans with some even wondering if anything will change for their beloved franchise.
Rookies are supposed to struggle, yes, but Bears fans aren’t reacting to a singular game—they’re reacting to decades of offensive incompetence. The lack of development on that side of the ball has been a constant theme, and yesterday’s game only added to the growing list of concerns. The offensive line couldn’t hold up against Houston’s blitzes, allowing the Texans to harass Williams for 7 sacks. Pro Football Focus graded Bears center Coleman Shelton and right tackle Darnell Wright among the worst performers, with below average grades of 56.7 and 39.0, respectively. This led to the offense managing a meager 205 total yards and converting just 7 of 17 third downs. The running game was also nonexistent, contributing only 71 yards, with Caleb Williams accounting for 24 of those yards on a single 3rd down scramble. D’Andre Swift, brought in to energize the run game, was held to 18 yards on 14 carries, and Khalil Herbert gave the Bears their only touchdown of the day—a 2-yard score form the goal line. Fans expected explosiveness, but instead, they saw predictability. Horizontal play-calling, a hallmark of previous offensive coordinator Luke Getsy’s regime, continues to be a head-scratching occurrence for the tenure of current OC Shane Waldron. It’s particularly puzzling for a team that is in desperate need to push the ball vertically.
Photo by Scott Lewis
To make matters worse, the Bears’ defense, though strong at times, could only do so much to contain the Texans' versatile offense. While they limited Houston to just 75 yards on the ground and 3.5 yards per carry, C.J. Stroud’s frequent connections with Nico Collins in the first half left the Bears on their heels. Chicago's defense managed to tighten up in the second half, holding the Texans to a single field goal, but that effort wasn't enough to overcome the lackluster offense. So, what’s next for the Bears? The team finds itself in a predicament of its own making. General Manager Ryan Poles earned praise for his bold moves in drafting WR Rome Odunze and signing veteran weapons like WR Keenan Allen and RB D’Andre Swift but that came at the expense of bolstering the offensive line, a decision that now has Chicago in a tough spot and finding a veteran to help stabilize the offensive line, is unlikely. The onus will fall on Waldron and his staff to adjust. Simplifying the game plan, speeding up Caleb Williams’ release, and moving away from spamming ineffective horizontal passes like bubble screens are the first steps. They need to be better prepared for the blitzes that are coming and keep extra protection in the backfield to buy Williams more time. If they don’t, fans can expect to feel that déjà vu all season long.
Jarrett and Brian are back to discuss the Falcons disappointing hope opener vs the Steelers & their matchup with the Eagles Sunday.
Scott & Flows are back to breakdown the week 2 preparations going on at Halas (despite the fact that they're interrupted by a Kendrick Lamar release) what the feeling was up at the building & what feeling is heading into Houston. The guys discuss what adjustments should be made & how they see Sundays game going.
Super Bowl Shuffle Featuring BarbChairScott | Some Dude 206
The NFL season is finally here, and both Mike B and Bang's teams are off to a 1-0 start—but one team looked sharper than the other. How are we feeling after Sunday's matchups?
In a twist no one saw coming, Kendrick Lamar has been announced as the headliner for the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans. While many are thrilled, some fans are upset that it's not Lil Wayne. Is this fair or foul? We break it all down.
Plus, it looks like Freaky Shaun's time in the NFL might be over. What went wrong? We explain on this week's episode of #SomeDudePod.
Scott & Flows recap the Bears 17 point comeback win against the Titans.
Photo by Nikhil Behal for the Barber’s Chair Network
Imagine this: you're on the couch, decked out in your favorite Bears jersey, drink in hand, food spread out in front of you. The TV is tuned to Fox 32 Chicago, and you're watching the Bears struggle offensively. Yet, the defense has staged an impressive comeback from three scores down, and victory is within reach. But, to your surprise, it’s not 2006—it’s 2024, and some things never change. The Bears' defense mirrored teams of old and clamped down on the Tennessee Titans, holding them scoreless in the second half after being gashed by their run game early on. For the Titans, all gears were clicking in the first half: Will Levis showed flashes of brilliance and the run game gashed last year’s top ranked rush defense for over 100 yards.
The second half marked a turning point for the Bears as Levis, now in his second year, fell back into familiar mistakes, throwing two critical interceptions, including a game-sealing pick-six. While the defense “dusted off” the cobwebs and returned to its late 2024 form, on offense, Caleb Williams was far from electric, looking every bit the rookie adjusting to the professional level. His inexperience showed through out-of-sync throws, batted balls, and predictable reads. Still, there’s something this offense has that previous Bears teams lacked—real potential for growth.
Screenshot by Fox 32 Chicago
Consider Williams' stat line: 14-of-29 for 93 yards. One can imagine how different it could’ve looked had Williams connected on two open deep throws to Keenan Allen and DeAndre Carter, both with touchdown potential. Suddenly, you’re looking at 16-for-29, two touchdowns, and over 150 yards—a performance most would consider strong for any quarterback, let alone a rookie. Bears fans can recall past teams struggling to build offensive cohesion with lackluster talent across the line of scrimmage. This team, however, shows far more promise, and Williams' comments reflect that. After the game, I got a chance to ask how he would assess the offense’s performance today and he noted that “little things” disrupted the offense’s flow, and given the missed opportunities, it’s hard to argue otherwise. Less batted balls and throwing more with rhythm and timing and this becomes a two or three score win. This should be a sign of encouragement for Bears fans as some audibly groaned during the stagnant offensive performance.
Rookie QB Caleb Williams spoke about how the “little things will turn this offense around
Special teams played a crucial role in boosting the Bears today. Cairo Santos was a perfect 3-for-3 on field goals, and punter Tory Taylor unleashed booming kicks that flipped the field in favor of the offense. But the true standout was returner DeAndre Carter, whose field-flipping returns set the stage for multiple scoring opportunities. However, questions remain about third-year player Velus Jones Jr., who continued to struggle in the return game, muffing a punt that gave the Titans prime field position for an early score. Despite some offensive growing pains and lingering questions, the Bears' 24-17 victory was powered by a relentless defensive effort. Defensive lineman Darrell Taylor, who was signed on August 23rd, made an immediate impact with two sacks and constant pressure on Will Levis. Head coach Matt Eberflus described Taylor in one word: “energy.” The stat sheet doesn’t fully capture his effect, as his constant disruption forced Levis into key mistakes.
This Bears defense has room to grow, but credit goes to GM Ryan Poles for assembling a unit that bends but doesn’t break. Which brings us back to the elephant in the room: the offense. This game made one thing clear—the defense will carry the team early in the season. While the mistakes on offense were fixable, expecting a swift turnaround in the next week or two is unrealistic. Caleb Williams is a rookie, and finding rhythm and consistency takes time. But there’s genuine hope for the offense, grounded in the talent surrounding him. With veterans at every skill position and play-caller Shane Waldron, who delivered a solid game plan despite some crowd frustrations, the potential is there for growth.
So, while this article may have initially drawn parallels to past years, this Bears team has the chance to break the mold. Bears fans might finally see a team that doesn’t just rely on a stout defense—but can win in all phases of the game. They’ll just have to be patient.
Scott & Flows kick off the first pod of the season by talking about what the pulse was up at Halas Hall today, is the rebuild really over? and the guys give their predictions for Sunday's opener against the Tennessee Titans.
The episode kicks off with an in-depth analysis of the upcoming 2024 NFL season. Here's what was discussed:
Chicago Bears and Caleb Williams: The hosts debate whether Caleb Williams is the quarterback the Chicago Bears have been waiting for. Is he truly their future star? Dallas Cowboys and Dak Prescott: Could this be Dak Prescott’s last season with the Dallas Cowboys? The hosts discuss the potential outcomes and future prospects for both Prescott and the team. NFL Regular Season Awards Predictions: Curious about who might snag the MVP, Rookie of the Year, and other awards? The hosts share their predictions and insights. Super Bowl Predictions: Finally, the hosts speculate on who will take home the Lombardi Trophy. Find out which teams they think will make it to the big game.
Jarrett and Brian break down the Falcons week one match up with Russell Wilson and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Get ready to dive into the hottest takes and latest debates with Mike B and J.R. Bang on the Some Dude Podcast. Whether you're a die-hard sports fan or a hip-hop enthusiast, this podcast has something for you.
This Week's Episode Highlights:
NBA OGs vs. New Generation:
Anthony Edwards ignited controversy by claiming Michael Jordan was the only player with real skill back in the day. Why don’t today’s players respect the OGs? We break it down.
NFL Season Kickoff:
The NFL season starts next week, and Bang has a big trade proposal for Mike. What’s the deal, and will Mike accept?
Hip-Hop Beef:
Rumors are swirling that the beef between Drake and Kendrick Lamar isn’t over. Do we want more disses, or is it time to squash it?
First Day of School:
Bang Family's first day of school.
Fantasy Draft Talk:
Who Will Win the Some Dude Draft?
Join us for an episode packed with lively discussions, expert analysis, and a whole lot of fun. Hit play and be part of the conversation this week on the Some Dude Podcast!
Jarrett and Brian are back this week to talk about the Falcons acquisition of Justin Simmons and Matthew Judon.
As the sun sets over Chicago's lakefront, the faithful fans of the Chicago Bears make their way home, each carrying a newfound sense of clarity. For some, today served as a hopeful reminder that the future shines bright for their beloved team. For others, the shadows of past disappointments linger, casting doubt over what could be. I found myself somewhere in the middle—torn between the hope for a true contender and the nagging fear that futility may forever define this franchise.
With these thoughts swirling, I place my earbuds in, hit shuffle on Spotify, and search for inspiration. As I begin to write, Kendrick Lamar’s voice emerges from the next track, striking me with his profound words. On his critically acclaimed album To Pimp a Butterfly, Lamar asks, "How much does a dollar really cost?" His exploration of the paralyzing tension between materialism and spirituality transcends the realm of sports, yet his question resonates deeply with me. Though I wasn't about to tackle a topic as monumental as Lamar’s, his reflection fueled my own as I sifted through the details of the Bears’ 27-3 preseason victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. A thought began to form, borrowing from Kendrick’s musings: "How much is a first down really worth?"
I take my mind back to the beginning of the game and the feeling of the stadium. What is a first down? It’s when a team gains the necessary yardage on any given down to reset the yardage and earn a fresh set of downs. Football fans understand this without pondering its ontology. Yet, a first down is worth more than simple yardage or downs. It is the fuel that fans spend their hard-earned money on—hundreds of dollars shelled out weekly just to hear those fabled words: “First down, Bears.” So how much is a first down really worth? On this overcast day at Soldier Field, with the sky a blanket of gray and a familiar sense of dread hanging over the lakefront, that question lingered in my mind. The Bears have long been the embodiment of Chicago's gritty, working-class ethos, and the fans in attendance were yearning for a spark—something to jolt them from their collective malaise. Unfortunately, the Bears were off to a rocky start offensively with several “three-and-outs” in a row, and the collective malaise was only becoming worse. Groans could be heard from the press box, hands thrown up in disappointed even during a meaningless preseason game. A spark was needed—something tangible.
Then it happened. Caleb Williams connected with wide receiver Nsimba Webster for a first down, and the atmosphere shifted. The crowd, previously subdued and skeptical, began to stir. A few plays later, they were on their feet as Williams launched a 45-yard completion. The transformation in the stands was palpable—fans who had been slouched in their seats, eyes glued to their phones, were now fully engaged, cheering and banging on the metal barriers that connect to the press box. The crescendo reached its peak when Williams scrambled for a touchdown, igniting an eruption of joy throughout the stadium.
So how much is a first down really worth? For Chicagoans, it’s priceless.
Chicago is a city built by the working class. Each week, countless people wake up early, don their work clothes, and head to jobs they often tolerate rather than enjoy. Besieged by monotony, Chicagoans brave the heat, the cold, and the storms to provide for themselves and their families. By Friday, they're rewarded with a weekend that feels all too brief. Saturday is spent unwinding—heading to your favorite bar, catching up with friends, and enjoying a well-deserved break. But Sunday? Sunday is sacred. In this city, it’s a day reserved for only two things: church and Chicago Bears football. In fact, it’s so sacred that you will find many pulpits of ministers in Bears jerseys, preaching as fast as they can, hoping to reach their TV in time to watch their beloved team.
While the preseason might lack the gravity of regular-season Sundays, that doesn’t diminish the importance of these games for Bears fans. Chicagoans still carve out time to watch, to hope, and to dream of a successful season. For them, the 2024 season represents more than just a series of games—it symbolizes the possibility of success, a promise that transcends the game and touches on something deeper: the desire to see their beloved Bears triumph before their time on this earth runs out.
So how much is a first down really worth? Everything. In a city that’s often divided, the Bears are the glue that binds people together, if only for one day a week. Outsiders may struggle to understand the almost religious reverence the Bears command here, but for those who’ve lived and breathed Chicago, it’s crystal clear.
Saturday’s preseason matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals encapsulated the Chicago sports experience—swinging between dreadful lows and ineffable highs. As I sit in the Soldier Field press box, with the echoes of today's game still fresh in my mind, I can't help but circle back to the question: How much is a first down really worth? For the Chicago Bears, it's more than just yards on the field—it’s a currency of hope, the price of possibility, and a measure of resilience in the face of relentless doubt. Every completed pass, every scramble for extra yards, every fleeting moment of success chips away at the fear and trauma that has plagued this franchise for decades. It’s in these moments, however small, that we find a reason to believe that maybe—just maybe—their destiny isn't carved in futility but in the pursuit of something greater. And that, to me, is worth every ounce of uncertainty that comes with watching this storied, yet beleaguered, team.
In fact, Sundays feel created just for this. For Bears fans, it’s impossible not to give in to that feeling of relentless hope, and I advise every fan to give into it. So, when it hits noon on a Sunday this season, toss on your favorite Bears jersey and turn your TV to Fox. Let the hope wash over you like a flood because, as the philosopher Randy Moss once said, “You can’t do nothing but get your roll on.”
HELP GET SCOTT & FLOWS TO LONDON TO COVER BEARS/JAGUARS: https://gofund.me/33452f5d
Scott & Flows recap the Bears 33-6 Preseason win over the Buffalo Bills, a good debut performance from Caleb Williams & more
Jarrett and Brian are back to discuss the falcons first week of camp and their joint practice with the MIami Dolphins.