Posts in Football
Same Ol’, Same Ol’: The Bears' Familiar Struggles Persist

If you have spent your life, as I have, watching the Chicago Bears consistently on Sunday’s, you begin to wonder; Is football really as hard as the Bears make it seem? These are professionals who can do a job that most humans would fail at, yet, the Bears have a special habit of adapting slowly to changes around them and stubbornly holding onto anachronistic habits of competing. What complicates matters is the love that the Bears have within the city of Chicago. Whether you’re from within the city limits or the surrounding suburbs, Sunday’s are a holy day and there are few events that can take the average Bears fan away from their TVs on that day. Millions gather together with the hope and belief that this Sunday will be the one. Yet watching the Bears attempt to string together drives feels like watching a toddler try to solve a Rubik’s Cube. Even with these setbacks, Bears fans show up, week after week, pouring unwavering love into a franchise that repeatedly falls short. Sunday’s game against the Washington Commanders was just the latest disappointment in a season—and an era—filled with unmet expectations.

 

DB Tyrique Stevenson with a costly error in judgment

This game was marked by a familiar scene on the defensive side of the ball. The Commanders were able to move down the field and get within scoring range but were consistently held to Field Goals; the classic Bears “bend but don’t break” defense. Late in the 3rd quarter, rookie Caleb Williams was able to put together two impressive drives that saw the game’s first touchdown as well as the Bears first lead. With less than 30 seconds on remaining, the Bears were in prime position to escape Washington with a win. However, as Jayden Daniels completed his last-second Hail Mary attempt, Chicago fans experienced that all-too-familiar gut punch. Once again, it seemed like the Bears, a team with more than a century of history, fail to understand what it takes to be truly competitive. The game, as well as recent memory showed more of what fans have come to expect: there were flashes of brilliance here and there, sure, but as a cohesive unit, this team remains the “same ol’, same ol’.”

 A Tale of Two Quarterbacks

 Sunday’s matchup against the Commanders brought with it additional pressure as the matchup featured the past two season’s Heisman trophy winners as well as the 1st and 2nd pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. While the anticipation was high with them both coming off impressive weeks of football, Bears QB Caleb Williams struggled under pressure, completing just 10 of 24 passes as the Bears' offensive line failed to provide him with adequate time to pass, allowing him to be pressured on over 50% of his drop backs. In contrast, Commanders’ QB Jayden Daniels found time in the pocket, finishing with over 300 yards and a game sealing touchdown. The difference between these two former Heisman winners, couldn’t have been clearer. Daniels, who has smoothly transitioned to the NFL, has been allowed to adapt to the speed and talent of the professional level with an offensive line that gives him time and a skill group that understands his needs in the pocket. In addition, head coach Dan Quinn has allowed him to make full use of his skillset, winning on both the ground and in the air. Compare this to Caleb who, while equally given a skilled skill group, has been left with a makeshift offensive line and a coaching staff that hasn’t figured out how to gameplan for football in the modern era. A win against Caleb and the Bears has allowed familiar narrative to shape the national media; did the Bears choose the wrong quarterback?

 

It brings back memories of 2017, when the Bears passed on Deshaun Watson and Patrick Mahomes in favor of Mitchell Trubisky, a decision that has haunted them as Mahomes ascended to greatness. While Caleb Williams appears to be “the real deal”, Sunday’s loss highlights the trend of what it means to play football in Chicago. While other franchises adapt to the league around them and allow their players to develop at a consistent pace, the Bears find themselves having to undergo the same events in a much harder and less effective way.

 The Issue of Adaptation

 Adaptation has never been the Bears' strong suit. The team’s resistance to change is well-documented, from George Halas’ unwillingness to find coaching with more experience to Lovie Smith’s reluctance to abandon the outdated Cover 2 base defense. Chicago is a stubborn city, one that scoffs in the face of the title “second city” and it’s no surprise that her teams exhibit that same stubbornness. What is unacceptable within this, is a lack of discipline. An alarming trend of the this has permeated the tenure of Matt Eberflus. On the play before the Hail Mary, the Bears' defense left the sidelines exposed, allowing an easy 13-yard completion. Then, on the Hail Mary itself, rookie cornerback Tyrique Stevenson was more focused on taunting fans than covering his man. While these are professional athletes who are free to make their own decisions in and out of the game, it starts with the head coach. It is Eberflus and his coaching staff’s job to make sure their players are well prepared for their opponent and consistently disciplined in such a demanding sport. Whether it is momentum killing penalties or confusing playcalls, there has rarely been a time where the Bears seemed prepared for the game before them.

 The Bears’ consistency—or lack thereof—rests on Eberflus’s shoulders and eventually, there will need to be a level of accountability from him that showcases he is the person that will shift the Bears fortunes. Until then, he might only be a transitional figure, reminiscent of former Chicago Cubs manager Ricky Renteria. His teams were scrappy but ultimately incapable of taking the team to the next level and their fortunes did not change until Joe Maddon took over the reins. While Eberflus has built a defense that can keep games close, his handling of the offense has been a stumbling block. It is beginning to reach a point in the season where one wonders if he can competently remain the head coach without costing his time precious time and development.

 Chicago fans are known for their loyalty, but loyalty doesn’t mean complacency. Ryan Poles and Kevin Warren talk of change, but the results mirror the same old story. Until the Bears prove they’re serious about transformation, they’ll remain lovable losers. For now, their story is one of familiarity aka the “same ol’, same ol’.

79th and Mandem

For the first time in Barber’s Chair history, the gang went international. We made our way to London, England, and witnessed a truly once-in-a-lifetime event—and I must say, it was incredible. There was something special in the air. London felt vibrant, and the energy surrounding the game was infectious. Fans were loud, passionate, and embracing the rare opportunity to witness the NFL live. From my perspective, it was everything I could have hoped for.

Photo by Joe Lewis

 

My brother and I approached this game with different expectations. We weren’t entirely sure how this “home” game would play out for the Bears. Chicago was the first NFL team to play in London, so we knew some fans would be there, but we didn’t expect the overwhelming turnout we saw. As we approached the doors of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, it became clear—this wasn’t just any game. Bears fans from all over the world lined up, and although we were an ocean away from Chicago, the atmosphere felt as electric as Soldier Field on game day.

 

At a typical NFL home game, you expect to see a decent chunk of the crowd supporting the visiting team—not in London. It was like Soldier Field had been transported across the Atlantic. Bears jerseys filled the stands, not just the usual Caleb Williams jerseys, but the classics too—Walter Payton, Dick Butkus, and even deep cuts like Rashaan Salaam jerseys made appearances. This wasn’t casual fandom—this was love for the Bears that has endured for decades. To top it off, there was even a “Green Bay sucks” chant, just like you’d hear outside Soldier Field.

Outside of the Tottenham Hotspur stadium

 

As for the game itself, it couldn’t have gone better. Caleb Williams was phenomenal from start to finish. Whether he was manipulating the defense with his eyes, progressing through his reads with speed and efficiency, or keeping drives alive with his legs, Williams did it all. At points, it felt surreal. I began to ask myself, “Is this really happening?” I’ve seen good Bears teams before, but they were always missing consistent quarterback play. Sunday’s game showcased what could be a bright future for Chicago—a future where the offense is in sync with modern NFL trends, led by a truly generational talent.

 

Over the summer, I asked Bears fans to embrace the anxiety and fear about what this team could do. The first few games were tough, as the Bears struggled to find their identity. But as the weeks roll on and the offense solidifies, I ask fans once again—embrace the moment. There will be bad days for this offense; it’s inevitable. But they’ve shown enough flashes to believe in their potential. Chicago fans have endured hardship for so long, and this is what makes the NFL, and sports in general, worth it. So, enjoy your victory week, Chicago. Spend the bye week stress-free and come back ready for the Bears to continue this run.

 

With that said, this victory puts the Bears at 4-2. After the bye, they’ll face the Commanders, Cardinals, and Patriots, followed by an all-out divisional war. The Bears must heed the words of their head coach and use this bye week to prepare both mentally and physically. Because if there’s one group of teams that know you best, it’s your division, and the NFC North is no joke right now, with each team sitting above .500.

 

What we saw in London can’t just be a flash—it has to be the beginning of something special. For the city of Chicago, it’s long overdue. Bears fans across the world have waited for this moment, and as the team heads back to the States, one thing is clear—the Bears have fans everywhere, and their presence in London solidified that. London may be known for its soccer, but on that Sunday, the Bears were the main attraction. Here’s hoping we see more of this offensive brilliance as the season progresses.

Perhaps I treated you too harshly...

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.

Is it that hard?

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

 

Bears Stumble Again in 19-13 Loss to Texans, Offensive Woes Continue

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.

Super Bowl Shuffle Featuring BarbChairScott | Some Dude 206

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.

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DeJa Vu?

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.