Scott & Flows recap the Bears 3rd win in a row in London, Caleb becoming who we all thought he would be, where the team stacks up heading into a matchup with Jayden Daniels & much more!
Kevin Owens has attacked Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton, but could it be that he is the one who is misunderstood? Speaking of Cody Rhodes, he transitions from the Bloodline to Owens and Gunther. Which Champ needs the Crown Jewel Championship more?
Westside Gunn makes a big announcement and more.
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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.
Scott & Flows are back to recap the Bears win over Carolina this past Sunday, preview the Bears game against the Jaguars in London and what can the guy expect in their first trip out the country?
The Bad Blood PLE is over but bad blood continues within the Bloodline, Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens.
Also, WWE Chief Content Officer Paul "Triple H" Levesque was asked about the lack of representation of Black Wrestlers on the Main Roster PLE's, and his response was interesting.
On this weeks episodes of RAOP we breakdown day 1 of the Young Dolph murder trial, plans to drop 2 episodes a week, predictions on the Vince netflix documentary, Jerry Jones being the NFL Calvin Candie and a ton more. Also we answer some voicemails from the listeners. 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.
Pierce Rob and Chris touch on the new Netflix documentary on Vince McMahon and the WWE, plus two PPV's in 2008!
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.
The gang is back as Pav kicks the pod off talking about his current European stay and his struggle to get a good haircut out there, the crew then discusses Derrick Rose announcing his retirement, what he means to Chicago & what will his legacy be? Bang & Scott do a quick recap of the Netflix docuseries Mr.McMahon & how it relates to Diddy's current situation.
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.
On this weeks episode of RAOP we celebrate Joe's birthday. Also we chop it up about all the Diddy shenanigans, giving Frankie Beverly his flowers, collecting McDonalds happy meal toys as a jit, how to know if you lost your girl and a ton more. Also we answer some voicemails from the listeners. 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.
The Big Turn?
Kevin Owens saw the faceoff between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes and... the wheels started turning. The long-awaited turn of Kevin Owens looks to be on its way. Will it lead to a title change? What is the perfect place for Kevin to switch up? What did First Black Champ think about Roman and Cody's Georgia Tech Faceoff and will it lead to a victory at Bad Blood? We also get into CM Punk's Promo aimed at Drew McIntyre, Jey Uso's title opportunities and more in this weeks episode of First Black Champ.
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.
Sean "Diddy" Combs was denied bond after he was officially arrested and charged with sex trafficking and racketeering charges by the feds. According to the indictment papers obtained by TMZ, from 2008 to the present, members of the Combs enterprise allegedly engaged in sex trafficking, forced labor, interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution, coercion and enticement to engage in prostitution, narcotics offenses, kidnapping, arson, bribery and obstruction of justice. What does this mean for the Music Mogul? Will Diddy ever get out of jail?
On this weeks episode of RAOP we bring back the OG friend of the show Malc. We get into a heated debate about Kendrick Lamar headlining the Super Bowl, the negative effects of the Kendrick & Drake beef, Tyreek Hill being arrested before a game, people trying to cancel James Earl Jones after his passing, thoughts on the Jaguars first game of the season and a ton more. Also we answer some voicemails from the listeners. 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.
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.