Jarrett and Brian are back to break down the 5-3 Falcons. The first place Dirty Birds swept the Tampa Bay Buccaneers & get ready to face off with the Dallas Cowboys.
The guys are back after a busy month & Scott kicks off the show discussing his hate for Halloween, Pav recaps his & Scott's trip to London, Bang takes his kids trick or treating, the crew also give live updates to the Young Thug trial & what they feel about the terms of his release.
Scott is joined by his I'm Not Gon Hold You co-host Mikey (who's filling in for a sick Flows) to recap everything that happened at Halas Hall today, is Matt Ebeflus officially on the hot seat, how the team can move on & what exactly is on the line this Sunday in Arizona.
WWE Crown Jewel is next week, so #theFBCPod gets you ready with their prediction show. The OG Bloodline is back together (Spoiler) to take on the new version. Who will win, and how will this set up Survivor Series War Games? Triple H told Randy Orton he is protecting him from Kevin Owens. What does that mean? Samantha Irvin has left WWE and has had some interesting comments since leaving.
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
On this weeks episode we bring on Duval legend DJ Prince Patron. We chop it up with him about what killed the club culture, wildest nights in the club, managing Foolio, our comedian Mt. Rushmore, most overrated wrestlers 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.
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’.
Scott & Flows are back from the bye week to recap the day up at Halas, are we being robbed of the first Caleb Williams & Jayden Daniels matchup? injury report & do the playoffs start now?
The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony happened this past weekend (October 19th) and Some Dude go over the tributes. Did the Rock Hall get the Mary J. Blige and A Tribe Called Quest Tributes correct? What about the Rock and Country acts?
There was one person who was absent from Mary J.'s speech: Sean "Diddy Combs.
The NBA season is here but did Some Dude pay attention enough to make predictions? Also, Bang's cousin slides through to talk about his amazing story.
On this weeks episode we bring back the homie Kelz. We chop it up about Joe getting kicked outta Kelz Gang, sex workers running around like their Pac, getting out of a "drought" and we call SEEK ALMIGHTY to get updates on his coochie getting Saga. 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.
Jarrett and Brian are back to break down the 4-2 Falcons as they head west to take on Geno Smith and the Seattle Seahawks.
It’s official: the Chicago Bears are once again marquee television.
For what feels like the first time since the Stone Age, the 4-2 Bears are a football team worthy of a national showcase. Their status was set Tuesday afternoon when the NFL announced it was flexing their Week 8 road matchup with the Washington Commanders to a 3:25 CST start. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, CBS’ top team of Jim Nantz and Tony Romo will be on the call next Sunday.
The late afternoon window, which over the years has become a quasi-primetime game with nationwide appeal for both CBS and FOX, has eluded the Bears over much of the past decade. Porous offenses and head-scratching coaching decisions will certainly force eyes across the country to lose interest.
But now, with a shiny new toy in QB Caleb Williams, and a tantalizing matchup with fellow top 2024 pick Jayden Daniels, Chicago is primed and ready to recapture America’s attention.
The Bears’ first six games of the season amounted to a slow burn for the Chicago faithful. With hopeful eyes, Bears fans watched in agony as the team - mainly its new-look offense - sputtered out of the gates. Williams struggled behind a leaky, mistake-prone offensive line. Offseason additions WR Keenan Allen and RB D’Andre Swift were either unable to play due to injury, or ineffective on the field. Old habits were hard to miss, whether it was guard Nate Davis’ lack of preseason reps, or head coach Matt Eberflus and his staff seemingly leaving their players unprepared for battle.
Then, everything changed.
Veteran leaders on offense, led by 40-year-old wonder and TE Marcedes Lewis, reportedly met with offensive coordinator Shane Waldron for a no-holds-barred meeting after a Week 3 debacle against the Indianapolis Colts. The offensive contingent laid it all on the line with Waldron, giving their unapologetic feedback on their sloppy, disjointed play. Lewis even intimated that Waldron was “walking on eggshells” as the Bears’ new OC.
One of the chief concerns of the meeting was the team lacking a script for the first 12-15 plays of each game during the first few weeks.
An opening drive script is critical for any offense looking to establish a rhythm in the first quarter. It’s essentially vital for a rookie quarterback seeing an NFL defense for the very first time.
And their lack of preparation showed. The Bears failed to reach 20 points in two of their first three games, and in the lone game during that stretch in which they did - a 24-17 opening week victory over the Tennessee Titans - 22 of the team’s 24 points were scored on defense and special teams. It was a classic Chicago Bears win, all things considered.
“Probably six out of the seven years I’ve been playing, I’ve had openers with 15 (scripted plays),” WR DJ Moore said during his Monday appearance with Mully and Haugh on 670 The Score. “So when we didn’t do it, everybody was a little thrown off – but we were going to make it work.”
Since that meeting, the Bears offense has not only taken off, it’s suffocating bad defenses. They’re averaging 31.7 points over their three-game winning streak, the club’s first since 2020. Williams has thrown 7 of his 9 passing touchdowns during that stretch, and is currently on pace to throw for more than 3,700 yards this season. Each win has seen a different offensive weapon step up, with Swift, Allen, Moore and TE Cole Kmet, who has provided a spark after not seeing much action in the first few games.
The much-maligned offensive line has shown steady improvement over the winning streak. Veteran Matt Pryor has been favorable since replacing Davis at right guard. LG Teven Jenkins and RT Darnell Wright have played stand-up ball as of late. OG Bill Murray’s performance in the Bears’ Week 5 win over the Carolina Panthers had fans turning their heads.
The Bears could be forced to make some tough roster decisions following the bye week with the impending returns of tackle Larry Borom and IOL Ryan Bates, who had been battling with Coleman Shelton for the Center position prior to landing on injured reserve.
The offense has perfectly complemented a defense that is restoring its Monsters of the Midway moniker. The Bears rank in the top 10 of all major statistical defensive categories. They’ve allowed 16.8 points per game this season, the fifth-lowest mark in the league, and forced the second-most takeaways (13) through six weeks behind the Green Bay Packers (17). They’ve also scored 47 points off turnovers, as the defense has continued to put the offense in premium spots to take advantage of their opponents’ mistakes. The last time the Bears allowed more than 21 points in a game was Nov. 19, 2023, when they blew a double-digit lead on the road to the Detroit Lions.
Both phases coalesced perfectly in this past Sunday’s 35-16 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. With a destination game and an exclusive window of football, Chicago overcame a slow first quarter to manhandle an inferior Jags team going through its own internal strife. An undermanned Bears defense forced two takeaways, with a third overturned on a bang-bang punch out by linebacker Tremaine Edwards. Williams had his best game as a pro, tossing a career-high four touchdowns (a fifth TD to Moore was ruled short of the goal-line). He bounced back from a brutal second-quarter interception - a mistimed lob to Moore that would have led to six with better placement - making several elite-level throws, including a back-shoulder throw over the middle to Allen for a 9-yard score.
"You just gotta keep going," Williams told NFL Network's Stacey Dales post-game. "There's going to be times throughout the game where there's plays that you don't like, plays that you messed up on like today. But to keep going, have the positive mindset, stay a constant communicator throughout the whole team -- offensive coordinator, everybody. And have, like I said, that positive mindset goes a long way for our guys."
Waldron’s gameplan has made noticeable strides. Opening drives are still challenging, but his play scheme and designs are getting more clever by the game, as evident in their first score in Jacksonville - a double fake screen leading to a throw up the seam to Kmet for a 31-yard touchdown.
Overall, it was Waldron’s best game thus far. After the win, Eberflus praised Waldron’s growth and adaptability as an offensive coordinator.
"We had a good flow going”, Eberflus told reporters on Monday. “The offensive staff is really doing a good job of helping a lot of those ideas, and the execution piece with the positions…. but yeah, I thought he called a really good game."
While it hasn’t been a picture-perfect start to the Caleb Williams era in Chicago, it’s hard to imagine it going any better than this. Had you told Bears fans in April they’d be 4-2 entering the bye, a good chunk of them would’ve booked their February flight to New Orleans by now.
Sure there’s frustration with how they’ve opened ballgames, having trailed in every game this season. As T.J. Edwards told 670 The Score’s Bernstein, Harris & Rahimi on Tuesday, it’s an issue they’re focused on correcting.
“It’s definitely a point of emphasis for us, is kind of getting things rolling early”, Edwards said. “I think that starts confidence for our team, when you can do those things and score early.”
The Lisan al-Gaib of Chicago has also had his fair share of ups and downs. However, unlike Caleb Williams’ predecessors, his confidence and resolve has instilled a sense of calm across the fan base. Long gone are the days of waiting on the other shoe to drop and for a Bears QB to break the hearts of fans everywhere. No more will a defensive stalwart serve as the team’s representative in primetime promotional material. Finally, there is stability at the franchise’s most important position, and that tranquility has trickled throughout the organization.
So enjoy the bye week, Bears fans. Breathe easy and bask in the glory of winning football, because after this week, the real fun begins. Expectations are back in Chicago. Finally, the eyes of the football world are back on the Windy City.
May irrelevancy never rear its ugly head at Halas Hall again.
Pierce Roberson is an Emmy-award winning producer, writer and co-founder of the Barber’s Chair. He is currently based out of Philadelphia, PA. You can follow him and his work on X @CamronSanto.
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.
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!
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.