Dan Wiederer
@danwiederer.bsky.social
Bears reporter, Senior Writer for The Athletic. On-air contributor for 670 The Score. Host of the “Take the North” podcast.
A costly INT. Two intentional grounding penalties. More operational sloppiness. Red zone hiccups. Only one TD drive across nine possessions.
Sunday was not Caleb Williams’ finest hour leading a sputtering Bears offense.
Sunday was not Caleb Williams’ finest hour leading a sputtering Bears offense.
For Caleb Williams and the Bears offense, ill-timed sloppiness remains the constant
A day full of struggle left the Chicago Bears offense with a sobering reality check. Their rut may be deeper than they realized.
www.nytimes.com
October 27, 2025 at 12:30 PM
A costly INT. Two intentional grounding penalties. More operational sloppiness. Red zone hiccups. Only one TD drive across nine possessions.
Sunday was not Caleb Williams’ finest hour leading a sputtering Bears offense.
Sunday was not Caleb Williams’ finest hour leading a sputtering Bears offense.
With a basket of readymade excuses, the Bears’ defense didn’t choose any after Sunday’s loss. That group also didn’t make enough plays to secure win No. 5 … From Kevin Fishbain.
Bears can’t contain Ravens QB Tyler Huntley as their takeaway magic runs out
Down two starters, the Bears defense didn't do enough to affect Lamar Jackson's backup as their takeaway streak — and win streak — ended.
www.nytimes.com
October 27, 2025 at 12:28 PM
With a basket of readymade excuses, the Bears’ defense didn’t choose any after Sunday’s loss. That group also didn’t make enough plays to secure win No. 5 … From Kevin Fishbain.
Chicago Bears Intel …
— What to make of the fourth down hiccups through six games.
— Are the stumbling Ravens one punch away from toppling?
— What’s next for Ozzy Trapilo?
— What to make of the fourth down hiccups through six games.
— Are the stumbling Ravens one punch away from toppling?
— What’s next for Ozzy Trapilo?
Chicago Bears Intel: Will early fourth-down hiccups temper Ben Johnson’s aggressiveness?
The Bears hope to be an aggressive and productive fourth-down offense. But the early returns have lagged.
www.nytimes.com
October 23, 2025 at 4:35 PM
Chicago Bears Intel …
— What to make of the fourth down hiccups through six games.
— Are the stumbling Ravens one punch away from toppling?
— What’s next for Ozzy Trapilo?
— What to make of the fourth down hiccups through six games.
— Are the stumbling Ravens one punch away from toppling?
— What’s next for Ozzy Trapilo?
In a lot of ways, Sunday afternoon felt like an identity win for the Bears. From the continued takeaway surge to the punishing running game to the whole team’s success in resetting in a short week after an emotional win.
More from inside Halas Hall …
More from inside Halas Hall …
Bears’ confidence building along with winning streak: ‘We know how good we can be’
As they strive to play their best football, the Bears believe they've found a special combination of energy, chemistry and purpose.
www.nytimes.com
October 21, 2025 at 3:01 PM
In a lot of ways, Sunday afternoon felt like an identity win for the Bears. From the continued takeaway surge to the punishing running game to the whole team’s success in resetting in a short week after an emotional win.
More from inside Halas Hall …
More from inside Halas Hall …
December 2008.
The last time the Bears beat the Saints. Caleb Williams was 7. Ben Johnson was working as a software developer.
What a peculiar 8-game skid this has been.
Will Sunday reverse the voodoo?
The last time the Bears beat the Saints. Caleb Williams was 7. Ben Johnson was working as a software developer.
What a peculiar 8-game skid this has been.
Will Sunday reverse the voodoo?
Are the Bears under a New Orleans spell? Recent history has not been kind vs. Saints
Every time a game with the Saints seems like a springboard for the Bears, it has turned into a trapdoor.
www.nytimes.com
October 16, 2025 at 2:21 PM
December 2008.
The last time the Bears beat the Saints. Caleb Williams was 7. Ben Johnson was working as a software developer.
What a peculiar 8-game skid this has been.
Will Sunday reverse the voodoo?
The last time the Bears beat the Saints. Caleb Williams was 7. Ben Johnson was working as a software developer.
What a peculiar 8-game skid this has been.
Will Sunday reverse the voodoo?
“Some people might shy away from the opportunity. Our mindset is ‘F—! How good is this?’”
Something significant seems to building for an arrow-up Bears team with a sense of direction, a passion-filled Type-A head coach and evidence of competitive grit.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/671...
Something significant seems to building for an arrow-up Bears team with a sense of direction, a passion-filled Type-A head coach and evidence of competitive grit.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/671...
'We found a (bleeping) way!': How another late rally energized the Bears
www.nytimes.com
October 15, 2025 at 4:30 PM
“Some people might shy away from the opportunity. Our mindset is ‘F—! How good is this?’”
Something significant seems to building for an arrow-up Bears team with a sense of direction, a passion-filled Type-A head coach and evidence of competitive grit.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/671...
Something significant seems to building for an arrow-up Bears team with a sense of direction, a passion-filled Type-A head coach and evidence of competitive grit.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/671...
A play in disarray became a game-changing moment. And a breakout night from D’Andre Swift contributed to a potentially season-changing win.
@kfishbain.bsky.social narrates the scene from Landover.
@kfishbain.bsky.social narrates the scene from Landover.
How D’Andre Swift, Bears’ run game found their groove in win over Commanders
Swift finally got going as the Bears' running back's 55-yard touchdown catch and 15-yard run to set up the winning field goal were clutch.
www.nytimes.com
October 14, 2025 at 3:46 PM
A play in disarray became a game-changing moment. And a breakout night from D’Andre Swift contributed to a potentially season-changing win.
@kfishbain.bsky.social narrates the scene from Landover.
@kfishbain.bsky.social narrates the scene from Landover.
Amid the intense focus of an NFL season, players don’t go out of their way to meet the practice squad kicker. On Monday night, they were carrying him off the field.
*Hi. Jake Moody. Damn glad to meet you.*
What a moment. What a league.
*Hi. Jake Moody. Damn glad to meet you.*
What a moment. What a league.
Introducing Jake Moody, the new Bears kicker and an unlikely Monday night hero
With everything on the line Monday night, Moody knew focus and presence would be key on his game-deciding kick.
www.nytimes.com
October 14, 2025 at 3:41 PM
Amid the intense focus of an NFL season, players don’t go out of their way to meet the practice squad kicker. On Monday night, they were carrying him off the field.
*Hi. Jake Moody. Damn glad to meet you.*
What a moment. What a league.
*Hi. Jake Moody. Damn glad to meet you.*
What a moment. What a league.
WEEK 4 REVIEW
The unofficial Caleb Williams report card of his 45 called passing plays vs. Raiders
🌟— 1 play (star power)
👍🏼— 11 plays (very nice)
⭕️— 24 plays
👎🏼— 8 plays (substandard)
🤢— 1 play (gross)
(Includes three scrambles, two penalty “no plays” and two fumbles)
The unofficial Caleb Williams report card of his 45 called passing plays vs. Raiders
🌟— 1 play (star power)
👍🏼— 11 plays (very nice)
⭕️— 24 plays
👎🏼— 8 plays (substandard)
🤢— 1 play (gross)
(Includes three scrambles, two penalty “no plays” and two fumbles)
October 13, 2025 at 4:16 PM
WEEK 4 REVIEW
The unofficial Caleb Williams report card of his 45 called passing plays vs. Raiders
🌟— 1 play (star power)
👍🏼— 11 plays (very nice)
⭕️— 24 plays
👎🏼— 8 plays (substandard)
🤢— 1 play (gross)
(Includes three scrambles, two penalty “no plays” and two fumbles)
The unofficial Caleb Williams report card of his 45 called passing plays vs. Raiders
🌟— 1 play (star power)
👍🏼— 11 plays (very nice)
⭕️— 24 plays
👎🏼— 8 plays (substandard)
🤢— 1 play (gross)
(Includes three scrambles, two penalty “no plays” and two fumbles)
— TJ Edwards’ return.
— What’s next for Austin Booker and Shemar Turner?
— The search for a running game.
@kfishbain.bsky.social has mail
📬🏈
www.nytimes.com/athletic/670...
— What’s next for Austin Booker and Shemar Turner?
— The search for a running game.
@kfishbain.bsky.social has mail
📬🏈
www.nytimes.com/athletic/670...
How can T.J. Edwards, Kyler Gordon help the run defense? Bears mailbag, Week 6 picks
www.nytimes.com
October 13, 2025 at 1:51 PM
— TJ Edwards’ return.
— What’s next for Austin Booker and Shemar Turner?
— The search for a running game.
@kfishbain.bsky.social has mail
📬🏈
www.nytimes.com/athletic/670...
— What’s next for Austin Booker and Shemar Turner?
— The search for a running game.
@kfishbain.bsky.social has mail
📬🏈
www.nytimes.com/athletic/670...
“The best thing I can do is learn to become more consistent, with a concentration that connects to everything I’m trying to achieve.”
After infamy came for him in 2024, Tyrique Stevenson has much more of his story to write.
ICYMI
www.nytimes.com/athletic/669...
After infamy came for him in 2024, Tyrique Stevenson has much more of his story to write.
ICYMI
www.nytimes.com/athletic/669...
Passion project: How Bears' Tyrique Stevenson has worked to improve after Hail Mary debacle
www.nytimes.com
October 13, 2025 at 1:37 PM
“The best thing I can do is learn to become more consistent, with a concentration that connects to everything I’m trying to achieve.”
After infamy came for him in 2024, Tyrique Stevenson has much more of his story to write.
ICYMI
www.nytimes.com/athletic/669...
After infamy came for him in 2024, Tyrique Stevenson has much more of his story to write.
ICYMI
www.nytimes.com/athletic/669...
“Sometimes wins like that go a long way.”
For this version of the Bears, a buildup of belief has become essential. So what will a gritty finish in Vegas really mean going forward?
For this version of the Bears, a buildup of belief has become essential. So what will a gritty finish in Vegas really mean going forward?
Belief is building for the Chicago Bears — and it’s starting to show late in games
For the 2025 Bears, a buildup of belief has become essential. The team's win in Las Vegas provided just that.
www.nytimes.com
October 13, 2025 at 1:19 PM
“Sometimes wins like that go a long way.”
For this version of the Bears, a buildup of belief has become essential. So what will a gritty finish in Vegas really mean going forward?
For this version of the Bears, a buildup of belief has become essential. So what will a gritty finish in Vegas really mean going forward?
“He was vulnerable. Hurt. Devastated. Alone. But that’s how he should have felt. That all comes with it. You let down 52 other guys. You let down 20-some coaches. You let down one of the most passionate football fan bases in the world. That’s heavy s—.”
Bears’ Tyrique Stevenson is on a journey of self-improvement after Fail Mary
Stevenson and the Bears are headed back to Washington, where they were embarrassed last October. He's learned a lot since then.
www.nytimes.com
October 8, 2025 at 11:25 AM
“He was vulnerable. Hurt. Devastated. Alone. But that’s how he should have felt. That all comes with it. You let down 52 other guys. You let down 20-some coaches. You let down one of the most passionate football fan bases in the world. That’s heavy s—.”
Tyrique Stevenson’s passion remains his fuel. His background made him stronger. Fatherhood has provided added purpose.
Now, as his painful Hail Mary scars heal, Stevenson is trying like hell to raise his focus and become his best self.
DEEP DIVE:
Now, as his painful Hail Mary scars heal, Stevenson is trying like hell to raise his focus and become his best self.
DEEP DIVE:
Bears’ Tyrique Stevenson is on a journey of self-improvement after Hail Mary debacle
Stevenson and the Bears are headed back to Washington, where they were embarrassed last October. He's learned a lot since then.
www.nytimes.com
October 7, 2025 at 12:34 PM
Tyrique Stevenson’s passion remains his fuel. His background made him stronger. Fatherhood has provided added purpose.
Now, as his painful Hail Mary scars heal, Stevenson is trying like hell to raise his focus and become his best self.
DEEP DIVE:
Now, as his painful Hail Mary scars heal, Stevenson is trying like hell to raise his focus and become his best self.
DEEP DIVE:
— A well-timed offensive reset at the bye.
— Questions remain at offensive tackle.
— Kyler Gordon itching to return plus other injuries worth keeping an eye on.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/667...
— Questions remain at offensive tackle.
— Kyler Gordon itching to return plus other injuries worth keeping an eye on.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/667...
Bears' bye week to-do list: Self-assessment, defining O-line roles, getting healthy
www.nytimes.com
September 30, 2025 at 2:17 PM
— A well-timed offensive reset at the bye.
— Questions remain at offensive tackle.
— Kyler Gordon itching to return plus other injuries worth keeping an eye on.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/667...
— Questions remain at offensive tackle.
— Kyler Gordon itching to return plus other injuries worth keeping an eye on.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/667...
“In the city where your fortune is decided by the turn of a card, the roll of the dice, the spin of a wheel, the Chicago Bears showed even the hardest-luck folks can leave Vegas with a smile.”
✍️ By: @jongreenberg.bsky.social
✍️ By: @jongreenberg.bsky.social
Bears leave Las Vegas with uplifting victory, feeling of good fortune
The Bears knew they didn’t play their best game, but they made their luck and got help from an ace when it counted.
www.nytimes.com
September 29, 2025 at 12:16 PM
“In the city where your fortune is decided by the turn of a card, the roll of the dice, the spin of a wheel, the Chicago Bears showed even the hardest-luck folks can leave Vegas with a smile.”
✍️ By: @jongreenberg.bsky.social
✍️ By: @jongreenberg.bsky.social
Even with all his obvious competitive aggravation, Ben Johnson gave his team a sense of calm.
Even at the end of an afternoon of offensive struggle, Caleb Williams instilled belief.
By @kfishbain
What a way to exit Las Vegas.
Even at the end of an afternoon of offensive struggle, Caleb Williams instilled belief.
By @kfishbain
What a way to exit Las Vegas.
Why Ben Johnson believed in Caleb Williams and the Bears in the final moments
Williams made plays in the clutch, and the Bears followed their head coach's belief as they pulled off a wild 25-24 victory.
www.nytimes.com
September 29, 2025 at 12:09 PM
Even with all his obvious competitive aggravation, Ben Johnson gave his team a sense of calm.
Even at the end of an afternoon of offensive struggle, Caleb Williams instilled belief.
By @kfishbain
What a way to exit Las Vegas.
Even at the end of an afternoon of offensive struggle, Caleb Williams instilled belief.
By @kfishbain
What a way to exit Las Vegas.
You need to know more about Sunday’s game-winning blocked kick. You need to know more about Josh Blackwell.
Diving deeper on the Bears’ special team ace and the Vegas magic trick that would make Criss Angel jealous.
Diving deeper on the Bears’ special team ace and the Vegas magic trick that would make Criss Angel jealous.
Bears magic trick: How Josh Blackwell’s blocked field goal saved the day in Vegas
What an ending for the Bears in Sunday's thrilling win, with some Vegas magic right at the end that might make Criss Angel jealous.
www.nytimes.com
September 29, 2025 at 12:02 PM
You need to know more about Sunday’s game-winning blocked kick. You need to know more about Josh Blackwell.
Diving deeper on the Bears’ special team ace and the Vegas magic trick that would make Criss Angel jealous.
Diving deeper on the Bears’ special team ace and the Vegas magic trick that would make Criss Angel jealous.
Caleb Williams was impressive Sunday, delivering an award-worthy, four-TD, hot dog-winning effort in a blowout win.
That performance …
WAS: Explosive, clean, a needed tension breaker
WASN’T: An arrival, perfect, the final exam
A comprehensive look:
That performance …
WAS: Explosive, clean, a needed tension breaker
WASN’T: An arrival, perfect, the final exam
A comprehensive look:
What Caleb Williams’ explosive game was — and wasn’t — for the Bears
Bears fans know all too well that a quarterback performance can feel significant in the moment but ultimately mean little.
www.nytimes.com
September 25, 2025 at 2:11 PM
Caleb Williams was impressive Sunday, delivering an award-worthy, four-TD, hot dog-winning effort in a blowout win.
That performance …
WAS: Explosive, clean, a needed tension breaker
WASN’T: An arrival, perfect, the final exam
A comprehensive look:
That performance …
WAS: Explosive, clean, a needed tension breaker
WASN’T: An arrival, perfect, the final exam
A comprehensive look:
All that pre-snap chaos from the Bears? QB1’s role in the cleanup?
“We can’t go to the next level until we’ve taken care of those basics. Ben has talked from the very beginning that the secret sauce in Detroit was not the trick plays and all that fun stuff; it was mastery of the fundamentals."
“We can’t go to the next level until we’ve taken care of those basics. Ben has talked from the very beginning that the secret sauce in Detroit was not the trick plays and all that fun stuff; it was mastery of the fundamentals."
Red flags: Caleb Williams, Bears offense must work to get back on the same page
Growing pains may be inevitable for Williams and the offense, but Bears coaches won't institute a "full tolerance" on sloppiness.
www.nytimes.com
September 12, 2025 at 12:14 PM
All that pre-snap chaos from the Bears? QB1’s role in the cleanup?
“We can’t go to the next level until we’ve taken care of those basics. Ben has talked from the very beginning that the secret sauce in Detroit was not the trick plays and all that fun stuff; it was mastery of the fundamentals."
“We can’t go to the next level until we’ve taken care of those basics. Ben has talked from the very beginning that the secret sauce in Detroit was not the trick plays and all that fun stuff; it was mastery of the fundamentals."
WEEK 1 REVIEW
Unofficial Caleb Williams report card of his 47 called passing plays vs. Vikings
🌟— 3 plays (star power)
👍— 12 plays (very nice)
⭕️ — 18 plays
👎— 9 plays (substandard)
🤢— 5 plays (gross)
(Includes 6 scrambles and 4 penalty “no plays”)
Unofficial Caleb Williams report card of his 47 called passing plays vs. Vikings
🌟— 3 plays (star power)
👍— 12 plays (very nice)
⭕️ — 18 plays
👎— 9 plays (substandard)
🤢— 5 plays (gross)
(Includes 6 scrambles and 4 penalty “no plays”)
September 10, 2025 at 3:40 PM
WEEK 1 REVIEW
Unofficial Caleb Williams report card of his 47 called passing plays vs. Vikings
🌟— 3 plays (star power)
👍— 12 plays (very nice)
⭕️ — 18 plays
👎— 9 plays (substandard)
🤢— 5 plays (gross)
(Includes 6 scrambles and 4 penalty “no plays”)
Unofficial Caleb Williams report card of his 47 called passing plays vs. Vikings
🌟— 3 plays (star power)
👍— 12 plays (very nice)
⭕️ — 18 plays
👎— 9 plays (substandard)
🤢— 5 plays (gross)
(Includes 6 scrambles and 4 penalty “no plays”)
You need a rant on the Darnell Wright holding penalty and what it meant?
You want a Ben Johnson confession?
You want Caleb Williams’ review and patience timelines?
The Take The North pod has it all and MORE …
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKKr...
You want a Ben Johnson confession?
You want Caleb Williams’ review and patience timelines?
The Take The North pod has it all and MORE …
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKKr...
Bears need to make a lot of improvements after opening loss to Vikings | Take The North, Ep. 377
YouTube video by 670 The Score
www.youtube.com
September 10, 2025 at 1:22 PM
You need a rant on the Darnell Wright holding penalty and what it meant?
You want a Ben Johnson confession?
You want Caleb Williams’ review and patience timelines?
The Take The North pod has it all and MORE …
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKKr...
You want a Ben Johnson confession?
You want Caleb Williams’ review and patience timelines?
The Take The North pod has it all and MORE …
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKKr...
“Here we go again” — or — “This is different”?
That fierce tug-of-war is back in Chicago for Week 2.
For the Bears, @kfishbain.bsky.social and I play a game of what exactly was that and what’s next?
www.nytimes.com/athletic/661...
That fierce tug-of-war is back in Chicago for Week 2.
For the Bears, @kfishbain.bsky.social and I play a game of what exactly was that and what’s next?
www.nytimes.com/athletic/661...
September 10, 2025 at 12:05 PM
“Here we go again” — or — “This is different”?
That fierce tug-of-war is back in Chicago for Week 2.
For the Bears, @kfishbain.bsky.social and I play a game of what exactly was that and what’s next?
www.nytimes.com/athletic/661...
That fierce tug-of-war is back in Chicago for Week 2.
For the Bears, @kfishbain.bsky.social and I play a game of what exactly was that and what’s next?
www.nytimes.com/athletic/661...
A fast and encouraging start. And then a frustrating fizzle.
@kfishbain.bsky.social goes deep on Caleb Williams' first night of 2025 ...
@kfishbain.bsky.social goes deep on Caleb Williams' first night of 2025 ...
Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams’ accuracy goes awry after perfect start
Williams had pinpoint precision to begin the 2025 season, then things fell apart and he missed receivers by a lot.
www.nytimes.com
September 9, 2025 at 2:06 PM
A fast and encouraging start. And then a frustrating fizzle.
@kfishbain.bsky.social goes deep on Caleb Williams' first night of 2025 ...
@kfishbain.bsky.social goes deep on Caleb Williams' first night of 2025 ...
Ahead by 11 points with a legitimate chance to land a knockout punch, the Bears instead stumbled, swung wildly and somehow knocked themselves out. Then the Vikings dropped an anvil on them.
About last night ..
www.nytimes.com/athletic/661...
About last night ..
www.nytimes.com/athletic/661...
September 9, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Ahead by 11 points with a legitimate chance to land a knockout punch, the Bears instead stumbled, swung wildly and somehow knocked themselves out. Then the Vikings dropped an anvil on them.
About last night ..
www.nytimes.com/athletic/661...
About last night ..
www.nytimes.com/athletic/661...