Chicago Bears coach Matt Nagy sits down — virtually, of course — for a conversation with Dan Wiederer and Brad Biggs. They cover a number of topics in this exclusive interview, starting with how Nagy plans to set up his offense without a starting quarterback in place. From there they move on to receiver Allen Robinson’s contract situation, why Nagy is so high on receiver Darnell Mooney and what new defensive coordinator Sean Desai brings to the table. By the way, Nagy is well-aware of the heightened urgency heading into his fourth season at the helm: “We welcome the challenge.”

Bear Download — A Chicago Bears podcast

Chicago Bears coach Matt Nagy covers QB options, Allen Robinson’s contract and performing under pressure on the Bear Download podcast

The NFL’s new league year begins March 17. Where do the Chicago Bears find themselves with free agency and the draft looming? Dan Wiederer and Brad Biggs discuss the team’s most pressing needs — starting with quarterback. Mitch Trubisky won’t be back. Nick Foles likely will be, but the Bears probably prefer to use him as a backup. Ryan Pace says the team has a number of options, but are any worthwhile? Trading for Deshaun Watson on Russell Wilson would be no-brainers if their current teams are willing, but chances are the Bears will have to settle for a lower-tier QB. The Bears also could stand to upgrade their receiving corps. That’s the case even if they do keep Allen Robinson. The good news for those making decisions at Halas Hall: With the salary cap expected to be low, signing recognizable names for deals that cost less than they might have in other years is well within the realm of possibility.

What are the Chicago Bears' best options to upgrade at QB and wide receiver?

Welcome to a rare playoff edition of the Bear Download podcast! Fans probably feel much different about these 8-8 Chicago Bears than the 12-4 team from two seasons ago. Nevertheless, the Bears will look to make the most of their gift from the football gods. Dan Wiederer and Brad Biggs take a look at what went wrong (a lot) as well as what went right (a few things) in Week 17 against the Green Bay Packers. The good news for the Bears is they might match up better against the Saints than they did against the Pack, as Drew Brees hasn’t been the same since breaking several ribs earlier this season, and Alvin Kamara’s availability is in question after he recently tested positive for COVID-19. Ultimately, how the Bears fare might hinge on their defense, as game-changing plays have been absent for most of this season. And can they regroup if they have to play without linebacker Roquan Smith? Dan and Brad cover all that and more.

Previewing the Chicago Bears' playoff matchup against the New Orleans Saints

Bears-Packers. Week 17. Soldier Field. A shot at the playoffs on the line. It doesn't get any better than that, and Dan Wiederer and Brad Biggs are here to preview all the action. They start with the player who often stands in the Bears' way — Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers — before discussing what Davante Adams brings to Green Bay's offense. They look at keys to success in what could be Mitch Trubisky's final game in Chicago as Bears quarterback.

Previewing an all-important Bears-Packers game in Week 17

The Chicago Bears enter Week 17 of the NFL season with everything to play for, and Dan Wiederer and Brad Biggs are back to look at what's at stake after a victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. They break down how the Bears look heading into a big showdown with the Green Bay Packers and discuss — and rank — Mitch Trubisky’s 50 games a starter heading into Sunday’s game.

Ranking Mitch Trubisky's first 50 starts

The Bears are on a winning streak! And still in the playoff hunt! Dan and Brad break down the Week 15 win over the Vikings, in which the offense with Mitch Trubisky, David Montgomery & Co. were clicking on all cylinders and the defense … needs to do more. Up next: A trip to sunny Florida against the Jaguars — and with a win, a potentially meaningful Week 17 home date vs. the Packers.

Chicago Bears win again to keep playoff hopes alive

The Chicago Bears take on the Minnesota Vikings with — somehow — a possible playoff spot on the line, and Dan Wiederer and Brad Biggs are here to preview the game. They start with Mitch Trubisky's performances the last few weeks and look at changes made to the offense during that span. They then go into a discussion of Trubisky's future and whether he will be with the team next season before looking at what awaits the Bears in Minneapolis.

Bears-Vikings preview — and a look at Mitch Trubisky's future

Dan and Brad talk about the Chicago Bears’ dominant Week 14 win over the Houston Texans that snapped a 6-game losing streak. And now there’s … playoff chances? General hope for the offense? What’s next for Mitch Trubisky and the offense — and will the win that got them to 6-7 change endings that seemed inevitable?

What's next after a dominant Chicago Bears win in Week 14?

The Chicago Bears season has gone from bad to worse after an embarrassing loss to the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field, and Dan Wiederer and Brad Biggs break down everything that went wrong in Week 13. They look at the struggles of the defense — long this team's strength — and question if the unit is shot or just in need of a break. They transition to discuss this weekend's opponent in the Houston Texans and, yes, revisit that fateful 2017 draft that resulted in taking Mitch Trubisky instead of Deshaun Watson. Finally, they wrap up the show by forecasting where the Bears are as an organization heading into the home stretch of the season.

What's going on with the Bears defense after another bad loss?

The Chicago Bears welcome the Detroit Lions to Soldier Field with a chance to snap their five-game skid, and Dan Wiederer and Brad Biggs are here to preview Sunday’s matchup. They look at Mitch Trubisky’s past success against the Lions and assess how the Bears’ upcoming schedule can serve as an evaluation period for an offensive unit that has struggled all season. Finally, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press joins the show to discuss the changes in the Lion organization, including the firings of GM Bob Quinn and coach Matt Patricia.

Previewing the Chicago Bears vs. Detroit Lions

The Chicago Bears' loss to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday night was about as ugly as it gets, and Dan Wiederer and Brad Biggs break it all down. They discuss the poor effort by the defense — and Matt Nagy's criticism of the unit — before moving on to Mitch Trubisky's struggles in his first game since being benched during Week 3. The two look at the upcoming schedule and discuss if Nagy and GM Ryan Pace are on the hot seat.

Breaking down the Bears' ugly loss to the Packers

The move is officially official: Mitch Trubisky will be the starting quarterback for the Chicago Bears against the Green Bay Packers, and Dan Wiederer and Brad Biggs are here to break it down on the Bear Download podcast. The two look at the events that led to the decision, what are reasonable expectations for Trubisky and a struggling offense and what the future holds for the QB and Nick Foles.

Mitch Trubisky is back for the Bears vs. the Packers

The Chicago Bears need answers — and fast. Dan Wiederer and Brad Biggs do their best to offer some on this episode of the Bear Download podcast. Unfortunately for the Bears, their offensive woes are less of a slump and more of an identity. And coach Matt Nagy is struggling for explanations; just listen to his recent press conferences. So how can the Bears awaken their dormant running game? Brad is convinced that if quarterback Mitch Trubisky is healthy, it’s him and not Nick Foles who gives them the best chance to find success in this six-week sprint against several bad teams. The two games against the Green Bay Packers, on the other hand, represent two major obstacles in the Bears’ quest to reach the postseason. Getting more out of their best offensive player, receiver Allen Robinson, can only help — and he’s putting his faith in the coaching staff.

Will the Chicago Bears have answers in time for their clash with the Green Bay Packers?

Once 5-1, the Chicago Bears are now 5-4 and a home underdog against the Minnesota Vikings on Monday. How did they get here, and how can they right the ship? Dan Wiederer and Brad Biggs start by breaking down the offense, specifically the offensive line. Also, putting themselves in playoff contention might require the Bears to use their offense to set up the defense and for coach Matt Nagy to dial back his aggressiveness. Turning to the defense, yes, the news is better. However, the unit isn’t making as many splash plays as it once did. Dan and Brad wrap up by naming players who have been impressive despite the Bears’ free-fall — and one of those players happens to be on special teams.

Has the Chicago Bears’ offense hit rock bottom? Is the defense still pulling its weight?

After a miserable showing on offense by the Chicago Bears against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 7, Dan Wiederer and Brad Biggs try to make sense of it all before the Week 8 matchup against the New Orleans Saints. They compare this season's offensive woes to last year's struggles, discuss Matt Nagy's play calling and even explore the big question: Will Mitch Trubisky play again this season?

What can the Bears do to improve their struggling offense?

Chicago Bears podcast featuring Chicago Tribune Bears writers Dan Wiederer and Rich Campbell.

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Bear Download — A Chicago Bears podcast

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