Dan Bernstein Unfiltered

After a thrilling win over the Patriots, Dan Bernstein takes a step back and delivers a message to Bears fans: appreciate what you're watching from Caleb Williams.

0:00 Appreciate what we have in Caleb Williams

28:30 Fielding Bible Awards - did any Chicago players win?

40:00 The Bulls play tonight - floor check game vs Bucks

51:30 Friday Feedback Friday

Don't spend every moment searching for flaws or projecting years into the future. Enjoy the ride right now. The highs, the growing pains, the spectacular throws, and...

Dan Bernstein circles tonight's Bears-Patriots matchup as a defining moment in the Bears' season.

0:00 Chicago Bears - who are they?

17:00 The Bulls are bad

23:00 Stacy King tribute was outstanding

26:00 Yaxel Lendenborg is awesome

34:00 Robert Saleh - that's how it's done

43:00 Aikman and Buck - MNF fallout

It may not be a must-win game, but with a long break before a Monday Night Football showdown in Seattle, a victory could go a long way toward revealing exactly who this team...

Dan Bernstein dives into the Bears’ passing attack and asks the big questions: Where are the explosive plays, and where are the touchdowns?

0:00 Bears passing game - production and TDs

36:30 Eagles and Penguins - team injury situations

43:00 Bulls season opener - Caleb Wilson

52:40 Grand Theft Auto - Dan doesn't get it

With production through the air still lagging behind expectations, Dan and Matt sort through the many factors contributing to the problem and what it could mean moving forward.

...

Dan Bernstein looks ahead to Thursday Night Football as Caleb Williams and the Bears host Drake Maye and the Patriots.

0:00 Caleb Williams and Drake Maye

6:00 Get creative for Mike Vrabel

15:30 Jim Nantz and JJ Watt

28:00 Junior Caminero home run trot

39:30 NBA Opening Day

51:30 Amelia Earhart - still no plane

While he's usually not one to get caught up in quarterback-versus-quarterback debates, this matchup is different: two talented young quarterbacks, two quality teams, and two respected head coaches meeting under...

Dan Bernstein makes it clear: Caleb Williams returned from injury and played at a high level for one simple reason; he's the Bears' best quarterback.

0:00 Caleb Williams didn't learn anything while injured - he's better than everyone else

27:00 Next man up for the Bears

37:00 Another high school football game with issues

42:00 Bears fans traveled well

45:00 Dan's new dinner plate

Dan pushes back on the idea that time on the sideline served as some valuable learning experience. Caleb didn't become a better...

Dan Bernstein takes aim at the Bears' decision-makers following Caleb Williams' revealing press conference.

0:00 The Bears failed their quarterback

37:00 Milwaukee Brewers NL champs

45:00 Friday Feedback Friday

By forcing Caleb into an adversarial position with the media and leaving him to address misinformation surrounding his hamstring injury, the organization prioritized gamesmanship over protecting its most important asset. Dan explains why the handling of the situation may have done more harm than good for the franchise quarterback. Plus, congratulations to the Brewers on reaching the World Series...

After a frustrating loss in Green Bay, the Bears head to Atlanta needing more than just a win. While Sunday's matchup won't determine playoff fate or anyone's job security, it feels like an important opportunity to steady an inconsistent offense and a defense that's been battling injuries. Dan Bernstein explains why this game matters as the Bears try to get back on track.

Plus, Dan takes a swing at one of his favorite baseball targets, John Smoltz, weighs in on the latest drama surrounding the Monday Night Football broadcast booth, and discusses why Caleb...

Dan Bernstein reacts to what Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said during his appearance on WTTW's Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review, where he suggested a deal could come together as soon as November to keep the Bears in Illinois.

0:00 Chicago Bears stadium deal in Illinois

26:00 The importance of the Falcons game - is Caleb back?

49:45 PR advice for the Blackhawks

54:00 Spirit Halloween stores

What should Bears fans take away from those comments? Is momentum finally building toward a stadium agreement, and what does...

After a humbling loss to their biggest rivals, Dan Bernstein asks the big question: How does Ben Johnson respond?

0:00 How does Ben Johnson respond?

17:00 Ben's halftime interview

30:00 Matt Shaw's photo for Turning Point

40:00 Cam Skattebo State Farm commercial

44:00 Music bumps on TV for games

The Bears head coach spent the offseason and preseason turning up the heat on the rivalry, but after his team got punched in the mouth, all eyes are on how he adjusts and whether he can get his offense and his swagger back...

Dan Bernstein reacts to the Bears' loss to the Packers and explains the hard truths the game revealed about this team.

0:00 Chicago Bears loss to Green Bay - what we learned

37:30 White Sox - hold your heads high

48:00 The Bulls will be bad but so what

51:50 What was that on SNL?

The discussion goes well beyond the backup quarterback situation, as the performance in Green Bay exposed concerns in the defensive backfield that may be more significant than many expected. Dan breaks down...

Dan Bernstein recaps Game 4 of the White Sox-Cleveland series as Chicago's sloppy play allows Cleveland to head back home with the series tied, setting up a decisive Game 5.

0:00 White Sox bad play in game 4

22:30 Matt Shaw speaking appearance

30:00 Chicago Bears at Green Bay

41:30 Friday Feedback Friday

Matt Shaw is once again speaking at a Turning Point USA rally, while the Bears-Packers matchup shapes up as a great road-trip opportunity for Chicago fans. The week wraps up with Friday Feedback, and we also discuss...

Dan Bernstein asks a simple question: Can Tyson Bagent deliver explosive plays?

0:00 Can Bagent deliver for Ben's offense?

17:30 White Sox game 3 reaction

23:00 Why is Tommy Pham on this team?

31:00 Bulls preseason game 1 effort

42:00 Halloween candy - when do you buy it?

In a Ben Johnson offense, the debate between being efficient and being explosive doesn't really exist. The expectation is both. Generate chunk gains, score touchdowns, and protect the football. Can Bagent push the ball downfield and create the kind of...

Dan Bernstein examines the sheer improbability of the White Sox' playoff run and asks an important question: just how self-aware is the fan base right now?

0:00 The White Sox playoff run and the fanbase

38:00 FOX broadcast of Padres and Brewers

52:45 Bulls hot preseason action

With the White Sox still undefeated in the postseason and sitting just one win away from the ALCS, the line between confidence and disbelief continues to blur.

Also on this episode, Dan breaks down the outstanding FOX broadcast team...

Dan Bernstein takes aim once again at Packers head coach Matt LaFleur and asks a provocative question: if Ben Johnson and the Bears roll into Lambeau Field and dominate Green Bay, could the Packers be forced to consider a coaching change amid a disappointing start to their season?

0:00 What if the Bears blowout the Packers?

28:00 White Sox are going to the ALCS

39:00 More details emerge on Otis Wilson

49:00 ALS and the NFL

52:00 The movie "Jimmy"

Dan also revels in the White...

After a 3-1 start to the season, Dan Bernstein believes it's time to reset expectations for the Chicago Bears. Even with Caleb Williams missing two of those victories, the Bears continue to find ways to win, and Dan makes the case that this team has the talent, coaching, and resilience to contend for it all.

0:00 Time to reset expectations on the Chicago Bears

24:30 Otis Wilson incident at Soldier Field

32:00 Chicago White Sox playoff run

38:00 College football weekend

47:00 Jim Mora Jr - best play of the weekend<...

Dan Bernstein breaks down the latest developments in the Bears' ongoing stadium pursuit as Governor J.B. Pritzker, Bears minority owner Pat Ryan, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and Illinois lawmakers continue discussions aimed at advancing legislation that could help bring the franchise to Arlington Heights.

0:00 Bears stadium talks

40:30 White Sox game times for ALDS

47:00 Friday Feedback Friday

Later, Dan shares his frustration as a White Sox fan over the scheduling of the White Sox-Indians ALDS matchup. Plus, it's Friday, which means another entertaining edition of...

Dan Bernstein unloads on the Cubs after their embarrassing NL Wild Card exit, getting swept by the Padres in a series that saw Chicago's offense disappear at the worst possible time.

0:00 The Cubs embarrassing collapse

20:00 Make room White Sox fans

38:00 Ben Johnson loves playing games

47:00 Mumps outbreak at San Diego State, really?

Dan breaks down what went wrong and why this quick postseason flameout should leave a sour taste throughout the organization.

Meanwhile, the White Sox keep rolling...

Dan Bernstein looks at the fascinating quarterback decision facing Ben Johnson: stick with the 38-year-old veteran who just delivered an unlikely prime-time victory, or hand the offense to the young, inexperienced quarterback who has been Johnson's No. 2 option since arriving in Chicago. What does the choice say about the Bears' priorities for Week 4 and beyond?

0:00 Bears QB decision ahead of the Jets game

16:00 Chicago MLB playoffs - good and BAD

37:00 Don't point at Aja Wilson

48:00 Senator Eric Schmitt stepped in it

Plus, a...

Dan Bernstein opens the show by asking the question on every Bears fan's mind: who should start Week 4, Case Keenum or Tyson Bagent?

0:00 Who should start at QB for the Bears?

20:00 White Sox playoffs begin - hit home runs.

27:00 Cubs at San Diego - there is no momentum

36:30 The Save College Sports Act is bad

48:00 Bulls media day was a lot of fun

Dan believes the decision is simple for Ben Johnson, play the quarterback who gives the Bears the best...

Dan Bernstein believes the Bears did Caleb Williams no favors by downplaying his injury, only for the full picture to emerge with news of a Grade 2 hamstring tear. Dan explains why the team's messaging deserves scrutiny and what it says about how the organization handles injury situations.

0:00 Caleb Williams hamstring injury - Bears messaging

11:45 Chicago MLB playoffs start Tuesday

19:45 Dan loves him some White Sox fans

25:00 College football weekend

30:00 The hit on Dante Moore - Bears flashback

48:50 Good job, Tim Tebow

<...

Dan Bernstein has seen enough of Matt LaFleur. Following another ugly home loss that dropped the Packers to 1-2, Dan argues it's time for Green Bay to move on from its longtime head coach. He explains why LaFleur deserves more scrutiny and why the blame can no longer be placed elsewhere.

0:00 Matt LaFleur needs to get launched in Green Bay

17:45 What a day for Chicago baseball

34:30 Steve Alford's "retirement"

44:00 Friday Feedback Friday

Plus, Chicago baseball fans witnessed a rare moment in history as...

Dan Bernstein isn't buying the idea that Case Keenum will step in and rescue the Bears' offense. Given the franchise's history with veteran backup quarterbacks, he'd be surprised if the Bears' third-string QB gets the call in Week 3 and delivers a strong performance.

0:00 Bears and their old backup QBs

23:00 Why play fantasy football if AI is used?

36:20 Don Cooper passed away

43:00 Vlad Guerrero's comments are bad

53:00 Hockey culture will always disappoint

Plus, Dan questions a growing fantasy football trend: if you're...

Dan Bernstein has a simple message for the Bears ahead of Monday Night Football: just play better.

0:00 Bears need to play better Monday - win or lose

23:30 Alex Bregman needs a cool mask

41:00 Top QB prospects in college

45:00 What's Deion Sanders doing?

48:00 More Manny Diaz from Stanford

52:45 The longest Slim Jim ever

Clean up the penalties, execute the basics, and stop getting in your own way. Whether it's Caleb Williams or another quarterback under center, the formula is straightforward...

Dan Bernstein takes listeners through the emotional whiplash of the Bears’ crushing loss on Sunday, a game that appeared to end not only in defeat but with franchise quarterback Caleb Williams being carted off the field.

0:00 Caleb Williams - you have a choice in how you respond

21:00 Football outside in the elements is stupid

32:00 Robert Kraft is a bad guy no matter how you view it

37:40 Alex Ovechkin - you can't have it both ways

40:45 Kirk Herbstreit - either dumb or a bad liar

48:22 UN...

Matt Abbatacola takes the mic for Dan Bernstein and breaks down the Bears' brutal 9-3 loss to the Vikings at Soldier Field.

0:00 Bears lose the game and lose Caleb Williams

41:00 Laz Diaz - it's time to go

52:00 Von Miller has a chicken farm

56:00 White Sox fans deserve some love

1:02:00 The Beast in Me - review

While the game itself was ugly, the biggest story was the injury to Caleb Williams. Matt urges patience, arguing that fans should wait for official word...

Dan Bernstein updates the latest twists in the Bears stadium saga as minority owner Pat Ryan has entered discussions with Illinois lawmakers regarding the team's stadium future and the Arlington Heights property the organization already owns. With Ryan now taking a more active role, Dan asks the obvious question: where does that leave Kevin Warren? Has the public face of the project been pushed to the background?

0:00 Is Kevin Warren out of stadium talks?

18:45 Friday Feedback Friday

59:35 Dan's Top 10 Bears offensive lineman

Plus, it's another...

Dan Bernstein takes a step back and encourages Chicago baseball fans to appreciate what they're witnessing before it's gone.

0:00 Chicago baseball - what an amazing 2026

31:00 The Save College Sports Act - what a joke

40:00 Do we need another Pete Rose movie?

47:00 A new season of South Park

50:00 The Bears O-Line - wow.

On the South Side, the White Sox have exceeded expectations regardless of how the season ultimately ends. On the North Side, Pete Crow-Armstrong is putting together one of the...

Dan Bernstein has a simple question: why are the Bears allowing their highly paid players to work with a self-described "rehab specialist" known as "Dr. Moe," despite concerns about his credentials and lack of accredited medical qualifications?

0:00 Who is "Dr Moe" and why is he working with NFL players?

28:30 The White ugly loss last night sets up a must win today

39:15 Sportsbooks want help from the states

52:20 Rhino hunter dies a justified death

Dan dives into the controversy and wonders how an NFL...

Dan Bernstein is already circling one of the most intriguing matchups on the Bears' schedule as Ben Johnson's offense prepares to face Brian Flores' aggressive Vikings defense at Soldier Field. Dan believes this Week 2 showdown is exactly the kind of early season test the Bears need to measure just how far they've come under their new leadership.

0:00 Ben Johnson vs Brian Flores is the matchup we need

25:00 Kyler Gordon and Jaylon Johnson and their "foot doctor"

45:00 CWS - Tristan Peters at-bat of the year

51:45 Princess Bride the musical...

Dan Bernstein recaps the Bears' explosive Week 1 victory, a 59-point offensive showcase that put the full Ben Johnson philosophy on display. Bears fans should buckle up because this team is built differently.

0:00 The Bears score 59 against the Panthers

13:00 Matt LaFleur really stepped in it

34:00 The Mike Shirley situation and the White Sox

47:00 Mike Tirico is human

49:00 Thermometers and sideline reporters

The Bears are going to win because of their offense now. Welcome to the modern NFL.

Dan also reacts...

Dan Bernstein kicks off this Friday episode with a visit from fellow 312 Sports host Jason Goff, fresh off the launch of the first episode of Jason Goff Unscripted.

0:00 Jason Goff visits with Dan and Matt

21:00 Sean McVay blew that game for his team

25:00 Friday Feedback Friday - your emails and comments

59:00 Top 10 List

Dan also takes aim at Sean McVay, arguing that his decision-making played a major role in his team's Thursday Night Football loss. As always on a Friday, it's time for...

Dan Bernstein examines why Year 2 is the true test for every NFL head coach. After an unexpected division title in his first season, Dan believes Ben Johnson understands that the honeymoon is over and that heightened expectations come with the job.

0:00 The Ben Johnson honeymoon is over

16:20 Sam Antonacci is a dirty player

23:30 How many arrests at Chicago baseball games since 2021?

34:45 Is Aaron Rodgers season over yet?

45:30 ESPN has abandoned journalism for marketing

52:00 Dan loves the USPS

More importantly...

Dan Bernstein surveys the state of Chicago baseball and warns fans of both teams to buckle up for what could be a stressful final three weeks of the regular season, with playoff hopes hanging in the balance and

little room for error.

0:00 Chicago baseball - three weeks of stress and torture

25:30 A culture change is needed at Lincoln-Way High School

47:30 The ugly truth about the Kyler Gordon story

53:00 The end of LIV Golf - it's about time

He also takes aim...

Dan Bernstein questions why the White Sox and future owner Justin Ishbia can unveil renderings and a vision for a new stadium development while the Bears, after owning the Arlington Heights property for five years, still can't show fans what a stadium project there might even look like.

0:00 The lack of money makes everything harder for the Bears

16:00 Lincoln-Way East high school students' racist behavior

39:00 Matt Suhey passed away at the age of 68

46:00 Congrats to Dan's dad on winning another club championship

Dan...

Dan Bernstein loved what he saw Thursday night as Bears stars Caleb Williams, Caleb Wilson and Matas Buzelis showed up at Wrigley Field to support their friend Pete Crow-Armstrong.

0:00 Chicago's young stars and best buds

22:00 Friday Feedback Friday

1:04:00 My enchiladas are hotter than your enchiladas

PCA delivered the game's biggest moment with a two-run homer, and it proved to be all the Cubs needed in a 2-1 win over the Brewers. Plus, it's Friday, which means another edition of Friday Feedback Friday as Dan responds...

Dan Bernstein takes aim at The Athletic's five-month investigation into Dianna Russini's relationship with Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, questioning both its process and its underwhelming conclusion.

0:00 The Athletic's investigation into Diana Russini

14:00 The Clippers face penalties from Adam Silver the NBA

31:30 Matt Campbell Penn State did something very dumb

45:00 Chicago Cubs bullpen is bad - news on Jacob Webb

48:00 Some positive news from MLB labor negotiations

Dan explains why he found the reporting lacking, the findings unsatisfying, and the final...

Dan Bernstein reflects on why the Jerry Sandusky scandal remains impossible to forget, revisiting the failures of Penn State leadership and the enduring questions surrounding Joe Paterno's role amid one of the darkest chapters in college sports history.

0:00 The Paterno Family Football Experience

31:45 Stan Kroenke shows what ownership in sports looks like

52:40 The Cubs bullpen is in crisis mode

59:50 Tommy Pham - welcome back to Chicago!!

Prompted by the launch of the new Paterno Family Football Experience, Dan examines how Penn State and...

Dan Bernstein pushes back against the growing tendency among Bears fans to keep a running ledger between Ryan Poles and Ben Johnson, assigning every good decision to one and every bad decision to the other.

0:00 This isn't Ryan Poles vs. Ben Johnson

33:00 The Cubs keep adding to the record books

40:35 Why sign Tommy Pham?

55:20 The Red Sox sold out Heated Rivalry night in 48 hours

59:25 What does a real Wrigley Field "romance" look like?

Dan explains why successful NFL organizations operate with...

Dan Bernstein breaks down the Chicago Bears’ initial 53-man roster and explains the biggest takeaways from final cutdown day.

0:00 Dan reviews the Chicago Bears 53-man roster

8:45 Chicago Bears pass blocking philosophy

15:20 Where's the Kyler Gordon update?

19:00 What else can be said about Pete Crow-Armstrong?

31:00 The NBC broadcast of Cubs-Reds was just too much

41:00 Dan shares an update on the San Diego Padres coach

43:50 What did Dan do this weekend?

Using insight from Brad Biggs, Dan examines what he...

Dan Bernstein unloads on college football coaches who continue to hide behind outdated labels while operating what has become a true minor league professional football system.

0:00 College football coaches need to stop pretending

9:00 Good Good golf and Callaway got exactly what they deserved

13:00 Today's edition of Friday Feedback Friday

49:00 Dan's Top 10 List

He explains why it's time for coaches to stop pretending otherwise and own the reality of the modern college game. Dan also shares his thoughts on the latest Good Good and...