Carmen and Jurko

Carmen and Jurko talk Bears with Tom Thayer, who recaps Chicago’s 59-point opener and explains why the total blocking effort from the offensive line, tight ends and receivers stood out most. Thayer discusses Ryan Bates, Caleb Williams’ accuracy, Colston Loveland’s versatility, the defensive issues that still need fixing and how the Bears can handle Brian Flores and the Vikings’ blitz packages. The guys also dive into the White Sox’s huge win in Cleveland, including Tristan Peters’ 18-pitch walk, Randall Grichuk’s season-saving homer and Hagan Smith emerging as a late-season weapon. Later, Carmen and Jurko react to Caleb’s surprising PFF grade, Ben Johnson’s comments about checkdowns and the return of the Cover 5 contest. The hour closes with a new Whiskey U announcement and a look ahead to another important night for the Cubs and White Sox.

Carmen and Jurko announce the return of the Cover 5 contest with the grand prize being the biggest EVER. The guys recap Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs beating the Broncos, then debate whether Josh Allen, Mahomes, Caleb Williams, Joe Burrow or Lamar Jackson would go first in a full NFL redraft. They also discuss whether Caleb has reached the point where the Bears can expect double-digit wins every year because of their coach-quarterback combination. The Brunch Rush hits NFL power rankings, Connor Bedard becoming Blackhawks captain, the Caleb Williams-PCA friendship and the young stars across Chicago sports. The hour closes with Packers frustration, a wild Green Bay win-probability stat and Dave Canales clearing up the reaction to Caleb’s postgame comment about Carolina’s defense.

Carmen and Jurko recap a wild Week 1 across the NFL, including Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs beating the Broncos and the league tying the Super Bowl-era record for most points in an opening week. The guys look at the Bears’ explosive offense and debate whether Chicago can keep winning by outscoring teams while the defense tries to reach average. They also discuss Kyler Gordon’s unusual absence, the Bears’ upcoming matchup with the Vikings and why Ben Johnson against Brian Flores will be one of the best chess matches of Week 2. The hour also covers a huge White Sox win in Cleveland, the Sox securing the tiebreaker over the Guardians and PCA continuing a remarkable season for the Cubs. Carmen and Jurko close by examining how Minnesota blitzed Green Bay, why the Packers’ offensive line could be a real issue and how the Bears can counter pressure on Sunday.

Carmen and Jurko close out Bears Victory Monday by digging deeper into Chicago’s 59-37 win over the Panthers and the record-setting offensive performance. The guys discuss Caleb Williams, the Bears’ dominant rushing attack, the offensive line and why the defense still leaves plenty to clean up before facing Minnesota. They also react to Mike Tomlin saying the rest of the NFC North should be frightened by what the Bears showed in Week 1. The Ben Johnson Coaches Show airs as Johnson joins Jeff Joniak to break down Caleb’s command, the blocking from receivers and tight ends, Dan Roushar’s offensive line and why the Bears are still “in a race to improve.” The hour wraps with Packers frustration over Matt LaFleur, concerns about Green Bay’s offensive line and the White Sox opening a massive series in Cleveland.

Carmen and Jurko keep Bears Victory Monday rolling with Courtney Cronin, who joins to recap Chicago’s 59-37 win over Carolina. Courtney discusses the extreme field heat, the Bears’ conditioning, Caleb Williams’ rushing impact and why the offense looked so professional in Ben Johnson’s system. The guys also get into Kalif Raymond’s big debut, Jaday Walker’s blocking, Colston Loveland’s quiet stat line and the defensive questions that still need answers. Carmen and Jurko revisit Johnson’s aggressive fourth-down decision, DeAndre Swift’s extension, Malik Muhammad and R.J. Thieneman stepping up, and a wild rushing touchdown stat that dates back more than a century. The Brunch Rush covers Pete Crow Crunch, White Sox playoff-race pressure and whether the Bears should sit atop the NFC North after Week 1.

Carmen and Jurko celebrate Bears Victory Monday after Chicago opens the season with a wild 59-37 win over Carolina. Caleb Williams looks in total command of Ben Johnson’s offense, DeAndre Swift delivers explosive plays, Rome Odunze and Cole Kmet find the end zone and the Bears put up one of the biggest scoring games in franchise history. The guys marvel at the fact that Colston Loveland did not even record a catch while the offense still piled up more than 500 yards and nearly hit 60 points. They also react to the Packers’ fourth-quarter collapse against the Vikings, look ahead to a suddenly important Bears-Vikings matchup and debate Johnson’s questionable fourth-down decision deep in his own territory. The hour closes with caller reaction, White Sox playoff-race urgency and the Chargers earning Week 1 dud status after an ugly loss.

Carmen and Jurko talk Week 1 betting with Todd Furman, who joins from Las Vegas to break down Bears-Panthers, early-season NFL unders and several season-long plays. Furman shares thoughts on the Dolphins and Giants win totals, the Buccaneers in the NFC South, Josh Allen passing props, Bengals-Bucs under, Vikings over Packers and Tennessee against Georgia Tech. The guys then look at the Bears’ schedule and explain why a 3-1 start through the first four games feels like the baseline expectation. The hour also includes reaction to PCA’s historic season, both Chicago baseball teams getting swept and the White Sox’s ugly strikeout numbers heading into a critical road trip. Carmen and Jurko close with Bears Week 1 anticipation, remembrances of Matt Suhey and Barry Melrose, and reflection on the 25th anniversary of September 11th.

Carmen and Jurko continue a Dr. Pepper Bears Friday with Jason McKie, who joins to preview Bears-Panthers in Week 1. McKie discusses early-season NFL sloppiness, how Chicago’s defensive front can attack Bryce Young and why Tet McMillan is the player the Bears must identify in Carolina’s passing game. Jurko then delivers his Keys to the Game, including avoiding self-inflicted mistakes, stopping the run, bringing pressure and letting Caleb Williams play fast and decisive. The guys also talk about Kyler Gordon being away from the team, the rookies who will be thrown into the fire and whether Chuba Hubbard or Jonathan Brooks is the bigger run-game concern. The Brunch Rush hits the White Sox’s rough stretch, Atlanta’s quarterback problems and youth travel baseball. Mike North’s Week 1 bonus play closes the hour.

Carmen and Jurko open a Dr. Pepper Bears Friday by reacting to the 49ers beating the Rams in Australia behind a Kyle Shanahan master class. The guys discuss Brock Purdy, San Francisco’s defense, Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel and why it is still too early to panic about the Rams after one strange international game. Jurko explains why his member-guest golf tournament fell through, and the crew tries to solve the mystery of a pair of socks left in the studio. The guys also debate whether the Rams’ quick trip to Melbourne was part of a bigger long-term travel plan compared to San Francisco’s early arrival. The hour closes with Bears-Panthers talk, including Rome Odunze’s calf issue, Xavier Woods popping up on the injury report, Malik Muhammad being thrown into the fire and how Chicago can handle Tet McMillan and Bryce Young.

Carmen and Jurko recap the Seahawks’ win over the Patriots as Drake Maye throws three fourth-quarter interceptions and Sam Darnold exits early with a hip injury. The guys discuss how Seattle protected Drew Lock, why September NFL football can look sloppy and what the Patriots’ mistakes revealed in the opener. They also preview Rams-49ers in Australia, digging into the travel, time-zone chaos and the Rams’ research-heavy approach to getting in and out quickly. A caller from Perth explains how the NFL has grown in Australia, which leads to a much bigger debate about time zones, daylight saving time and whether the entire world should just run on one clock. The hour closes with more Cubs-Brewers frustration, Bears Friday plans, Pauly Cheesecake’s Week 1 picks and an update on Darnold’s MRI.

Carmen and Jurko get ready for Bears-Panthers with Jeff Joniak, who joins to preview Week 1 and explain why early-season NFL football can look sloppy. Joniak discusses Xavion Thomas’ speed, what the Bears offense could look like under Ben Johnson and why Carolina’s size on both sides of the ball could create problems. He also breaks down Bryce Young, Rome Odunze’s calf injury and the strange setup for Rams-49ers in Australia. The guys continue reacting to the Cubs getting swept by the Brewers, Craig Counsell’s pressure and whether Milwaukee is simply running a better baseball operation. The Brunch Rush hits Sam Antonacci’s hard slide, Hagan Smith’s role for the White Sox, Dre Greenlaw wondering about Antarctica and the massive soccer crowd at Soldier Field.

Carmen and Jurko open the hour after a rough night for Chicago baseball as the Cubs get swept by the Brewers and the White Sox lose again. The guys react to Milwaukee continuing to separate itself from the Cubs, the Brewers’ player development edge and Craig Counsell’s decision to pinch-hit B.J. Murray instead of letting Carson Kelly face Abner Uribe with PCA waiting on deck. They also recap the NFL opener, where the Seahawks beat the Patriots in a sloppy September game that featured Drake Maye turnovers and plenty of early-season rust. Carmen and Jurko preview Rams-49ers in Australia and get into the strange travel, time-zone and local sports scene around the game in Melbourne. The hour also includes a bigger-picture debate about whether the Cubs’ front office needs to answer for why Milwaukee keeps finding and developing better pitching.

Carmen and Jurko make their full NFL season predictions with help from Jack and CKatt as the league officially kicks off. The guys pick division winners, wild-card teams, award winners and Super Bowl matchups, with predictions ranging from Texans-Rams to Bears-Ravens and even Broncos-Rams. They also discuss what part of the Bears defense could improve the most, especially after several additions along the interior defensive line. Courtney Cronin joins from Halas Hall to update Rome Odunze’s status, Ozzy Trapilo’s timeline, Braxton Jones starting at left tackle and Kyler Gordon working away from the team. The hour closes with Bears-Panthers broadcast details, Jurko’s bocce strategy and more reaction to the Bullfrog Spas hot tub video with Silvy, Jeff Joniak and Tom Thayer.

Carmen and Jurko celebrate NFL opening day as the season finally arrives, even if it starts on a Wednesday. The guys discuss Patriots-Seahawks, 49ers-Rams in Australia, Aaron Donald not making the trip and yet another brutal 49ers injury after Alfred Collins tears his patellar tendon. The final List of Lists lands on Field Trip Destinations, leading to picks like Great America, the Museum of Science and Industry, Washington D.C., Old Chicago, Enchanted Forest, the Sears Tower, Disney and a Wisconsin cabin trip. Callers add Camp Whitcomb, the Board of Trade, Lambs Farm, the Little Red Schoolhouse, Broadway, Bozo Circus, Springfield and even a police academy trip to the morgue. The Brunch Rush hits Western Michigan’s appeal after the Michigan clock controversy, LSU’s NFL player roster issue, Dabo Swinney pushing back on criticism and Bill Barnwell leaving the Bears out of the playoffs.

Carmen and Jurko open NFL Day Zero with plenty of concern about both Chicago baseball teams after a rough Tuesday night. The White Sox get blown out by the Pirates as Sean Burke’s struggles continue, while Mune Murakami’s September slump adds another worry to the lineup. The Cubs lose another late lead to the Brewers, putting the spotlight back on Jacob Webb, Craig Counsell and a bullpen that does not look ready for October. Jesse Rogers joins to explain why the Cubs’ relief issues are real, why the White Sox may have to get creative with their playoff rotation and how Seiya Suzuki’s baserunning mistake hurt in Milwaukee. The hour also includes Elly De La Cruz’s ridiculous throw, Wrigleyville geography and more debate over where the Bears should eventually build their stadium.

Carmen and Jurko get ready for Bears-Panthers with Tom Thayer, who explains why Carolina’s size, offensive tackles, big receivers and Bryce Young’s development make Week 1 an interesting test. Thayer also discusses whether the Bears defense can survive early injuries and become at least average if the pass rush shows up. The guys then make some bold NFL predictions, including Miles Garrett chasing another 20-sack season and Ja’Marr Chase pushing for 2,000 receiving yards. Gabe Neitzel from ESPN Wisconsin joins to preview the Packers, including Matt LaFleur’s late-game issues, Micah Parsons’ timeline, Josh Jacobs’ legal situation and Green Bay’s revamped receiver room. The hour closes with live reaction to Ben Johnson confirming Braxton Jones will start at left tackle while Rome Odunze remains day-to-day with a new injury.

Carmen and Jurko continue Bears opening week by previewing Chicago’s matchup with Carolina and questioning how much respect the Panthers deserve after winning the weak NFC South. The guys look at Bryce Young, Dave Canales, Tet McMillan and why the Bears are favored on the road in Week 1. The List of Lists lands on Fictional Foods, leading to picks like the Krabby Patty, Brontosaurus burger, Everlasting Gobstopper, Scooby Snacks, Reptar Bars, Big Kahuna Burger and the Cuban sandwich from Chef. Callers add Buzz Beer, Soylent Green, Royale with Cheese, Hook’s imaginary feast, Popeye’s spinach, Duff Beer and the Big Mick. The Brunch Rush includes White Sox stadium talk, Lane Kiffin’s LSU theatrics, a possible Bears trade for Josh Sweat, and MLB expansion options. Players of the Weekend finishes the hour.

Carmen and Jurko are back after Labor Day weekend as Bears opening week finally arrives. The guys debate whether the Bears should still view themselves as hunters despite last year’s success, where they sit in the NFC North and why Ben Johnson will not let them get comfortable. They also check in on both baseball playoff races, with the White Sox holding a three-game AL Central lead and the Cubs trying to reclaim the top wild-card spot from Philadelphia. PCA’s unbelievable MVP season takes center stage as he reaches 41 home runs, chases a 40-40 season and draws comparisons to some of the best young Chicago sports seasons ever. The hour also includes reaction to the Michigan-Western Michigan clock controversy and callers celebrating winning PCA futures bets.

Jack McGrath and Peggy Kusinski are in for Carmen and Jurko as Jason McKie joins to discuss Bears practice in the heat, defensive injuries and the ongoing uncertainty around Kyler Gordon. McKie explains why the communication around Gordon’s return feels confusing and why the Bears need clarity from the player, trainers, coaches and representation. He also breaks down how Xavion Thomas could fit into Ben Johnson’s offense and why young defensive linemen like Jordan Vandenberg, Jamree Kromah, Daniel Hardy, Contavious Street and Neville Gallimore could surprise people. Peggy’s Keys celebrates Labor Day weekend by looking at how to survive some of the worst jobs imaginable. The hour wraps with Jack and Peggy discussing the excitement around Chicago’s young sports stars, PCA’s MVP season, Caleb Williams embracing the city and how much better the local sports scene feels than it did two years ago.

Jack McGrath and Peggy Kusinski are in for Carmen and Jurko as the hour opens with NFL executives showing major respect for Ben Johnson and the Bears. The guys discuss why Johnson was voted one of the NFL’s top offensive play callers, why executives may be higher on the Bears than national media, and what concerns still exist on defense. The List of Lists lands on Detectives, leading to picks like Sherlock Holmes, Benoit Blanc, Olivia Benson, Nancy Drew, Axel Foley, Scooby-Doo and Jake Peralta. Callers add Dirty Harry, Inspector Clouseau, Ace Ventura, Columbo, Magnum P.I., Dick Tracy and more. The Brunch Rush hits Kyle Teel returning to the White Sox, Caleb Williams praising Chicago on Hot Ones, and Pro Football Hall of Fame voting changes. Mike North’s latest baseball pick closes the hour.