The Shawn Mackey Show

  Training camp is officially underway, and after waiting months for football to return, it finally feels like Bears season again. In this episode of The Shawn Mackey Show , I wrapped up my breakdown of the Chicago Bears' 2026 draft class, talked about everything happening at training camp, and even celebrated another strong week for the Chicago Cubs. Before diving into football, I couldn't ignore what the Cubs have been doing. They put together an impressive road trip by winning series against both the Pirates and Cardinals before returning home to take down the Yankees. I even made the trip to St. Louis, where I caught the extra-inning win and visited one of the city's incredible science museums. It turned into a great family experience filled with STEM exhibits, interactive displays, and plenty of baseball memories. Then it was time to finish evaluating the Bears' rookie class. I broke down cornerback Malik Muhammad , whose speed, length, and versatility could all...

  Season three of The Shawn Mackey Show is officially underway, and I’ve got to be honest with you—I dropped the ball a little bit on the premiere episode. I had created new graphics, updated visuals, and planned some cool features for the show. But when it came time to edit the episode, the image file wasn’t sized correctly, and everything got cut off. That meant I had to rebuild the graphic from scratch. When you run a podcast solo like I do, with a full-time job on top of it, stuff like that happens. I don’t have a production crew or a fancy studio. It’s just me doing the editing, producing, recording, and promoting. But the truth is, I love doing it. I love sitting down each week, sharing my opinions, and talking sports with you. And eventually, I hope more of you jump into the conversation. Spring Training: Hope or Cause for Concern? Spring training in Major League Baseball is always tricky to evaluate. The games don’t count, lineups are constantly rotating, and you see ...

The Chicago Bears’ season officially came to an end against the Los Angeles Rams, and while the loss stings, Season 2 Episode 24 of The Shawn Mackey Show dives into why this game felt like both a success and a warning sign. The Bears went toe-to-toe with the number one scoring offense in the NFC and held the Rams to just 20 points . That alone says something about the growth of this defense. For the first time all season, it felt like Dennis Allen had his unit fully locked in, disciplined, and prepared for the moment. The Bears didn’t get blown out. They didn’t fold. They had multiple chances to win. And that’s exactly why this loss hurts. The turning point wasn’t effort — it was decision-making . Repeated fourth-down gambles by first-year head coach Ben Johnson left points on the field, and in a playoff-level game, that’s a risk Chicago fans don’t forgive easily. Three different drives ended without points when field goals were available. One successful conversion likely changes ...

  I’ll be honest—this Bears vs. 49ers game was one of the most emotionally draining games I’ve watched all season. Not because the Bears were terrible, but because for the first time in a long time, they actually looked like they belonged on the field with an elite NFL team. Offensively, this was the most complete performance I’ve seen from the Bears all year. Caleb Williams looked confident, composed, and dangerous. The passing game was aggressive, the receivers were making plays, and the offense kept pace with San Francisco score for score. That alone tells me this team has taken a major step forward. But defense? That’s where everything unraveled. The Bears’ inability to stop the run and generate pressure continues to be their Achilles’ heel. Giving up 200 rushing yards and nearly 500 total yards simply isn’t sustainable. Zone defense without pressure is a recipe for disaster, and Brock Purdy exposed it all afternoon. When you let quarterbacks sit comfortably in the pocket, you’...

Introduction: In the latest episode of The Shawn Mackey Show, I dive deep into the emotional highs and lows of the Chicago Bears' recent performances. With a mix of analysis, frustration, and hope, this episode captures the essence of being a Bears fan in a tumultuous season.  The Commitment to Consistency In the episode, I emphasizes the importance of consistency as the season progresses. With a goal of producing 25 episodes in season two, the team is committed to delivering valuable content, even if it means combining discussions on multiple games. This dedication to consistency resonates with fans who crave reliable commentary amidst the chaos of the NFL season.  Heartbreak and Hope in the Packers Game A significant portion of the episode reflects on the Bears' heartbreaking loss to the Green Bay Packers. Shawn paints a vivid picture of the game, highlighting the stark contrast between the team’s dismal first half and their spirited second half where they almost turned the...

  In Season 2, Episode 17 of The Shawn Mackey Show , I break down one of the most entertaining games of the Bears’ season: a 31–28 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The matchup was a roller coaster from start to finish, featuring explosive plays, defensive breakdowns, big-time throws, costly mistakes, and a thrilling finish. Despite recent success on the ground, the Bears’ running game was nowhere to be found in this one. Chicago mustered only 99 total rushing yards, led by Kyle Monongai’s 48 yards on 12 carries. I raised an important question—are we witnessing Monongai slowly taking over as Chicago’s RB1? With his combination of speed, power, and ability to handle a full workload, it’s starting to look that way. Quarterback Caleb Williams delivered a mixed performance, throwing for 239 yards and three touchdowns but missing 16 throws and committing a critical turnover when T.J. Watt strip-sacked him for a defensive score. Still, Williams showed resilience by leading key late-...

  The Chicago Bears delivered one of their most complete performances of the season with a statement win over the Philadelphia Eagles. While the passing game continues to raise concerns, the Bears’ dominant rushing attack, ferocious defense, and clutch playmaking pushed them to a stunning 9–3 start—something few fans could have predicted in year one of the Ben Johnson era. Chicago racked up 281 rushing yards behind the powerhouse duo of DeAndre Swift and Kyle Monungai, who both topped 100 yards. But the real unsung heroes continue to be the offensive line, which controlled the trenches from start to finish. The Bears won time of possession, first downs, and nearly every physical category that defines championship-caliber football. Caleb Williams remains the biggest question mark. While he flashes elite traits, he’s also showing bouts of panic, missing easy throws, and forcing dangerous passes—including one intercepted by a defensive lineman. Yet, despite inconsistencies, Williams c...

In a nail-biting showdown, the Chicago Bears pulled off another comeback victory against their rivals, the Minnesota Vikings. With a game-winning field goal from Cairo Santos, the Bears secured a 19-17 win, showcasing resilience and determination in the final moments of the game. This recap covers key highlights, player performances, and critical moments that defined this exciting matchup. The Bears faced off against the Vikings in Season 2, Episode 16 of the Shawn Mackey Show. Coming into the game with a record of four wins and five losses, the Vikings were eager to turn their season around. However, the Bears demonstrated their grit, pulling out another last-minute victory, marking what could be their fourth or fifth comeback win this season. Cairo Santos sealed the victory with a crucial 48-yard field goal. Despite missing a previous 45-yard attempt earlier in the fourth quarter, Santos's kick managed to sneak in at the last moment, securing the win for the Bears. Mackey express...

  By Shawn Mackey | The Shawn Mackey Show The Chicago Bears pulled off another nail-biter, edging the Washington Commanders 25–24 thanks to a last-second Jake Moody field goal . Déjà vu? It’s the exact same score the Bears used to beat the Raiders earlier this season. But while the scoreboard might feel familiar, the story behind it tells a lot about progress, resilience — and questionable officiating. Caleb Williams: Early Promise, Late Poise Caleb Williams started strong, showing command in the pocket early on. Despite some shaky moments and a few too-hot short passes, the rookie kept his cool when it mattered most — leading the Bears downfield for the game-winning kick. Stat line? 17 of 29 passing for 252 yards 2 total touchdowns (one rushing) Compare that to Commanders QB Jayden Daniels — 19 of 26 for 263 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception — and it’s clear both young stars are making their cases as future franchise cornerstones. Still, the numbers tell only half t...