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...

  There are moments as a sports fan when you can feel something changing, and that's exactly where I'm at with the Chicago Bears. On this episode of The Shawn Mackey Show , I kicked things off with a quick Cubs update before diving headfirst into what has me genuinely excited—the Bears are finally beginning to look like a team with a long-term plan. Training camp is almost here, and for me, football season has officially started. I spent this episode breaking down several of the Bears' draft selections and explaining why I think Ryan Poles and Ben Johnson may finally be building something special. At first, some of these draft picks left me scratching my head, but the more I studied them, the more everything started fitting together. One player I'm especially excited about is Dillon Thieneman. His football instincts remind me why I fell in love with the game in the first place. I even shared a few stories from my own playing days and how instincts—not necessarily sp...

  There are some topics that keep me up at night as a sports fan, and right now nothing is bigger than the possibility of a Major League Baseball lockout after this season. The more I've researched what both the owners and the players are asking for, the more convinced I am that this battle is far from over. In my last episode, I broke down what the owners want. This time, I wanted to look at things from the players' perspective because understanding both sides is the only way to see where this could eventually end up. The players are pushing for higher minimum salaries, earlier access to free agency, increased luxury tax thresholds, and penalties for ownership groups that refuse to invest in their teams. From where I sit, I actually understand many of their arguments. Professional athletes have a limited window to maximize their careers, and I don't blame them for wanting to earn as much as they possibly can while they have the opportunity. At the same time, I can't he...

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 ...

Introduction: In the latest episode of our podcast, we dive deep into the exhilarating highs and frustrating lows of the Chicago Bears' current season. As the team nears the end of the regular season, fans are left with a mix of hope and anxiety about the future. Join us as we explore the crucial moments that defined their journey and what they need to focus on moving forward. **The Bears vs. Packers Rivalry**   This season, the Bears faced off against their arch-rivals, the Green Bay Packers, not once but three times. With two victories under their belt, the Bears have shown resilience, particularly in their recent match where they outscored the Packers 25-6 in the fourth quarter. Shawn Mackey emphasized the significance of this win, particularly after the Bears' struggling start. "Thank goodness, because Ben Johnson's words could have come back to bite him in the ass," he noted, highlighting the intensity of the rivalry. **Ben Johnson's Bold Statements**   A...

 The Chicago Bears faced a challenging season finale against the Detroit Lions, leaving fans with mixed emotions and plenty to discuss. In this blog post, we will analyze the game and draw valuable lessons that can impact the Bears' future performance.  1. The Game Overview   The Bears’ season finale against the Lions was nothing short of a roller coaster. The game was marked by a series of ups and downs, culminating in a heartbreaking loss. Shawn Mackey, the podcast host, reflected on the game’s events, highlighting the Bears’ offensive struggles and defensive lapses that ultimately led to their defeat.  2. Offensive Struggles   One of the key takeaways from the game was the Bears' inability to capitalize on opportunities. In the fourth quarter, despite a valiant effort to tie the game, the Bears could not secure a field goal range, managing only three plays and five yards before punting. Mackey questioned the decision-making in that crucial moment, s...

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...

  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 Monongai, 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 ...

  If you’re a Chicago Bears fan, you already know this game wasn’t just a win—it was an emotional endurance test. Bears vs Packers is never just another game, and this one somehow managed to raise the stress level even higher than usual. For nearly three and a half quarters, it looked like the Bears were determined to hand Green Bay another frustrating chapter in this rivalry. Then, when it mattered most, everything flipped. This was the night Caleb Williams officially arrived. A Brutal Start That Felt All Too Familiar The game opened with early momentum for Green Bay, but the Bears defense forced a turnover on downs deep in their own territory. That should have been the spark. Instead, the Bears offense immediately stalled after getting too clever with trick plays—something we’ve seen backfire multiple times this season. A high snap killed the drive, and Green Bay capitalized with field goals while the Bears offense struggled to find rhythm. For most of the first three quarters, ...

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...

The Chicago Bears delivered a roller-coaster performance in their matchup against the New York Giants—a game defined by inconsistency, stalled drives, and defensive breakdowns, yet capped with a resilient fourth-quarter comeback. It wasn’t pretty, but it was a win, and for Bears fans, that’s sometimes all you can ask for. From the opening whistle, the Bears struggled to find rhythm on either side of the ball. Offensively, Caleb Williams had flashes of brilliance mixed with hesitation, slow reads, and unnecessary scrambling despite having ample time in the pocket. While his mobility saved the Bears from disastrous sacks, it also pointed to an ongoing challenge: processing defenses quickly and trusting his receivers. The situation wasn’t helped by four drops from Olamide Zacchaeus and eight drops overall from the receiving corps. Defensively, Chicago contained the Giants’ run game early but repeatedly gave up chunk plays in the air, allowing an alarming 8.1 yards per pass attempt. Tyri...

Welcome to season two, episode fourteen of The Shawn Mackey Show . First off, you’re welcome. Last episode was recorded poolside in Cabo San Lucas, and I left my shirt on for you — nobody needed that image of me shirtless at a resort. If you follow me on social media — @ShawnPMackey on Facebook, ShawnMackey96 on YouTube, and everywhere else — you’ve seen I use short video clips to promote the show. So again, you’re welcome for keeping things tasteful. We went on vacation, so things got neglected around the house, and we took a week off. I didn’t even do an episode dedicated solely to the Bears vs. Ravens game. Quite honestly, after watching that mess, I was speechless. Caleb Williams regressed again — this kid is so up and down. But I’m not giving up on him yet. Ben Johnson just needs to mold him a little more, tighten that Play-Doh, and get him to show that brilliance every week. The Bears’ mistakes against the Ravens were endless. Ben Johnson said, “It’s hard to win a football game w...