The Shawn Mackey Show

 This week on The Shawn Mackey Show , I found myself diving headfirst into uncertainty—and honestly, that’s the theme right now for both the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago Bears. Let’s start with the Cubs, because the biggest concern right now is Seiya Suzuki. After his injury in the World Baseball Classic, we’re stuck in a frustrating “wait and see” situation. There hasn’t been imaging yet, and that alone is enough to make any fan uneasy. Knee injuries are tricky, and even something as simple as a bruise can linger longer than expected. At this point, Opening Day availability is a real question mark. And that leads to a bigger issue—depth in the outfield. If Suzuki misses time, now we’re looking at guys like Dylan Carlson, Michael Conforto, and even Matt Shaw potentially stepping into larger roles. That changes everything. What once felt like competition now feels like necessity. Speaking of the World Baseball Classic, I’ve got mixed feelings. It’s incredible to watch the best pl...

  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 ...

This season two bonus episode of The Shawn Mackey Show was personal. Before we kick off season three, I wanted to put a bow on something that’s been rattling around in my brain for years—my all-time greatest Chicago Bears list based on the players and personalities I’ve actually witnessed in my lifetime. And yeah… I cheated a little. But when you’re talking about legends, history, and one of the most iconic franchises in the NFL, sometimes you’ve got to bend your own rules. #10 – Devin Hester Let’s start with electricity. The opening kickoff return in Super Bowl XLI. I still get chills thinking about it. One of the most explosive players I’ve ever seen. Special teams? Offense? Defense? It didn’t matter. Hester changed games. Period. And when he finally earned his Pro Football Hall of Fame induction in 2024, it felt right. Some guys are exciting. Some guys are clutch. Hester was both. #9 – Charles Tillman The Peanut Punch. Nobody did it better. Timing, awareness, physicality — that was...

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...

  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’...

  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...

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 13 of The Shawn Mackey Show , coming to you live—well, live as I record it, but not when you’re hearing it—from a beautiful resort here in Cabo San Lucas. For those of you watching the video version, enjoy the view. I can now officially say I’ve not only listened to The Shawn Mackey Show in Cabo, but also recorded an episode here. This week, we’re talking about the Chicago Bears vs. New Orleans Saints , where the Bears beat the Saints 26–14 on Sunday. At one point, the Bears led 20–0, and it looked like it would be a complete blowout. But by the time the final whistle blew, it was only a 26–14 win. Yes, the defense played solid, but this game should’ve had a much different outcome. Now, about Caleb Williams —I’m still not ready to jump on the bandwagon. He looked like he regressed again last week. I don’t know what’s going on with this kid. He acts like his talent is so superior that he doesn’t need to work as hard. His body language, that noncha...

  The latest episode of The Shawn Mackey Show dives deep into an action-packed week across college football, Major League Baseball, and the NFL. Shawn breaks down NCAA upsets, the Chicago Cubs’ return to postseason success, and why the Chicago Bears might finally be turning a corner. College Football: Ranking Madness and Week 6 Matchups Week 5 of the college football season delivered plenty of upsets and ranking reshuffles. Illinois shocked USC with a 34–32 win, climbing to No. 22 despite fumbling twice at the goal line. Virginia’s upset over Florida State also sent shockwaves through the rankings. Yet, Ohio State maintained its No. 1 position, edging Washington 24–6 in a game that felt much closer than the score suggests. The ever-changing landscape of the AP Top 25 and ESPN power rankings continues to confuse fans and analysts alike. While Ohio State, Oregon, and Miami hold the top three spots in both systems, other placements — like Texas jumping from No. 10 to No. 9 without pl...

  In this episode of The Shawn Mackey Show , Shawn dives deep into a jam-packed week in sports, starting with the Chicago Cubs’ recent struggles. After losing five straight games, the Cubs’ lead in the wild card race began to dwindle. Despite a 10–3 win against the Mets, their inconsistent bullpen and cold bats continue to raise concerns. With key players like Kyle Tucker still on the injured list and new acquisitions such as Michael Soroka struggling to find rhythm, the Cubs must get hot fast if they hope to make a strong postseason run. The offense needs consistency, and the bullpen must stabilize before October baseball begins. Switching gears to college football, Shawn voiced frustration over the AP Top 25 rankings. With Ohio State holding firm at number one, Miami rising to number two, and Texas slipping despite a solid record, the unpredictability of sports writers’ votes leaves fans scratching their heads. The shake-up following Indiana’s decisive win over Illinois—knocking ...

🏈 Blog Post: College Football Chaos, Cubs Concerns, and Bears Beginnings The start of the NCAA football season brought pure chaos and plenty of surprises. Week one showed us exactly why preseason rankings can be so unreliable. Writers and analysts seemed to get it completely wrong as several top-ranked teams were upset, causing a massive shake-up across the board. Texas, ranked number one despite finishing last season behind Ohio State, struggled right out of the gate. Meanwhile, Ohio State, ranked third, came out strong—proving that preseason polls mean little once the games begin. From Iowa State’s victory over Kansas State to South Florida stunning Boise State, the upsets kept rolling. LSU toppled Clemson, and Florida State dominated Alabama, leaving fans and analysts alike scrambling to make sense of it all. The problem with the ranking system is nothing new. The NCAA still hasn’t figured out how to structure its playoff system fairly. Unlike the NFL or MLB, which have clear divis...