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The Bears put together another big statement victory Thursday night against the reigning AFC champion New England Patriots, including some gutsy calls and impressive leadership from Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams. With all this success over the last year-plus, where does Ben Johnson's approval rating sit with Bears fans and in the NFL in general? Andy Martínez, Tony Andracki and Kyle Millinowisch attempt to answer this on the latest Windy City Breakdown Podcast while also providing their top takeaways from the Bears victory and Williams' ascension into the "elite" realm of Bears quarterbacks. Plus, Luther Burden III's growth into a No. 1 receiver, Rome Odunze's relatively disappointing career to date and what are the Bears' chances of winning the NFC North? On the Cubs front, where do they rank among MLB's best teams? The panel debates, with wildly differing views. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Milwaukee Brewers could be staring down their first World Series championship ever as they have flipped the script on the powerhouse Los Angeles Dodgers. What does that mean for the Cubs? Could that actually mean ... good news ... for Cubs fans in a strange way? Andy Martínez, Tony Andracki and Kyle Millinowisch react to the MLB playoffs on the latest Windy City Breakdown Podcast, including how the Brewers are getting the job done by zigging while the rest of the league has zagged. Also, do we need to rethink everything we've learned about offense in Major League Baseball? Plus, was the Bears' loss to the Packers the worst defeat in the Ben Johnson era? How do they rebound from that, even with Caleb Williams potentially returning? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Cubs offense disappeared in the postseason for the second straight year. Is there anything to that? Is it just a product of playoff baseball? Or is there something the Cubs can tangibly point to and address in future seasons? Andy Martínez, Tony Andracki and Kyle Millinowisch examine this issue while also taking a look at the delta between the Cubs and Brewers and providing thoughts on how the North Siders can close that gap in the future. Plus, did Seiya Suzuki live up to expectations during his time with the Cubs? And is Ben Johnson already one of the best head coaches in Bears history? The crew also provides their predictions for Bears-Packers Week 5 and who will be the top fantasy performer on Chicago's squad. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The 2026 Cubs season ended in disappointment in a Wild Card sweep at the hands of the Padres in San Diego. President of baseball operations Jed Hoyer met with the media Friday afternoon, providing an honest assessment of the season and explaining how the Cubs "let one slip away." Andy Martínez and Tony Andracki react to Hoyer's comments while Kyle Millinowisch provides his thoughts and instant reaction in written form. What were the main takeaways from Hoyer's presser and what does it mean moving forward? And how did this compare to similar press conferences Hoyer and his predecessor, Theo Epstein, had in the past? Plus, Martínez and Andracki put a letter grade on the overall Cubs season and explain their rationale. The duo also discusses the one aspect of the year that hurts the most heading into the offseason. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

ESPN and Marquee Sports Network reporter Taylor McGregor joins the Windy City Breakdown Podcast to preview the Cubs-Padres NL Wild Card Series and chat about her career on the North Side of Chicago. McGregor and the WCB panel of Andy Martínez, Tony Andracki and Kyle Millinowisch each predict how the Wild Card Series might play out in San Diego, including their choices for X-factors on each team as well as potential MVPs. Plus, the group takes a look back at Pete Crow-Armstrong's historic season and how the Cubs got to this point in the year. And McGregor reflects on her seven seasons covering the Cubs before moving to ESPN in her new full-time role. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Chicago Cubs have clinched a playoff spot, but there is still much to be decided as far as seeding and opponent for the Wild Card Series goes. Kyle Millinowisch and Tony Andracki attempt to answer the most pressing questions surrounding this team, including: -What can we expect from Alex Bregman now that he has returned to the Cubs lineup? -How will the Cubs roll out their rotation and pitching staff for the Wild Card Series? -Will Kevin Gausman be healthy enough to pitch next week after suffering a shoulder injury? -What does Craig Counsell do with the bullpen in a shortened playoff series? -Who are the biggest X-factors in the lineup that need to step up for a slumping offense? -What's the latest with Justin Steele and will he make an impact on the postseason roster? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Chicago Cubs have less than a dozen games before the postseason -- so what should give fans optimism and what should cause them concern? The Windy City Breakdown analyzes the stretch run for the Cubs, then they discuss a big Week 1 win for the Bears. Tony Andracki, Kyle Millinowisch and Andy Martínez share why the Cubs should give you optimism for a deep run, then they discuss why you should be concern. The trio recap another incredible performance by Pete Crow-Armstrong in the series-opening win over the Braves, then offer some historical nuggets after the center fielder hit his 42nd home run of the season.  Later in the pod, they recap the Bears historic, 59-37 win over the Panthers and why they're excited by the start of the season. The panel then discusses a controversial ranking for Caleb Williams after his incredible Week 1 performance.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Chicago Cubs were just swept by the Milwaukee Brewers, leading to another 10-game gap in the NL Central -- just like two years ago. So what is the Panic Meter at for the Cubs, both in terms of making the playoffs and putting together a deep run in October? Zooming out, the Cubs rank No. 1 in team defense and offense but have the 30th-ranked pitching staff based on FanGraphs' WAR. How did this happen? Who deserves the blame for this? Andy Martínez, Tony Andracki and Kyle Millinowisch provide answers to these questions, including looking for solutions to the bullpen woes and how the Cubs can right the ship before the postseason. Plus, the panel gives a Week 1 Bears-Panthers preview, making score predictions and guesses for who will be the top receiver, tackler and have the most fantasy points on the Bears. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Cubs bullpen -- which looked like a strength earlier in the year -- scuffled in a tough loss to the Brewers at Wrigley Field. Tony Andracki, Kyle Millinowisch and Andy Martínez break down the reliever issues for the Cubs and how concerned they are for the team as a whole with the playoffs nearing.  The trio breaks down what's going on with the Cubs, whether they could have done more and who or what may be the answer for their bullpen woes. Later in the pod, the group discusses who will be the X-Factor down the stretch, and their concern for the team: the Philadelphia Phillies.  The Windy City Breakdown then dives into the Bears, as the NFL season nears. They discuss what their biggest concern for the team is and who the No. 1 Bears player they're targeting in fantasy football this year. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Cubs suffered a pair of difficult walk-off losses to the Mariners and Diamondbacks, then received some concerning news on right-hander Ben Brown. Tony Andracki, Kyle Millinowisch and Andy Martínez discuss the state of the Cubs after their West Coast trip. The trio also discuss whether or not you should be concerned about the Cubs bullpen situation.  Later in the pod, they discuss Merrill Kelly and the Diamondbacks' claims about pitch tipping and sign stealing and share whether Carson Kelly and Miguel Amaya should get a bump in their WAR because of their ABS prowess. The panel wraps up the pod discussing how far back the Cubs need to be from the Brewers to believe they have a shot at winning the division, and discusses the Cubs' 150th anniversary team. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Pete Crow-Armstrong had an emphatic moment in his 2026 MVP-caliber campaign as he launched a pair of home runs, including a walk-off blast, against the White Sox in the Cubs win in the Crosstown Classic. Andy Martínez, Tony Andracki and Kyle Millinowisch recap the incredible night from PCA and assess what this means for his MVP campaign, especially going up against the Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani.  The crew then breaks down what Dansby Swanson's oblique injury means to the team, and why they're concerned about, even though he hasn't been hitting as well as he has in the past. Then, they discuss Edward Cabrera's blister that has landed him on the injured list for the second time this season (and his third IL stint overall) and what role, if any, he'll play in 2026. The trio wrap up by discussing whether or not they'd like to see a Crosstown Classic World Series and what that would mean for the the city.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jed Hoyer and the Chicago Cubs showed their aggressiveness this trade deadline, acquiring pitchers Kevin Gausman, Clay Holmes, Ryan Zeferjahn and Braxton Garrett, and outfielder Tyrone Taylor. The front office showed a willingness to try and bolster a roster that has been positive in 2026. Andy Martínez, Tony Andracki and Kyle Millinowisch break down all of the moves a day after the deadline. The group analyze what this means for a pitching staff that has shown plenty of signs of wear already this season. Then, the group discuss what this means for the Cubs' playoff rotation and why they are now poised to make a deeper run in October. Lastly, the panel discusses whether the prices they paid, why they're OK with the Cubs moving on from certain prospects and what it means for the future of their player development. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Bregman and Nico Hoerner have completely turned things around since the All-Star Break as the Cubs continue their incredibly streaky season. Andy Martínez, Tony Andracki and Kyle Millinowisch evaluate the team's most recent 27-12 stretch (a story we've seen before) and wonders what comes next. Plus, they react to Jameson Taillon's somewhat surprising DFA and what it means for the Cubs pitching staff. Will Pete Crow-Armstrong turn his hot stretch into an NL MVP Award over clear favorite Shohei Ohtani? And the panel takes a look at the trade deadline and whether their thoughts have changed over the last week. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The MLB trade deadline is rapidly approaching and the Cubs have a very curious situation ahead of them. Do they go all-in and try to target pitchers like Tarik Skubal and Mason Miller? Andy Martínez, Tony Andracki and Kyle Millinowisch debate the Cubs' approach to the deadline, including laying out their own ideas of what a perfect trade haul would look like to boost this 2026 roster. The panel throws out some key names for fans to watch, including Freddy Peralta, Kevin Gausman and a host of intriguing relievers. Plus, a unique wrinkle in the MLB rulebook that impacted the Cubs this week and a surprisingly hot-button debate in the baseball world comes to the surface. The WCB panel also dabbles into other sports, breaking down Patrick Kane's return to Chicago and a mini preview of Bears training camp. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Chicago Cubs enter the All-Star Break 12 games over .500 and in a playoff position, but it's arguably been one of the wildest rides to that point. Tony Andracki, Andy Martínez and Kyle Millinowisch assess the team's first half and what the rest of the season may look like for this unpredictable team. Then, the trio handout some midseason superlatives and awards, including: - Biggest surprise of the first half - MVP - CY Young - Best offseason move - Best win - Worst loss - Best stat - 2nd half predictions - Biggest disappointment The trio wrap it up with their usual, "That Guy Rocked" segment, a surprising pick that leaves Tony and Andy stumped. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.