Week 10 Preview - Welcome Back to the Mat

Dear students of Bear Down Society, gather your hearts and stretch your hamstrings. We return to Soldier Field, the sacred stone mat where we breathe, scream, and sometimes watch our soul leave our body.

Last week against the Bengals, we died. Then lived. Then died again. Then lived once more. A cycle of emotional reincarnation. But today, we inhale confidence, exhale trauma, and prepare for the New York Giants.

I am Cicero. Teacher. Healer. Grizzly bear. Worshipper of Old Style. Patron saint of controlled rage. Sit. Breathe. Continue.

The Opponent In Our Forest

New York arrives short-handed. Nabers and Skattebo are out. Their defensive line is a hollow scarecrow. Their fans remain passionately confused about football and pizza. Be warned. A wounded beast can surprise you. I know this firsthand, for once I sprained a paw near the Des Plaines River and survived only by meditating while eating twelve Gene and Jude’s hot dogs.

The Giants will fight for their lives. That is why we sharpen our claws and steady our minds.

A Zen Note On New York

Times Square is a chaos chakra. To stand there is to be attacked by light, smell, amateur performers, and those who believe Staten Island is worth visiting. The new mayor sounds fun though.

Caleb’s Inner Fire

Caleb Williams continues to grow. Second year. Many coordinators. Yet he remains patient and creative. His footwork is smoother. His presence calmer. His mind sharper than last season. Do not compare him to Maye or Daniels. Comparison is a thief. Breathe. Realize that his journey is unique and beautiful. Then scream at anyone on X who disagrees.

Defense In Transition

Dennis Allen coaches our defense with the patience of a saint and the fury of a caffeinated mongoose. The unit still gives up weird chunk plays. Yet progress is visible. However, penalties remain a spiritual disease. We will attempt to heal this by holding a team meditation circle where everyone breathes deeply and imagines not shoving someone after the whistle.

This technique has a twenty percent chance of working. Accept this.

The Running Reawakening

The run game is reborn. Outside runs. Shifts. Stretch plays. Backfield mischief. All of it synchronizes the body, spirit, and blocking assignments. The Giants cannot hold the edge against a strong gust of wind. This presents an opportunity. Run downhill. Run sideways. Run everywhere.

As you watch, sip Old Style and chant the mantra: Feed the backs. Feed the soul.

Potential Letdown. Potential Ascension.

Historically, this is the type of game where the Bears slip into a puddle and drown. Not this year. Not with the breath of the Des Plaines flowing through our veins. Past is past. Present is pancakes. Flatten them.

Our keys to victor:

• Stay mentally upright
• Limit penalties through mindful restraint
• Pound outside runs
• Challenge the Giants secondary
• Punch early
• Never underestimate a desperate opponent

Before kickoff, try this breathing exercise. Inhale through the snout. Hold. Exhale by growling at your television. Repeat until calm or until the neighbors call animal control.

Prediction

Bears 37. Giants 16.

A controlled victory. A measured celebration. We walk the line between serenity and madness. Then we devour nachos.

Bear Down. Namaste.