I’ve grown into more of a walker since the end of 2022. It has helped with my mental health (those walks after Bears losses in 2023 and 2024 were good for the soul) and physical health, too. But, without fail, my step count takes a hit this time of year. The 1-2 punch of it getting darker earlier and temperatures plummeting does a number on me. Does anyone have any advice on how to get my step game trending back in the right direction?
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Bears fans woke up on a turn-the-page Wednesday with their favorite team holding a playoff spot and ahead of the Packers in the standings. You’d think it doesn’t get much better than this, but I have a few ideas of how it can—and it starts with a win against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday at US Bank Stadium.
Patrick takes a look at the updated playoff picture going into Week 11:
– A Look at the NFL Playoff Picture
– How Real Is the Top of the AFC?
– Are the Seahawks the Most Dangerous Team?
– Where Do the Bears Fit In?
[Link to article: www.bleachernation.com/bears/2025/1…]
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**Episode No. 8 of the BN Bears Podcast is here:**
Listen on Apple | Spotify | YouTube
While the Bears get the FOX “A” Team broadcast of Kevin Burkhardt, Tom Brady, Erin Andrews, and Tom Rinaldi on Sunday, there is a belief in some circles that the CBS top broadcast tandem is taking a step back. I still enjoy listening to Jim Nantz call a game, but Tony Romo needs to get back to what made him a broadcast wizard with his in-game analysis and Steve Stone-like ability to predict what is coming next.
Perhaps we will see that pairing return in Week 12, when CBS is scheduled to have the Bears-Steelers game.
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**More NFL media notes:**
You better get used to the national networks talking about the Bears so long as they continue their winning ways. Rex Ryan says Caleb Williams is a “generational talent.”
[twitter.com/GetUpESPN/status/…](https://twitter.com/GetUpESPN/status/…)
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**Darnell Wright’s rising stock**
How about a little commotion for Darnell Wright? The Chicago Bears right tackle allowed just two pressures in 34 pass-blocking matchups against Brian Burns, Abdul Carter, and Kayvon Thibodeaux.
That is impressive stuff considering Burns is a two-time Pro Bowler who leads the NFL with sacks, Carter was the third overall pick in this year’s draft, and Thibodeaux was a top-5 selection.
I don’t want to put the cart ahead of the horse, but Wright is playing his way into consideration alongside Detroit Lions standout Penei Sewell as the NFL’s top right tackle.
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**Pass protection concerns for Theo Benedet**
On the other side of the line, this graphic shows that guard Theo Benedet could use some help in pass protection:
> Pressure rate over expected (PROE) relative to how long QBs hold the ball, and the % of all QB pressures positions are charged with. Flacco’s data represents games with CIN.
> [twitter.com/fball_insights/status/…](https://twitter.com/fball_insights/status/…)
I’m not ready to give up on the Canadian Eagle just yet. His run-blocking excellence is nothing to sneeze at when breaking down his game. But the pass protection needs work. He’ll continue to get a trial-by-fire development arc until further notice.
*(Photo caption)*
Jul 23, 2025; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears guard Theo Benedet (79) and offensive tackle Darnell Wright (58) run a drill during training camp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski / Imagn Images
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**Asante Samuel Jr. signs with Steelers practice squad**
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports that free-agent cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. is signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad.
Samuel was reportedly set to visit the Bears on Tuesday, and I thought he would have been a good fit for this team. But not only does he not land in Chicago, he heads to a Pittsburgh team that will visit Soldier Field in Week 12—a double whammy.
Samuel’s signing with the Steelers’ practice squad raises eyebrows. Any team can try to sign him, which could force the Steelers’ hand by either elevating him to the active roster or allowing him to leave as a free agent. I’m not privy to Pittsburgh’s roster situation, but I’m curious why he didn’t sign to the active roster.
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**How can you not love college football on a Tuesday?**
[Image or embed from Sickos Committee]
[twitter.com/sickoscommittee/status/…](https://twitter.com/sickoscommittee/status/…)
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**Bears notebook dump as Week 11 approaches**
While I don’t think Olamide Zaccheaus’ dropped passes from last week will cost him a job, I feel like rookie Luther Burden III has earned a larger piece of the snap share.
I don’t know exactly what OZ does that Luther doesn’t, but I hope the rookie is watching the vet, taking notes, and figuring out how to get more involved. Playing time is earned, not given.
My biggest takeaway from Week 10 after a rewatch is that the Bears are capable of beating anybody on any given Sunday—and also capable of losing to anyone. That’s not an earth-shattering thought; it’s just a feature of the NFL in 2025. Just look at the Bills losing to the Dolphins last week.
*(Photo caption)*
Nov 9, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears running back Kyle Monangai (25) celebrates with teammates after a touchdown during the first half against the New York Giants at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks / Imagn Images
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**Nahshon Wright’s impact**
Every time I think Nahshon Wright isn’t long for this team, he makes a play.
– Interception in Week 1
– Key fumble recoveries against the Commanders and Giants
The guy has a knack for making surprisingly good plays. It would be great for his coverage to improve ahead of Sunday’s game against the Vikings, where he will likely match up with Justin Jefferson or Jordan Addison.
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**Jaxson Dart’s tough season**
I left Week 10’s Bears-Giants game wishing that Jaxson Dart was on my fantasy team. He is fun to watch. But then I realized Sunday’s trip to concussion protocol wasn’t his first this season.
While losing to Chicago in an unimaginable way might have contributed to Brian Daboll losing his job, how Daboll handled his rookie quarterback could have been a bigger factor.
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**Appreciating Paul Tagliabue’s legacy**
I hope NFL fans appreciate what the late Paul Tagliabue did as the league’s commissioner.
The NFL isn’t what it is today without Mr. Tagliabue’s contributions. The league’s size and success today owe a lot to the foundation he laid down. He brought expansion, advanced an entertaining product, and made notable philanthropic contributions—a tremendous legacy for a top-tier commissioner.
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### More Bears from Bleacher Nation:
– Go Ad-Free | Subscribe to the BN Newsletter
– **Big Win Wednesday**
Play a 4+ leg entry ($10+) and get $5 in bonus funds automatically. All users eligible—bonuses delivered Thursday.
Build your winning lineup: [https://t.co/yIyH4ZdPpO](https://t.co/yIyH4ZdPpO)
[twitter.com/BN_Fantasy_/status/…](https://twitter.com/BN_Fantasy_/status/…)
– Jed Hoyer Discusses the Shōta Imanaga Options Decisions
[twitter.com/BleacherNation/status/…](https://twitter.com/BleacherNation/status/…)
– Good News: The Chicago Bulls Could Have A Lot of Wins Coming Up
[twitter.com/BN_Bulls/status/…](https://twitter.com/BN_Bulls/status/…)
– Lots of Olympics buzz about Connor Bedard making the 🇨🇦 roster, but let’s not sleep on #Blackhawks goalie Spencer Knight making a strong case for the 🇺🇸 roster.
[twitter.com/BN_Blackhawks/status/…](https://twitter.com/BN_Blackhawks/status/…)
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Thanks for reading—and hopefully, your step count climbs back up soon!
https://www.bleachernation.com/bears/2025/11/12/bears-notes-nov-12-2025/
