CINCINNATI \u2013 First, lay plans which will ensure victory. <\/p>\n
Those famous words from Sun Tzu in the \u201cArt of War\u201d describe competition in its most basic form. Be prepared physically and mentally for the battle ahead.<\/p>\n
If there\u2019s one player on the Bengals most inclined to heed words of inspiration and preparation, it\u2019s C.J. Uzomah. He is always looking for that edge to help himself and teammates to handle the stress of competing in the NFL. <\/p>\n
Before heading out on the bye, he passed along his words of wisdom with rookie Ja\u2019Marr Chase about everyone taking responsibility and accountability for the loss to the Browns in Week 9. <\/p>\n
This week, he informed all of us that he spent time on helping himself remain in the moment, whether it\u2019s at home relaxing and enjoying others battle in the NFL or envisioning himself back on the field helping Joe Burrow and the offense regain their mojo. <\/p>\n
\u201cWatching games this Sunday and seeing how certain players and tight ends do certain things, I don\u2019t know I had a mental battle with myself in watching games on Thursday and Sunday. A lot of visualization went into this weekend,\u201d Uzomah said. \u201cI worked on some things mentally with breathing and I\u2019m excited to see how that unfolds for me personally and telling some of the guys about and see if it helps them, too.\u201d<\/p>\n
Battles won in the mind beforehand are often followed by battles won on the field. <\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m huge into visualization and taking a moment to be at ease with yourself,\u201d Uzomah said. \u201cThinking about you making a play, the early calls that we have. I like thinking about those while I\u2019m going to sleep. Closing my eyes and just envisioning what they could be and what defense they could be in. As the game progresses, you don\u2019t have those early calls. You\u2019re 10 plays deep into your third-and-shorts and your seven plays deep into your red zone packages. <\/p>\n
\u201cGoing through those and I was just closing my eyes and focusing on taking deep breaths and thinking about certain plays that we\u2019ve run already and going through film that way. I think it helps. There\u2019s this story I heard about a man who was in prison and the first thing he said he wanted to do is go to a specific golf course. He said he just thought about it and envisioned making a hole in one. The first thing he did was go to the golf course and it was like the 15th hole or something and he made a hole in one. The brain is powerful.\u201d<\/p>\n
But to put the brain to its most efficient use, it must be uncluttered, cleaned of noise or distractions from the outside. It is prudent to be concerned with one\u2019s own financial standing and future but not if it detracts or distracts from the group\u2019s goal of winning. Just ask safety Jessie Bates III, who was unsuccessful in landing a new deal like Sam Hubbard\u2019s in training camp. <\/p>\n
\u201cI think the biggest thing throughout this stretch is to really focus on the moment,\u201d Bates said. \u201cBe in the now and that\u2019s just talking obviously everything. Just be in the moment, know where your feet are and don\u2019t worry about the future as much.”<\/p>\n
\nHey Jessie! <\/p>\n
Watch on CBS pic.twitter.com\/Yb0lhK3RfN<\/a><\/p>\n
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) October 31, 2021<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n