Steelers vs. Bears Game Recap: Caleb Williams Leads Chicago Past Pittsburgh 31–28
The Chicago Bears continued their impressive run with a tight 31–28 home victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, highlighted by rookie quarterback Caleb Williams’ three-touchdown performance. The matchup had been anticipated not only for its playoff implications, but also for the possibility of seeing Williams face longtime Bears nemesis Aaron Rodgers. Instead, Rodgers remained sidelined with a broken left wrist, leaving veteran Mason Rudolph to lead Pittsburgh.
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A Missed Duel, but a Statement Win
Williams admitted he had hoped for a chance to share the field with Rodgers—who owns a dominant 25–5 career record against the Bears—but still valued the brief postgame meeting: “Right after the game, we ended up saying hello, get healthy and we'll go from there.”
Even Bears pass rusher Montez Sweat, who faced Rodgers years ago while with Washington, expressed disappointment over the missed rematch: “I would have loved to play Aaron Rodgers… Whoever’s out there, we got to do what we got to do.”
Rodgers, now 41 and set to turn 42 on December 2, practiced lightly late in the week but was ultimately held out. Pittsburgh entered the game tied atop the AFC North, but Rudolph’s sudden elevation to starter—announced just a day prior—made the challenge steeper.
Chicago Finds Rhythm After Early Struggles
The Bears, leaders of the NFC North at 8–3, have become synonymous with late-game comebacks this season. But this time, they built and protected their lead instead of chasing one. Williams overcame a shaky first half filled with overthrows, a lost fumble on a strip-sack by T.J. Watt, and lingering frustration from the previous week.
He described his mindset shift as crucial: “I wrote on my notes to stay positive for myself but also for the guys. I think I did a solid job with that this week.”
Williams finished 19 of 35 for 239 yards against a defense ranked last in the NFL in passing yards allowed.
Playmakers Step Up
Receiver DJ Moore bounced back in a big way after two quiet weeks, hauling in five receptions for 64 yards and two touchdowns—including a 25-yard score early in the third quarter that reclaimed the lead for Chicago.
Tight end Colston Loveland chipped in with a touchdown grab, while running back Kyle Monangai added a rushing score. Sweat recorded two sacks, further boosting a defense that delivered a crucial late stop.
With less than a minute remaining and Pittsburgh threatening near midfield, Jaquan Brisker tipped Rudolph’s fourth-down pass at the line to secure the win.
Pittsburgh’s Resilience Falls Just Short
Rudolph opened the game with an interception—Nahshon Wright picked off a deep shot intended for DK Metcalf—but settled in, completing 24 of 31 passes for 171 yards and a touchdown. Despite the loss, he expressed calm confidence in Pittsburgh’s long-term outlook: “There’s never been panic here… It’s a natural ebb and flow of the season.”
Running back Kenneth Gainwell delivered another strong performance, totaling 105 yards after a career-best showing the week before. Metcalf and Jaylen Warren each added rushing touchdowns to keep the game within reach.
Injuries Impact Both Sides
Pittsburgh dealt with several ailments: corner Joey Porter Jr. exited twice with leg and hip issues, Metcalf battled an ankle injury, and Broderick Jones suffered a late stinger.
Chicago lost linebacker Ruben Hyppolite and corner Tyrique Stevenson to shoulder and hip injuries, respectively, and Dominique Robinson entered concussion protocol.
What’s Next
The Steelers return home to host the Buffalo Bills, while the Bears prepare for a Friday matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Conclusion
The Bears’ 31–28 victory marks not just another entry in their ongoing resurgence, but a testament to their growing maturity under Caleb Williams. Chicago has learned how to win high-pressure games—whether by staging dramatic comebacks or, as they proved on this occasion, by establishing a lead and defending it with grit.
Pittsburgh, despite the loss and the absence of Aaron Rodgers, showed resolve and adaptability, attributes that could keep them firmly in the AFC playoff conversation.
As the season intensifies, this matchup may be remembered less for the quarterback who couldn’t play, and more for the one who is rising fast—showing Chicago that their future might finally be taking shape.
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