Who needs linebackers and defensive backs? Certainly not the Chicago Bears. At least they didn’t yesterday. The banged-up Bears defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers in another high-scoring affair, 31-28.
This win marks their eighth in nine games, going to 8-3 on the season. Pittsburgh falls to 6-5 with the loss after a 4-1 start. The journey to 9-8 is still on track for them.
Despite reports that he was pushing hard to play, Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers missed Sunday’s game at Soldier Field, much to everyone’s dismay as the Bears missed out on what was likely their final chance to get a win over their “owner”.
On the flip side, Chicago’s top three linebackers and three out of their top four cornerbacks were unable to play in the game, adding to the laundry list of defensive injuries for them this season.
This wasn’t a problem early in the game, though, as defensive back Nahshon Wright added another impressive interception to his tally this season, helping the Bears strike first on a touchdown pass to receiver D.J. Moore.
Chicago Bears defensive back Nahshon Wright (26) intercepts a pass against Pittsburgh Steelers receiver D.K. Metcalf (4) in the first quarter on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois (Mike Dinovo / Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images).
Pittsburgh responded with an endless barrage of swing passes on a 95-yard drive, culminating in a touchdown from D.K. Metcalf to tie the ballgame.
During this timeframe, commentators Ian Eagle and J.J. Watt were talking a lot about how well the Bears were doing at not giving the ball away. “The Bears don’t turn the ball over a lot,” they said. While the numbers certainly back this up, there is no defeating the announcer’s jinx.
Chicago’s next drive ended with quarterback Caleb Williams being stripped in the end zone by Steelers’ edge rusher T.J. Watt and recovered in the end zone by fellow edge rusher Nate Herbig.
They also fumbled on their next drive as running back D’Andre Swift lost the ball on a halfback dive. Fortunately, the Bears’ defense managed to come up with a stop on an awkward-looking quarterback sneak by the Steelers.
Chicago took advantage and marched down the field to tie the game again with a reception by rookie tight end Colston Loveland.
On Pittsburgh’s next drive, Chicago looked like they were going to get another fourth-down stop on a QB sneak, but this time they ran a fake that worked to perfection against a dumbfounded defense all the way to the one-yard line. Steelers backup Mason Rudolph threw a touchdown to Jaylen Warren to finish the job.
The Bears notched a 47-yard field goal to make the score 21-17, Steelers, going into halftime.
They continued to pack on some points after the break. Williams threw a dime to a a wide-open D.J. Moore for a touchdown pass, his second of the game. This play was redemption for Moore, as a couple of plays earlier, he committed an unacceptable taunting penalty. At least he backed up his trash talk.
The train kept rolling as defensive end Montez Sweat knocked the ball out of Rudolph’s hands to add another takeaway to the Bears’ impressive resume. Sweat said after the game, “I want to make those types of plays, so it feels good to get recognized.” Well, if you keep getting strip-sacks and living up to your contract, you’ll definitely keep getting recognized.
The fourth quarter opened up with rookie running back Kyle Monangai making good on this fumble with a rushing touchdown to extend the lead to 31-21.
The Steelers offense woke up again as Rudolph led his fellow reindeer to another long touchdown drive ending in a pass to the endzone for tight end Pat Freiermuth.
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) runs against the Chicago Bears’ defense during the second half of the game on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois (David Banks / David Banks-Imagn Images).
Nothing to worry about, though, the Bears had the ball with under two minutes to play, and one first down would ice the game. But here’s the thing: this was far too early for the 2025 Cardiac Bears to end a game, meaning they didn’t get a first down, and the Steelers had the ball again to tie or take the lead.
The Steelers slowly trudged down the field and came to a 4th and 6 at Chicago’s 47 with 21 seconds remaining. Rather than send kicker Chris Boswell out to tie the game, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin opted to trust his offense.
This strategy backfired as Rudolph’s pass was batted at the line by defensive back Jaquan Brisker. That’s right, the Bears won again. This time, against a team WITH a winning record.
They remain atop the NFC North despite having a negative point differential on the season. Is this a sustainable way to win games? Absolutely not, but it’s nice that they’re winning these games.
On Black Friday, the Bears will travel to Philadelphia to take on the 8-3, defending champion, hungry for a win, Eagles. This is easily Chicago’s biggest test so far, and possibly the biggest test they will face all season.
It’s always difficult to pull off an upset. But after all of these wins, we must remember what famous philosopher K.G. once said: “Anything is possible.”