With one final defensive stand, the Chicago Bears proved they’re no longer the team fans used to dread. On a chilly Sunday night at Soldier Field, quarterback Caleb Williams threw three touchdown passes to lead his team to a 31-28 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 12 of the 2025 NFL season. The win, sealed by a tipped pass in the final minute, wasn’t just another comeback — it was a statement. And it came with a side of irony: Aaron Rodgers, the Bears’ longtime nemesis and former franchise quarterback, watched from the sidelines, sidelined by injury.
A Late-Game Miracle, Not a Fluke
The Steelers, down by three with 58 seconds left, drove to the Bears’ 32-yard line. Quarterback Rudolph dropped back, fired toward the end zone — and the ball bounced off the outstretched hand of Bears defensive lineman Montez Sweat. Interception. Game over. The crowd erupted. Commentary from FOX Sports captured the moment perfectly: "They hold off the Steelers. This is not the same old Chicago Bears."
It wasn’t just defense that won it. Williams, the 2024 NFL Rookie of the Year, delivered under pressure. He connected with wide receiver DJ Moore for a 42-yard touchdown in the third quarter — a catch that silenced critics who’d pointed to Moore’s earlier drop issues. Later, with 8:12 left in the fourth, Williams found tight end Darnell Washington on a crossing route for the go-ahead score. The Bears had trailed 21-14 at halftime, but outscored Pittsburgh 14-0 in the second half.
Steelers’ Collapse in the Final Minutes
The Steelers’ offense, led by Rudolph, looked sharp early. They scored 14 points in the second quarter, including a 21-yard touchdown run by running back Najee Harris — though some broadcasts mistakenly referred to him as "Gainwell," a misidentification that briefly confused fans. But after a scoreless third quarter, Pittsburgh’s momentum stalled. Their final drive, which began at their own 25-yard line with 3:20 left, moved the ball efficiently. A 17-yard pass to Harris got them to midfield. Then, a 12-yard scramble by Rudolph put them inside Bears territory. But on third-and-six, the ball was tipped, and the Bears’ defense held.
"They needed six yards. They got six. But they didn’t get the catch," said ESPN analyst Marcus Jones. "That’s the difference between a playoff team and a team that’s just hanging on."
Bears’ Resurgence: From 4-1 to 8-3
Earlier this season, the Bears were 4-1 and looked like contenders. Then came a five-game stretch where they lost three — including a humiliating 34-10 defeat to the Packers. Fans feared a repeat of 2023’s collapse. But since Week 8, they’ve won six of seven, including four straight at home. Their 8-3 record now puts them atop the NFC North, one game ahead of the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions. They’re not just in the playoff picture — they’re leading it.
"This team started the year 4-1," said commentator Kevin Byars. "They dropped three of their last five. Now? They’re 8-1 in their last nine. That’s not luck. That’s leadership."
What’s Next for Both Teams?
The Bears next host a Friday night game on November 28, 2025, at Soldier Field — a rare midweek matchup against an opponent yet to be officially confirmed. A win there would put them at 9-3 and all but lock up a home playoff game. Meanwhile, the Steelers’ 6-5 record leaves them tied with the Baltimore Ravens for first in the AFC North. With the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns both at 3-8, the division is a two-team race — but Pittsburgh’s three road losses now loom large.
"They’ve got the talent," said former Steelers linebacker Jason Gildon. "But they’re playing like they’re afraid to win. The Bears? They’ve got belief. That’s the difference."
Behind the Scenes: Injuries and Strategy
Chicago was missing starting safety Johnson (first name unconfirmed), ruled out due to a groin injury. But their offensive creativity more than compensated. One key play featured motion across the formation, with three tight ends clearing space for a running back to catch a swing pass — a play designed to exploit Pittsburgh’s aggressive blitz packages. "They put the ball in his hands and he’s got three blockers in white jerseys out front," said the broadcast team. "That’s not just play-calling. That’s chess."
Williams, just 22 years old, now has 21 touchdown passes this season — second only to Patrick Mahomes in the NFC. After the game, he was asked if he wanted to speak to Rodgers, who once called him "a flash in the pan." "I hope we get a chance," Williams said with a smile. "I’d like to thank him for all the motivation."
Why This Matters
This wasn’t just a win. It was a turning point. The Bears, long synonymous with rebuilding and false hope, are now playing with poise. Williams is no longer a project — he’s the face of a franchise. And for the Steelers? Their window is narrowing. With Lamar Jackson and the Ravens breathing down their necks, every loss feels like a step backward.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Caleb Williams perform compared to Aaron Rodgers’ legacy with the Bears?
While Aaron Rodgers never won a playoff game with the Bears, Caleb Williams has already led Chicago to three comeback wins this season, including this 31-28 thriller. Williams’ 21 TD passes in 11 games outpace Rodgers’ best Bears season (2023: 18 TDs in 12 games). More importantly, Williams has shown poise under pressure — something Rodgers never fully delivered in Chicago. The emotional weight of beating the Steelers without Rodgers on the field adds symbolic weight to Williams’ rise.
What impact does this win have on the NFC North playoff race?
The Bears’ 8-3 record now gives them a one-game lead over the Packers and Lions in the NFC North. With only five games left, Chicago holds the tiebreaker over Green Bay due to a head-to-head win in Week 6. A win next Friday would all but clinch home-field advantage in the first round of the playoffs. The Bears haven’t hosted a playoff game since 2018 — this could be their first since then.
Why did the Steelers struggle in the second half?
Pittsburgh’s offense went silent in the third quarter, failing to score for the first time since Week 5. The Bears’ defensive line, led by Montez Sweat and rookie linebacker Tariq Woolen, pressured Rudolph relentlessly after halftime. The Steelers also missed two key blocks on third downs, forcing three punts in a row. Their running game, led by Najee Harris, was held to just 58 yards after halftime — down from 112 in the first half.
Is DJ Moore finally living up to his potential?
Yes. After dropping five passes in his first four games, Moore has caught 19 of 21 targets over the last five weeks, including three touchdowns. His 42-yard catch against the Steelers was his longest of the season and came on a perfectly thrown deep ball from Williams. Coaches say he’s now reading defenses better and trusting his hands. The Bears’ offense has become more explosive because of it.
What does this loss mean for the Steelers’ AFC North chances?
Tied at 6-5 with the Ravens, the Steelers now trail in the division tiebreaker due to a Week 4 loss to Baltimore. With three road games left — including a trip to Kansas City — their path to the playoffs is narrowing. A loss in Week 13 could put them a game behind the Ravens, and with only five games remaining, every win matters. They’ve lost three of their last four away games, and that’s becoming a fatal flaw.
Could this be the turning point for the Bears’ franchise?
Absolutely. The Bears haven’t had a winning season since 2020. Now, with Williams emerging as a true franchise QB, a top-10 defense, and a coaching staff that’s finally adapting to modern offenses, they’re not just competitive — they’re dangerous. Fans are filling Soldier Field again. Merchandise sales are up 47% since Week 8. This isn’t just a win — it’s the beginning of a new era.
