The Chicago Bears return home to Soldier Field on Sunday, welcoming the Pittsburgh Steelers for a pivotal Week 12 matchup. Currently riding a three-game winning streak, Chicago has a chance to put together their second four-game winning streak of the season if they’re victorious over Pittsburgh, who is also atop their division in the AFC North.
In their seven wins so far this year, the Bears have put together five comeback victories in the fourth quarter, giving themselves a chance no matter the circumstances late in games. It’s been quite the turnaround for Chicago, who just one year ago were going through several coaching changes and a 10-game losing streak. Now, they sit atop the NFC North with plenty of season left to prove themselves as a worthy playoff contender.
That journey will continue on Sunday as they take on a Steelers team that has been up and down most of the season, and they have questions about the status of quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who has had plenty of success against Chicago. Here are the top three reasons for optimism as the Bears look to keep their winning ways going on Sunday.
Pending returns in the secondary
After being without both of them for most of this season, the Bears could be closing in on getting cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon this weekend. Chicago could push their superstar defensive backs into the lineup with all three of their starting linebackers ruled out for the game, moving players around in Dennis Allen’s defense. Johnson and Gordon are both questionable heading into the game. Nahshon Wright, Tyrique Stevenson and C.J. Gardner-Johnson have done a fine job stepping up without Gordon and Johnson this season, but if they get back on the field Sunday, they could help cover up the linebacker absences.
Offense continues to click
To begin the season, the Bears’ the biggest offensive concern was finding rhythm and the abundance of penalties that plagued momentum each and every week. Those issues have started to work themselves out, with the penalties being reduced over the past few weeks and new offensive contributors popping up each week. The offensive line continues to improve, while quarterback Caleb Williams is doing all that he can to not only keep his team competitive, but to put them in position to win the game no matter the situation. The Steelers defense has turned it up lately, but they still rank near the bottom of the league and Chicago should have plenty of opportunity to put up plenty of points against them.
Pittsburgh’s QB situation
It would be disrespectful to say that if he is in the lineup, Aaron Rodgers’ previous success will be the sole reason for the Bears demise on Sunday. If he were to play, Rodgers would be coming in banged up and having already thrown seven interceptions this season. He’s regressed to a point, and the passing offense of Pittsburgh currently ranks 22nd in the league, averaging less than 200 yards per game. If Mason Rudolph is in the game for Pittsburgh, it should significantly increase the defense’s ability to get after the passing game and take advantage of the backup.
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