Steelers fall to Bears 31-28 as Rudolph struggles without Rodgers in lineup

The Pittsburgh Steelers fell to the Chicago Bears 31-28 in a tightly contested matchup, marked by critical turnovers and a missed opportunity in the final moments.

Why it matters: This loss highlights ongoing challenges for the Steelers as they navigate quarterback Mason Rudolph's performance while Aaron Rodgers remains sidelined due to injury.

What’s new: The game featured a pivotal moment early on when Rudolph threw an interception on his first pass attempt, targeting wide receiver DK Metcalf.

• Rudolph completed 24 of 31 passes for 171 yards with one touchdown but also had an interception and a fumble.
• The turnover on downs late in the game prevented the Steelers from attempting a game-tying field goal.

Between the lines: The Steelers inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities ultimately led to their downfall.

• They turned the ball over on downs twice during the game, allowing the Bears to score 21 points off turnovers.
• With just 1:29 left, the Steelers failed to reach field goal range, sealing their fate with 17 seconds remaining on the clock.

Yes, but: While Rudolph's performance showed flashes of promise, his early mistake set the tone for the game.

• "Just trying to give DK a 50/50 shot there to start the game," said Rudolph reflecting on the interception.
• Head coach Mike Tomlin acknowledged the impact of these errors, stating, "I'll talk to you guys about next week, next week. I'm here to analyze what just transpired."

What to watch: The focus now turns to Rodgers’ potential return next week against the Cincinnati Bengals.

• Tomlin expressed confidence in Rodgers’ recovery: "I anticipate him being ready for next week. It was a prudent decision to make."
• Despite missing this week’s game, Tomlin believes that Rodgers does not need extensive practice to be prepared.

The bottom line: As the Steelers grapple with injuries and inconsistent play, their upcoming match against the Bengals could be pivotal for their season.

• Center Zach Frazier noted the preparation for both quarterbacks, emphasizing confidence in the team’s readiness regardless of who is under center.
• The Steelers must regroup quickly to avoid falling further behind in the competitive AFC landscape.