Steelers Suddenly Have Massive Advantage Over The Bears In Week 12

The Pittsburgh Steelers have their own uncertain injury report to deal with ahead of the Week 12 contest against the Chicago Bears. As the Steelers prepare to head to Soldier Field to face off against the new regime led by Head Coach Ben Johnson and rising star quarterback Caleb Williams, all eyes will be on the Steelers’ defense to see if they can slow down the first-place NFC North Bears, who currently sit at 7-3. 

While the Steelers’ defense will need to bring their A-game, it was the offense that gained an edge in their Friday matchup against Chicago, showcasing schemes and versatility that could prove crucial on Sunday. However, it all depends on what happens at quarterback for Pittsburgh. Aaron Rodgers injured his left wrist in Week 11 and is listed as questionable for Week 12. If he cannot play, Mason Rudolph will get the start against the Bears.

The Bears’ injury report, posted on their official social media account, is not good news for them. Their top three linebackers, Tremaine Edmunds, TJ Edwards, and Noah Sewell, are all ruled out for Sunday’s game, while Bears star cornerback Jaylon Johnson is listed as questionable. This presents a unique opportunity for Steelers Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith to exploit mismatches and weaknesses in the Bears’ defense. With the linebacking corps depleted, the Bears could be vulnerable to both tight end play and the running game, giving the Steelers a strategic opening.

Smith should be ready to go all out targeting his tight ends, Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, and Jonnu Smith, who can create mismatches against a thin linebacker group. Incorporating a jumbo package with an extra offensive lineman can help establish the run game early in this contest. 

By attacking the middle of the field and using multiple personnel groupings, the Steelers can capitalize on the Bears’ injuries and tilt the game in their favor, giving Pittsburgh a chance to steal a win at Soldier Field. 

Smith should try to find more ways to get Washington open against a weakened Bears defense. It is not easy to bring down the 6'7", 311-pound tight end, especially without a full arsenal at inside linebacker.

The Steelers have not had much success playing in Chicago against the Bears in their history. The Bears are 14-1 in games played in Chicago against Pittsburgh, and the Steelers’ last win there came in the 1995 season.

Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers Literally Owns The Chicago Bears

Well, Rodgers has a much different story against the Bears. He owns an all-time record of 24-5 against Chicago during his 18 seasons with the Green Bay Packers. Rodgers even famously screamed into a camera after scoring a touchdown a few years ago that he still owned the Bears. 

That makes for an intriguing storyline if he is able to play, but his injury news adds even more drama and uncertainty to the matchup. While Rudolph makes the Steelers brass feel comfortable at quarterback, the NFL world and Steelers fans alike are eager to see Rodgers take the field against the Bears, adding another layer of anticipation to an already compelling Week 12 contest.

If you were Steelers Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith and you were reviewing the injury report for Week 12 against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field, how would you adjust your game plan to attack the Bears’ unfortunate injury situation? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me. I will respond!

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