The Pittsburgh Steelers fell to 6-5 on the 2025 season after losing 31-28 at Soldier Field to the Chicago Bears on Sunday. In the Week 12 contest, the Steelers went into halftime with a 21-17 lead, but were unable to hold it in the second half. With starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers out due to a left wrist injury, Mason Rudolph stepped in, but struggled to deliver. The Bears took advantage of key mistakes and second-half momentum, leaving the Steelers with a narrow defeat. Pittsburgh also lost their lead in the AFC North following the loss to the Bears on Sunday.
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Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger later expressed that he has lost faith in the Pittsburgh coaching staff. He did not directly mention Head Coach Mike Tomlin, Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith, or Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin, but the failure to make effective halftime adjustments falls primarily on them. The lack of strategic changes in the second half highlighted a disconnect between game planning and execution.
Roethlisberger, on his podcast Footbahlin, explained that his frustration goes beyond the latest loss, stemming from a growing concern over the direction of the team. The missed opportunities and inability to capitalize on opponent weaknesses have raised serious questions about the Steelers’ ability to compete at a high level. For fans, this represents a warning sign that the team may need major adjustments if it hopes to contend in the playoff race. The only issue is that Roethlisberger isn't confident Tomlin and his crew can figure it out.
"Yes, and our halftime adjustments, or lack thereof," Roethlisberger said. "We talk about it. I feel like if we go into a half up 10 or less like we are gonna be in trouble because I am nervous about our halftime adjustments, or lack thereof or whatever. Like we need to be up 20 something at halftime."
Roethlisberger’s comments have drawn attention because they highlight a broader concern within the Steelers organization. His criticism of halftime adjustments points to what many fans and analysts have noticed this season: the team often starts strong but struggles to maintain consistency as games progress.
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Steelers quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph get ready to walk out onto the field before a game in the 2025 NFL season.
With Rudolph under center in place of Rodgers, those challenges were magnified. The Steelers’ inability to respond to in-game developments allowed the Bears to seize momentum, scoring key points and ultimately snatching the win. For a team that has relied heavily on disciplined coaching and precise execution in past seasons, these struggles are particularly concerning.
The issue is not limited to the quarterback position. The offensive line and skill positions were tasked with adapting on the fly, yet their efforts could not overcome the lack of guidance coming from the coaching staff during halftime. While Roethlisberger avoided directly calling out Tomlin, Smith, or Austin, his words clearly indicate that leadership decisions are under scrutiny.
Fans have long trusted the Steelers to make the right moves in critical moments, but the combination of missed adjustments, inconsistent play, and close losses like the one against Chicago is testing that faith. The broader implication is that without immediate improvement, the Steelers could find themselves on the outside looking in when the playoff race tightens in the final weeks of the season.
Steelers Could Be Lacking Proper Halftime Guidance
Beyond the technical aspects, Roethlisberger’s remarks serve as a warning for morale and team culture. Veteran players and emerging leaders alike look to coaching for direction and confidence during high-pressure situations, and any perception that halftime guidance is falling short can ripple through the locker room.
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Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin and then-quarterback Ben Roethlisberger celebrate after winning the AFC Championship Game to move onto the Super Bowl.
With the Steelers now at 6-5, every remaining game carries added weight, and the need for clarity and decisive action is more urgent than ever. How the staff responds in the coming weeks will define the team’s season.
Do you have confidence that the Steelers' coaching staff can turn things around? Why or why not? 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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