Bears Edge Steelers 31-28 in Thrilling Week 12 Showdown at Soldier Field

The Chicago Bears pulled off a stunning 31-28 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Soldier Field in Chicago — a game that felt like a playoff preview in November. With the clock winding down and the Steelers driving for a potential game-winning field goal, quarterback Kenny Pickett’s pass was tipped at the line by Montez Sweat, then intercepted by Bears safety Tyrone Wright — a play that sparked instant controversy, then silence. The win extended Chicago’s streak to four straight victories, keeping them atop the NFC North, while Pittsburgh’s playoff hopes took a brutal hit in the AFC North.

A Game of Momentum Swings and Controversial Calls

It didn’t take long for the drama to unfold. On Pittsburgh’s second drive, a fumble by Jaylen Warren was recovered by Bears linebacker Montez Sweat, setting up a 12-yard touchdown pass from Caleb Williams to DJ Moore. The crowd erupted. "They take the ball away better than anyone," said YouTube commentator Wheels in his reaction video. "We’re second best at that." And for once, Chicago wasn’t just good — they were elite.

But Pittsburgh didn’t flinch. Kenny Pickett responded with a 75-yard strike to rookie receiver George Pickens, tying the game at 7-7. The back-and-forth continued through the first half: a field goal by Chicago, a touchdown run by Warren, a pick-six by Bears cornerback Kyler Gordon — only to be overturned on review after a disputed sideline catch. The officials spent nearly four minutes deliberating. "One ref was saying he was inbounds," said analyst Ian on the broadcast. "I don’t know. This is going to be a discussion." The ruling stood: interception. The Bears kept the lead.

The Turning Point: Fourth Down and a Miracle

With 3:50 left in the third quarter, the Bears faced a 4th-and-3 from their own 42-yard line. Down 21-20, coach Matt Eberflus didn’t punt. He called a designed screen to DJ Moore. Caleb Williams dropped back, sold the play-action, then fired a dart — perfectly timed, perfectly placed. Moore slipped two tackles and turned it into a 28-yard gain. "That’s a quarterback and his receiver in sync," said the commentator at the 90-second mark of the highlights. "D.J. Moore. Steelers. Tremendous answer by Pittsburgh." But it wasn’t Pittsburgh’s answer — it was Chicago’s.

That drive ended with a 15-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jakeem Grant, giving the Bears a 27-21 lead. The Steelers answered quickly with a 12-play, 80-yard march capped by a 3-yard run from Warren. But the two-point conversion failed. The margin? One point. And the clock? Still ticking.

One Minute Left. Six Yards to Go.

With 58 seconds left, Pittsburgh had the ball at their own 34. They needed a field goal to tie, a touchdown to win. Pickett dropped back, looked left, then fired across the middle. The ball was tipped — again — by Sweat, this time by the fingertips of safety Tyrone Wright, who snagged it at the 40-yard line. The stadium exploded. Players collapsed. Fans screamed. The play was reviewed, but the ruling stood: interception. Game over.

"You’re in field range," the commentator had said earlier. "All you have to do is not go backwards, not turn the ball over. You at least tie the game." Pittsburgh did everything right — except protect the ball.

Why This Win Matters More Than the Record

The Bears improved to 9-3, their best start since 2018. But this wasn’t just about wins. It was about identity. For years, Chicago was known for late-game collapses, quarterback instability, and defensive lapses. Now? They’re the team that forces turnovers when it matters most — they lead the NFL with 24 takeaways this season. And they’ve got a young quarterback in Caleb Williams who’s playing like a veteran, with a 107.4 passer rating over his last five games.

Meanwhile, the Steelers fell to 8-4. Their offense looked sharp, but their protection was porous. Pickett was sacked three times and pressured on nearly half his dropbacks. They lost a critical divisional game on the road — and now face the Ravens and Bengals in their next two weeks. "This hurts," said Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin postgame. "We didn’t finish. That’s on us. Not the refs. Not the call. Us. We had chances. We didn’t take them."

What’s Next for Both Teams?

The Bears host the Lions next Sunday in a game that could clinch the NFC North. If they win, they’ll be the first team in the division to reach 10 wins this season. The Steelers, meanwhile, must win out to have a shot at the AFC’s No. 2 seed. Their schedule doesn’t get easier: home against Baltimore, then a road trip to Cincinnati — both teams with playoff aspirations.

The contrast couldn’t be starker. Chicago is building momentum. Pittsburgh is fighting to stay afloat.

Behind the Numbers: What the Stats Don’t Show

- Chicago Bears forced four turnovers — their most since 2021. Montez Sweat had 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble. DJ Moore caught 8 passes for 142 yards and two touchdowns. Caleb Williams threw for 321 yards and three TDs with no interceptions.

- Pittsburgh Steelers gained 412 total yards — but turned it over twice. Jaylen Warren rushed for 117 yards and a TD, but fumbled once. Kenny Pickett completed 27 of 38 passes, but had zero big plays after the 3rd quarter.

- The Bears’ defense held Pittsburgh to 3-of-12 on third downs. They forced three punts in the final 12 minutes.

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