Steelers: 3 reasons why the Bears game was closer than it should have been

1. Steelers Ray-Ray McCloud makes costly mistake

Pittsburgh was up by 10 with just over six minutes remaining in the game when the Bears punted the ball back to them. With an opportunity to drain clock in a two-possession game, Steelers’ returner Ray-Ray McCloud fumbled the ball and Chicago returned it for a touchdown.

For all of the mistakes Pittsburgh made on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball, that was the most pivotal moment that resulted in this being a tight contest. Special teams is 1/3 of the game, and though they don’t often get glory, their roles are pivotal.

The Steelers were winning the turnover battle 2:0 prior to that fumble and were en route to a comfortable victory. That one play changed the landscape of the game and forced Pittsburgh to squeeze out a victory.

Correcting these mistakes should be a lot less painful since the Steelers ultimately won the game, but they need to learn fast. In a tight division race with quality opponents remaining on the schedule, these type of mistakes can cost Pittsburgh games and their playoff hopes.