Stacking wins in the NFL isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. They build momentum, confidence, and, most importantly, postseason positioning. And right now, the Pittsburgh Steelers know exactly what’s at stake.
Mike Tomlin’s group has scratched and clawed its way to relevance, and while the season has had its share of highs and lows, the mission remains the same: extend their campaign into January. A win over the Chicago Bears would push that goal even closer to reality.
But it won’t be gifted to them. Tomlin is treating this matchup with complete seriousness, and that includes preparing for one of the league’s brightest young stars—Caleb Williams.
The sophomore quarterback isn’t new to pressure. He’s lived in it. His explosive collegiate career at USC put his star-level abilities on full display, turning him into one of the most hyped quarterback prospects of the last decade. His rookie season, however, was anything but smooth.
Turbulence, criticism, and growing pains shaped much of his first year in the league. But now, in Year Two, Williams looks exactly like the player many NFL scouts believed he would become.
He’s caught the attention of opponents across the league—and that includes Pittsburgh’s commander-in-chief. Tomlin didn’t hold back when discussing the challenge ahead.
“[I’m] really just impressed with his physical talent, his ability to throw the football with accuracy, his arm strength, and his ability to extend,” Tomlin said. “His capability and play extension is really challenging.”
Mike Tomlin knows the Pittsburgh Steelers must disrupt Caleb Williams
For Tomlin, usually reserved with praise for opponents, that’s a heavy bouquet of compliments. But it’s deserved. Williams has taken the Bears from afterthought to legitimate NFC threat. His leadership and playmaking have guided Chicago to an unexpected 7–3 record—a start very few imagined back in September.
Statistically, he’s proving his growth.
Williams ranks 13th in passing yards with 2,329 and is tied for 19th in passing touchdowns with 13. He’s also taken better care of the football, throwing just four interceptions while completing 59.7% of his passes. He’s not Peyton Manning, but he’s certainly someone you don’t dare underestimate.
The Steelers know firsthand that underestimating hungry quarterbacks is a dangerous game.
This week, Pittsburgh’s defense will have its hands full. Williams’ ability to break structure, extend plays, and create chaos could stress a Steelers unit that has been up and down all season. But those same tendencies also create opportunities—ill-timed throws, risky decisions, and windows for turnovers.
And if there’s one thing Pittsburgh loves more than anything on a Sunday afternoon, it’s forcing mistakes.
A stout defensive effort against a rising quarterback with something to prove sounds like a classic Steelers recipe: pressure up front, tight coverage behind it, and capitalizing on chances when they come. If Tomlin’s team can execute that formula, they won’t just contain Williams—they’ll put themselves in a strong position to walk out with a win.
Because in the NFL, wins aren’t just numbers in a column. They’re lifelines. And Mike Tomlin knows his team needs every single one they can get.