The Pittsburgh Steelers are starting to get back on track after a big 34-12 win against the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals. Despite that, there is uncertainty at who will play quarterback in Week 12, as Aaron Rodgers is questionable with a fractured hand. Mason Rudolph has shown the ability to step in and get the job done when needed, so he will be preparing like he will be the starter throughout the week. Either way, every game from here on out is a big one to stay ahead in the AFC North race.
Sebastian Foltz / Post-Gazette
Steelers' Mason Rudolph hypes up the crowd in a home game in Pittsburgh.
There will be a great coaching matchup on display as Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith will try to break down the great tactics of Dennis Allen and the Chicago Bears' defense. Both of them are exceptional play-callers on their side of the ball, and they have gained a lot more respect have their struggles as head coach. This will be a matchup to watch throughout the contest, but not just for the football IQ.
At the end of the 2023-2024 season, Smith and Allen coached against each other while the former was leading the Atlanta Falcons and the latter was leading the New Orleans Saints. That game ended with Atlanta's head coach cussing out the other for a fake victory formation that led to a needless touchdown to run up the score in a meaningless game.
Wait I just realized we've got Arthur Smith's Steelers offense vs. Dennis Allen's Bears defense this week let's gooooo https://t.co/IfJaFDxUut
— Brian Batko (@BrianBatko) November 19, 2025
Despite the low stakes and the fact that 41-17 and 48-17 are not very different, it was still embarrassing to think the clock is running down and the season is ending only to just let a division rival walk right into the end zone. Allen claimed that the players overruled him and ran a play so running back Jamaal Williams could finally score a touchdown, but it didn't make Smith any less angry.
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Steelers' Arthur Smith before a game as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons.
Despite being in different conferences now, it would not be surprising for Smith to still remember what happened on that day and want revenge on Allen. He may just want to run up the score on the Bears, no matter who is playing quarterback for them. His offense has mostly been conservative during the 2025 season, but that could change in an instant. Hate and anger are great motivators in the NFL.
This could be the week where DK Metcalf finally shows why the Steelers traded for him and paid him so much, or where Roman Wilson gets targeted more often as he creates separation, or where any other supposed offensive issue gets fixed against this strong Bears defense. The opportunities are endless when you have the desire to drop 50 points on an opponent.
Steelers Could Also Be Victims Of Revenge Game
On the other side, the Bears have not forgotten about how Rodgers would torment them during his time with the Green Bay Packers. They remember him shouting "I still own you" during a game as he scored a touchdown. If he does play, they would love nothing more than to make him miserable in the pocket and take away his ownership of their franchise.
USA Today
Former Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers scoring a touchdown against formal division rival, the Chicago Bears
Even if Rodgers doesn't play, the Bears are likely reminding each other of how he tortured their franchise for over a decade, which could translate to Rudolph getting punished if he has to start. Of course, Smith won't let his offense die quietly after what Allen did to him on January 7th, 2024. Revenge vs. revenge. This game could result in a huge momentum swing for either team as they look to make someone on the other team regret what he did in the past.
What do you think about Smith possibly holding a grudge against Allen? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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