T.J. Watt Laments Major Steelers Defensive Issue After Bears Defeat: ‘Same Story’
In a lot of ways, the Pittsburgh Steelers defense put together a strong effort on the road against the Chicago Bears. T.J. Watt and company held the league’s No. 2 run offense to 99 yards and forced two takeaways. One of those turnovers resulted in a touchdown recovery.
But one problem still plagued the Steelers defense.
The Bears went 7-for-13 on third down. It was the sixth time in the past seven games that an opponent converted at least six third downs against the Steelers defense.
Watt addressed that issue in front of reporters after the team’s Week 12 loss in Chicago.
“A lot of second-and-longs that I can remember that either turned into third-and-shorts and were converted or were converted from second-and-long,” Watt told the media. “Same story, man. Gotta get off the field.”
Entering Week 12, the Steelers defense had allowed the third-most third-down conversions in the NFL this season. At 41.7%, the team also came into Sunday ranked 25th in third-down conversion rate allowed.
Chicago converted 53.8% of its third downs in Week 12. The Bears were also 1-for-1 on fourth down.
Steelers Defense Struggling on Third Down
Head coach Mike Tomlin often talks about the possession downs. The Steelers offense has improved a little bit on third down after a rough couple weeks in October.
But the defense has continued to be just average, at best, on stopping third downs.
From Weeks 8-11, the Steelers never allowed an opponent to convert more than half of their third downs. But the Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts, Los Angeles Chargers and Cincinnati Bengals all extended drives in some key instances. It resulted in more plays and time of possession against the Steelers defense.
Against the Packers and Chargers, the Pittsburgh defense eventually wore down in losses.
The opposite actually happened Sunday in Chicago. The Steelers offense controlled possession for much of the fourth quarter. That helped the Steelers defense post a couple three-and-outs in the final stanza.
But it wasn’t enough. The Bears converted seven of their first 11 third-down tries on their way to scoring 31 points.
T.J. Watt Creates Splash Play in Losing Effort
Watt hasn’t had as many game-changing plays in 2025 as past years. Early in the second quarter Sunday, though, Watt created pressure on Bears quarterback Caleb Williams.
The Steelers edge rusher knocked the ball out in the end zone. Fellow edge rusher Nick Herbig recovered the fumble for a touchdown.
The play gave the Steelers a 14-7 lead. Pittsburgh recorded another takeaway in the second quarter. But the offense couldn’t take advantage of that opportunity.
The Steelers failed to take a two-possession lead, and with a stalled offense in the third quarter, the Bears used their third-down conversion rate to go ahead by 10.
Chicago recorded 328 offensive yards, including 229 passing yards. While not overly impressive totals for the Steelers defense, the Bears were under their offensive average for the season.
But Chicago’s third-down conversion rate was higher than the offense has posted this season. Williams and the Bears offense on third down was a big reason why they were able to overcome Watt’s forced fumble and the other turnover.
Buccaneers Dealt Major Blow With Injury to QB Baker Mayfield
When it comes to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and injuries in 2025, it seems like things can always get worse.
The latest and most concerning injury came in Week 12 as the Buccaneers were getting blown out by the Los Angeles Rams in Week 12, with quarterback Baker Mayfield appearing to injure his left shoulder on a Hail Mary attempt to end the first half and being forced to leave the game.
Mayfield did not return to the field in the second half, with the Buccaneers trailing 31-7. Veteran backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater came in to take Mayfield’s place.
“Bucs QB Baker Mayfield, who hit the turf in pain right before the half, is doubtful to return with a left shoulder injury,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport wrote on his official X account on November 23.
Mayfield appeared to hurt his left shoulder on a run earlier in the first half and had to go in the medical tent to get it examined before returning to the field.
The Buccaneers were 6-4 and losers of 2 consecutive games headed into the game against the Rams. Mayfield was officially ruled out toward the end of the third quarter.
“Buccaneers have ruled out Baker Mayfield for tonight due to a left shoulder injury,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter wrote on his official X account. “Baker Mayfield is on the sideline with his left arm in a sling.”
Mayfield Hasn’t Missed Game With Buccaneers
Mayfield has been one of the NFL’s most durable contracts in his first 3 seasons as the starter for the Buccaneers and hasn’t missed a game since signing a 1-year, $3 million contract before the 2023 season.
The game against the Rams was his 48th consecutive start for Tampa Bay, including regular season games and playoff games.
Mayfield, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft by the Cleveland Browns, actually played part of one season for the Rams in 2022 before coming to the Buccaneers.
He made the first 2 Pro Bowls of his career in 2023 and 2024, when he led Tampa Bay to consecutive NFC South Division titles. The Buccaneers signed Mayfield to a 3-year, $100 million contract in March 2024.
There was some criticism of having Mayfield even attempt a Hail Mary at the end of the first half — the pass came up about 20 yards short of the end zone.
“There was no point in trying to have Baker Mayfield heave the 70-yard Hail Mary at the end of the half,” Check the Mic’s Steve Palazollo wrote on his official X account.
Injuries Have Decimated Roster for Buccaneers
The Buccaneers entered the 2025 season as NFC contenders and seemed to be living up to that through the first month of the season before injuries completely decimated the roster.
The Buccaneers were not only missing Mayfield, but missing NFL All-Pro wide receiver Mike Evans (collarbone) and 1,000-yard rusher and second year running back Bucky Irving (shoulder) against the Rams.
Another NFL All-Pro wide receiver Chris Godwin returned against the Rams after missing the previous 5 games and has missed 8 games due to injury this season. Godwin, who signed a 3-year, $66 million contract in March, had just 2 receptions for 9 yards headed into the fourth quarter against the Rams.
