ST.BREAKING: Mike Tomlin didn’t hide from the truth after the crushing loss to the Bears — and his words about Mason Rudolph hit with the weight of the entire night.
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Pittsburgh Steelers head coach addressed how he thought quarterback Mason Rudolph played in Week 12 against the Chicago Bears.
Quarterback Mason Rudolph completed a high percentage of his passes for the Pittsburgh Steelers in his first start of the 2025 NFL season. But Rudolph didn’t throw for very many yards and turned the ball over twice in a 31-28 loss to the Chicago Bears on Sunday.
Head coach Mike Tomlin addressed how he felt Rudolph performed in place of the injured Aaron Rodgers in Week 12.
“I thought he was game. He always is. He made plays for us, particularly in the fourth quarter,” Tomlin told reporters. “But as a collectively, him included, we didn’t do enough to win.”
Rudolph completed 24 of 31 passes for 171 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He also took two sacks, one of which resulted in a lost fumble.
Rudolph averaged just 5.5 yards per attempt.
Mason Rudolph, Steelers Fall Short in Chicago
Rudolph threw an interception on his first pass of the afternoon. He and the offense then responded with a 13-play, 95-yard drive, though, to tie the game at seven.
Rudolph connected with D.K. Metcalf on a 6-yard swing toss for the score, which was a backwards lateral and counted as a Metcalf rushing touchdown.
But the Steelers offense didn’t have a really strong drive again until the fourth quarter.
While trailing by 10 points, Rudolph orchestrated a 17-play, 73-yard drive to pull within three midway through the fourth quarter. The Steelers had an opportunity to put together a go-ahead or game-tying drive twice after that. But the offense stalled both times.
In the final minute of regulation, the Steelers were about 10 yards outside of fringe-Chris Boswell field goal territory. But they gained just four yards on the next three plays, and then Rudolph threw an incomplete pass on fourth-and-six.
On the drive before that, Rudolph had a long run to convert a third down, but an illegal formation penalty wiped out the big gain.
The Steelers rushed for a season-high 186 and average 5.2 yards per carry. But with Rudolph making his first start, the team averaged just 4.8 yards per pass.
Will Aaron Rodgers Start in Week 13 versus Bills?
Rudolph practiced with the first-team offense throughout the week before the Steelers face the Bears. Yet, pundits still considered his start surprising.
Rodgers entered Sunday questionable with a fracture in his left wrist. Rodgers practiced in limited fashion Thursday and Friday.
Tomlin explained to reporters after Sunday’s loss that Rodgers was ready to play, but that he made the “prudent” decision.
“Certainly, it wasn’t a fluid week for [Rodgers],” Tomlin said. “It was a fluid week for Mason in terms of reps and so forth. And so, I think it will be in our rearview as we move forward. I’m hopeful of that.”
Tomlin said at the beginning of his postgame press conference that he anticipates Rodgers being ready to start next Sunday against the Buffalo Bills. But when asked a specific follow-up question on Rodgers, Rudolph and Week 13, Tomlin declined to elaborate further.
“I’ll talk to you guys about next week, next week,” Tomlin said. “I’m here to analyze what just transpired.”
By all accounts, Rodgers was close to playing Sunday. So, with one more week of rest and practice repetitions, the safe assumption is Rodgers will be ready to return in Week 13.
The Steelers might have to beat the Bills to stay in a tie for first place of the AFC North. With Sunday’s loss in Chicago, the Steelers dropped into a first-place tie with the Baltimore Ravens at the top of the division.
The Ravens will face the Cincinnati Bengals on Thanksgiving night.
BREAKING NEWS: Boston Red Sox Legend Wade Boggs Faces Cancer Battle – A True Champion’s Strength On and Off the Field
Boston, MA – In a heartbreaking revelation that has left the baseball community rallying behind him, Boston Red Sox legend Wade Boggs is courageously battling cancer. Known for his exceptional batting skills, baseball IQ, and leadership during his time with the Red Sox, Boggs is now facing one of the most personal battles of his life, with the same resilience and determination that defined his Hall of Fame career.
Boggs, 64, made his mark as one of the greatest hitters in Major League Baseball history, playing for the Red Sox from 1982 to 1992. A five-time batting champion, Boggs was known for his exceptional plate discipline, consistently hitting for both average and power. His role as a cornerstone of the Red Sox lineup during the 1980s and early 1990s earned him a place in the hearts of fans, and his legacy with the team remains as strong as ever.
As Boggs faces this difficult journey, his strength and character have been an inspiration to all who know him. While the specifics of his diagnosis have remained private, the outpouring of support from former teammates, fans, and the baseball community has been overwhelming.
“Wade Boggs is not just a legend in Boston, he’s one of the best to ever play the game,” said Boston Red Sox general manager Chaim Bloom. “His batting prowess, leadership, and commitment to the team were unparalleled. Now, as he fights this personal battle, he continues to show the same strength and determination that made him a Hall of Famer. Our thoughts and prayers are with him, and we’re here to support him through every step of this.”
Boggs’s career was defined not only by his skills at the plate but also by his leadership and consistency. A member of the 3,000-hit club, Boggs’ influence on the Red Sox during their most successful seasons of the 1980s and early 1990s is still felt today. His tenacity in the batter’s box and his disciplined approach to hitting made him one of the most feared hitters in the league, and his commitment to the game left an indelible mark on the Red Sox and MLB.
In a statement shared with the media, Boggs expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support he’s received from fans, teammates, and the baseball community. “Cancer is a tough opponent, but I’ve faced challenges before,” Boggs shared. “I have an incredible family, a great group of friends, and a fan base that has always been there for me. I’m taking it one day at a time and focusing on staying positive and trusting the process.”
Boggs’s family has been a source of strength throughout his fight, offering their unwavering support. “Dad has always been our role model, and now it’s our turn to be there for him,” said Boggs’s daughter, Danielle. “We’re in this together, as a family.”
The baseball community has rallied behind Boggs, with messages of support pouring in from former players, coaches, and fans. “Wade Boggs is a true legend of the game,” said former Red Sox manager John Farrell. “His professionalism, his work ethic, and his love for the game set a standard for everyone who played with him. To see him face this fight with the same heart and passion he showed on the field is truly inspiring.”
As Boggs continues his treatment, his message of hope and perseverance has resonated with fans across the country. His fight has become a symbol of resilience, reminding everyone of the power of community and unwavering spirit.
“Every day is a gift,” Boggs said. “I’ve had an incredible life, and I’m thankful for every moment. Now, I’m focused on the next chapter, taking it one day at a time, with the love and support of my family and friends.”
