The Steelers will face a tough test on Sunday against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field.
The Bears are 7-3 and in first place in the NFC North and on a three-game win streak.
It's going to be a physical battle on both sides, something the Bears are preparing for.
"Really good Pittsburgh team coming in town Sunday," said Coach Ben Johnson. "Very physical, very well coached, all three phases. We're really excited about this opportunity."
The Bears weighed in on quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Coach Mike Tomlin and the defense.
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Coach Ben Johnson on if he would be disappointed if Aaron Rodgers didn't play since he has such a competitive spirit:
"Well, I'm not playing, so I'm okay. I've got a lot of respect for Aaron Rodgers. He's done this at a high level for an incredible amount of time. If he's ready to go this week, I would love nothing more than to compete against him."
Quarterback Caleb Williams on what he liked about Aaron Rodgers growing up:
"There's probably only a couple of quarterbacks in the world that have been able to spin the ball the way that he does. Growing up as a kid when you find and realize how hard it is to play this position you admire some of the things he's been able to do over the long career he has had. The way he's been able to spin the ball and put the ball in different places, whether on the run in the pocket, that's something I probably would say."
Johnson on if he has seen enough to know how the offense changes without Rodgers and with Mason Rudolph:
"I think it's too soon to say that. He got in for the second half of last game for a little bit. I think Arthur's (Smith) been doing this for a long time in Tennessee and Atlanta, so I think there's a pretty good track record of what he wants to be about.
"I just keep talking about the physicality, that's what this game's going to be on both sides of the ball, really, all three phases. That's what they are, that's what we believe we are as well. So we're going to have to counter that."
Williams on if he hopes Rodgers plays on Sunday:
"Yeah. You always want their best out there. He's one of the best in the world, and he's been one of the best in the world for however long he's been in the league. You always want to go versus the best when you play. I'll hopefully get to say what's up to him, shake his hand after."
Williams on what playing against Rodgers would mean to him:
"It'd be cool. But for me, it's not getting into the mindset of anything other than it's just another matchup. Then after the game you obviously give him his kudos and ask for any advice or anything like that. But during the game and before the game, it's us battling versus each other, going to war and trying to be 1-0 for our teams."
Johnson on what stands out about Mike Tomlin's success:
"The fact that he hadn't had a losing season. It's incredible. It's absolutely incredible to think that he's been a head coach as long as he has and just keeps churning out wins.
"He sets the bar very high and, nothing but respect for him, how he goes about his business. He holds his players accountable.
"I think you saw it even this week with some of the quotes talking about a player getting spit at and his reaction to it. I mean, he's 100% right as far as I'm concerned. I think he hit the nail on the head.
"He just keeps it real and authentic at all times. So, the players respect that. You can tell that they play hard.
"The film's always the resume of a coach is how I feel, and when his players are playing as hard and consistent as they do for as long as he's been doing it, I think that's a huge credit to him."
Williams on what stands out about the Steelers defense:
"They've got some guys on that side of the ball. They've got some vets. Then they also have some real vets that are playmakers. They just have playmakers on that side of the ball. Overall, the pass rush, the two guys, (T.J. Watt) 90 and (Nick Herbig) 51. Then they obviously have Jalen (Ramsey) and (Cameron) Heyward and Patrick (Queen), all these different types of players. You see why they've been where they've been for the past – I don't know how many years. They haven't really had a losing season in a bunch of years.
"It's a great challenge for us. We're excited to go out there and compete against them and show who we are."
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