Last meeting
Jerome Bettis rushed for 101 yards and two touchdowns to help the Steelers knock off the Bears, 21-9, on Dec. 11, 2005.

Streaks
Pittsburgh has won the past three meetings to trim Chicago's overall series lead to 16-7-1.

Last week
Ben Roethlisberger expertly drove the Steelers down the field on the opening possession of overtime as Pittsburgh beat Tennessee, 13-10. ... Jay Cutler threw four interceptions and the Bears suffered a 21-15 defeat at the hands of the rival Packers.

Keep your eye on ...

Matt Forte bouncing back: Expectations are high for the second-year running back out of Tulane after he ammased 1,711 total yards in his rookie season. Forte struggled with only 55 total yards in Week 1 against the Packers and his job gets no easier against the Steelers, who have one of the league's best rushing defenses.

Cutler's leadership ability: While the Bears quarterback took some heat for throwing four interceptions in his regular-season debut last week, it was his postgame press conference that drew the ire of former coaches Jim Mora and Mike Martz. Culter seemed disinterested in the session and did not comport himself properly, said Mora and Martz. The pressure is on Cutler in Chicago to show he can perform and lead.

The Steelers' pass protection: The team's biggest weakness last season appears to be its biggest weakness this year. The unit was overmatched at times against Tennessee and must improve if Roethlisberger and RB Willie Parker are to stay healthy. Pittsburgh did catch a break with the Bears being without LB Brian Urlacher for the rest of the season with a wrist injury.

Did you know?
When Roethlisberger has a 100-plus passer rating, the Steelers are 29-2 (including the playoffs). ... Since 2007, Pittsburgh leads the NFL with 87 sacks. ... When Bears CB Charles Tillman has an interception, the team is 14-5.

Originally Posted by James Deuce in the Shoutbox