Cubs’ Craig Counsell reveals one silver lining in NLDS Game 5 loss to Brewers
The Chicago Cubs lost Game 5 of their National League Division Series against the Milwaukee Brewers 3-1, concluding their 2025 season. In what was a tame loss, the Cubs did not score in the first inning for the first time in the series and were held to just six baserunners through the game.
However, manager Craig Counsell still managed to find a silver lining.
“I’m disappointed, I’m sad. I think this team did a lot to honor the Chicago Cub uniform in the big picture. That’s how I feel, but what did we do wrong tonight is what we get stuck on, so it’s hard to get past that right now,” he said post-game, per Marquee Sports Network.
William Contreras opened the scoring with a first-inning solo homer as Seiya Suzuki brought things level in the second inning. Contreras’s shot made it five straight games with a first-inning homer in the series.
Regardless, Milwaukee reclaimed the lead on a go-ahead solo homer and added insurance when Brice Turang homered after what has proven to be a rough series. The Cubs’ best chance came in the sixth when two reached with none out, but Aaron Ashby struck out Tucker and the rally stalled.
Chad Patrick bridged five outs to Abner Uribe, who secured a two-inning save, allowed only a walk, and finished a nine-pitch ninth.
“That’s a good baseball team. It’s a team that deserves and earned their way for the right to go to the World Series.” Counsell said post-game, clearly proud of his team, per MLB.com.
Regardless, the Cubs end what will be viewed as a successful season. Finishing 92-70, the Cubs produced their first season since 2018 with more than 90 wins and qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 2020. The win snapped Milwaukee’s recent one-and-done October pattern and sent them to the NLCS vs. the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Week 6 could be season-defining game for this struggling Steeler
As the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare to return to action Sunday against the Cleveland Browns, one inevitable matchup looms large. Browns edge rusher Myles Garrett is once again leading a strong defensive line in Cleveland, even if the team's 1-4 record doesn't reflect it.
The Steelers' offensive line will be tasked with giving Aaron Rodgers the time required to dissect the opposing secondary, with whoever Garrett is lined up across from shouldering the biggest responsibility.
While the former DPOY does move around a bit, he has primarily lined up on the defensive right side, meaning it will be left tackle Broderick Jones who must handle him in most scenarios. The struggling tackle knows just how difficult this week could be for him, and how he performs could define his third season in Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh Steelers' Broderick Jones has opportunity to change the narrative around his 2025 season
Jones' struggles this season are well-documented, most notably his three sacks allowed in Week 1 against the New York Jets. He has settled down quite a bit since then, but noticeably bad reps are still littered throughout his tape.
He has failed to show the promise he did as a prospect ever since the Steelers drafted him in the first round of the 2023 NFL draft. His athletic tools and natural ability are still evident when watching him, but his blocking technique and football IQ have yet to reach the level of his physical talents.
Keeping Garrett at bay is a tall task for even the most polished pass protectors the NFL has to offer, let alone a struggling young player like Jones. The NFL, just like life, is rarely fair, though. Expecting him to truly win the matchup this week is a tough ask, but at least battling and getting a few clear wins could go a long way towards building his confidence.
Self-belief is an underrated aspect of playing offensive line. Nobody really talks about you when you just do your job; it's only when you make an obvious mistake that you get noticed in the trenches.
Jones needs to string together clean games to settle in as the potential long-term answer at left tackle, and doing it against an All-Pro like Garrett would only add to his level of confidence. Plenty of help from tight ends and running backs will likely be coming his way, but it's up to the former first-round pick to show why this front office had so much faith in him when they picked him 14th overall back in 2023.
