By Harshit
PITTSBURGH, DEC. 16 —
The Pittsburgh Steelers delivered their most complete offensive performance in years on Monday night, rolling past the Miami Dolphins 28–15 at Acrisure Stadium to strengthen their grip on the AFC North.
For the first time in seven seasons, Pittsburgh engineered four consecutive touchdown drives, turning a tightly contested first half into a decisive victory. The win improves the Steelers to 8–6, keeping them atop the division with three games remaining, while Baltimore trails closely at 7–7. Miami, meanwhile, slips to 6–8 and is effectively eliminated from the AFC playoff picture.
Slow Start, Sudden Shift
In freezing conditions that favored defense early, both teams struggled to generate momentum through the opening quarters. Miami settled for field goals, while Pittsburgh leaned on ball control and patience.
The breakthrough came late in the second quarter when the Steelers capped a 12-play drive with a short touchdown sneak by Connor Heyward, sending Pittsburgh into halftime with a narrow 7–3 advantage.
What followed after the break decisively changed the game.
Rodgers Ignites Second-Half Run
The Steelers emerged from the locker room with urgency, marching 71 yards in just six plays on their opening drive of the third quarter. Aaron Rodgers found Marquez Valdes-Scantling streaking across the field for a 19-yard touchdown, doubling the lead and setting the tone.
After forcing a Dolphins three-and-out, Pittsburgh struck again. This time, D.K. Metcalf showcased his physical dominance, shedding multiple defenders on a 28-yard catch-and-run touchdown to stretch the margin to 21–3.
The onslaught continued when tight end Jonnu Smith took a rare rushing attempt and turned it into a 14-yard touchdown, marking the Steelers’ fourth consecutive scoring drive and effectively sealing the game.
Dolphins Struggle to Respond
Miami attempted to rally despite a reputation for offensive struggles in cold-weather games. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa connected with tight end Darren Waller on a contested touchdown grab, though a failed two-point attempt limited the damage.
Waller added a second score late in the fourth quarter, finishing with a strong individual performance, but by then the outcome was no longer in doubt. Pittsburgh recovered the ensuing onside kick and drained the clock to secure the win.
Balanced Steelers Effort
Rodgers delivered an efficient performance, completing 23 of 27 passes for 224 yards and two touchdowns while distributing the ball to eight different receivers. Metcalf led the team in receiving yards, while Kenneth Gainwell played a pivotal all-around role, rushing for 80 yards on 13 carries and adding seven receptions for 46 yards.
The Steelers’ ability to combine precision passing with sustained rushing production kept Miami’s defense on its heels throughout the second half.
Miami’s Mixed Night
Tagovailoa finished 22-of-28 for 254 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. Waller emerged as the Dolphins’ most reliable target late, totaling seven catches for 66 yards. De’Von Achane contributed 128 total yards, but Miami’s offense could not overcome early stagnation or Pittsburgh’s momentum swing.
With the loss, the Dolphins face a difficult closing stretch focused more on evaluation than postseason hopes.