After taking care of their business in primetime, the Steelers are still in control. Pittsburgh took down Miami 28-15 in Acrisure Stadium on Monday, extending its lead over Baltimore (7-7) in the AFC North by a game. For the first since Weeks 5-7, the Steelers (8-6), have now won two consecutive games. With the loss, the Dolphins (6-8) have been eliminated from playoff contention, marking the second straight year that Miami won’t make the postseason. What I learned: Steelers blew the game wide open in the third-quarterWith a 7-3 lead over the Dolphins entering the second half of the game, the Steelers dominated the third-quarter with their ground attack. Pittsburgh opened the quarter with five straight runs, including a 38-yarder by running back Kenneth Gainwell, to set up its second touchdown — a 19-yard pass by Aaron Rodgers to his former Packers teammate, wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling. This gave the Steelers a 14-3 lead. On its next possession, after a Dolphins’ three-and-out, Pittsburgh got a fresh set of downs after Miami was penalized for 12 men on the field on a third-and-3. Rodgers’ 29-yard touchdown pass to DK Metcalf gave the Steelers their third consecutive touchdown. Then a killer taunting penalty from Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks on the ensuing possession led to a fourth Steelers’ straight scoring drive, which ended early in the fourth quarter. Pittsburgh had firm control of the game over the last quarter and a half. 2. Dolphins can’t get Achane, rushing attack goingEven as quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has struggled, Miami’s offense found success amid its winning streak thanks to a dominant rushing game. The Dolphins entered Monday having posted 160-plus rushing yards in four straight contests, including 239 in last week’s win over the Jets. The run game was non-existent on Monday night. Standout running back De’Von Achane was held to 12carries for 60 yards, his lowest rushing total since Week 5. Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa was taken down by Steelers defensive backs. 3. Gainwell shines for Pittsburgh The veteran tailback posted 126 yards from scrimmage Monday night (80 rushing, 46 receiving), his X-highest total of the season. Gainwell’s 38-yard run in the third quarter helped Pittsburgh take control early in the second half. Steelers had 135 yards rushing for the entire game. This should be welcomed.
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2025-12-16 04:20:28
