In a hard-fought, low-scoring battle under freezing conditions at Acrisure Stadium, the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Miami Dolphins 20-17 on Monday Night Football, clinching a playoff berth and maintaining their grip on the AFC North lead.
The Steelers improved to 8-6, extending their historic home winning streak on Monday nights while delivering a crushing blow to Miami's fading postseason hopes. The Dolphins, who fell to 6-8, saw their slim playoff chances evaporate with the loss, officially eliminating them from contention.The game lived up to its December billing: cold, physical, and defensive-dominated. Kickoff temperatures hovered around 17 degrees, neutralizing much of Miami's speed-based offense. The Dolphins, known for explosive plays in warmer climates, struggled to generate big gains, with their longest pass going for just 24 yards.
Miami struck first late in the second quarter when kicker Riley Patterson nailed a career-long 54-yard field goal, giving the visitors a 3-0 lead. But Pittsburgh responded just before halftime with a grinding drive capped by fullback Connor Heyward's 1-yard touchdown plunge on a tush-push play, sending the Steelers into the locker room up 7-3.The third quarter saw Pittsburgh seize momentum. Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers connected with recent additions Marquez Valdes-Scantling on a 19-yard touchdown and DK Metcalf on another score, pushing the lead to 21-3 at one point. The Steelers' remade receiving corps, bolstered by midseason moves, finally clicked in the primetime spotlight.Miami refused to fold, mounting a late rally. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who threw a costly interception earlier and later exited with an injury, engineered drives that pulled the Dolphins within striking distance. Running back De'Von Achane, playing through a rib issue, provided sparks on the ground, but Pittsburgh's stout defense—led by linebackers Payton Wilson and Patrick Queen—held firm in the fourth quarter.
A dominant pass rush and secondary play limited Tagovailoa to minimal yardage through the air, while the Steelers controlled the clock with runs from Kenneth Gainwell and Jaylen Warren. Cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. sealed the game with a key interception.Key Performances:
The win marks another resilient performance under coach Mike Tomlin, who has kept Pittsburgh in contention despite injuries and inconsistencies. For Miami and coach Mike McDaniel, the loss caps a season of highs and lows, starting 1-6 before a valiant four-game win streak that ultimately fell short.Pittsburgh now turns its focus to tightening the AFC North crown, while the Dolphins head home to play out the string.Final Score: Pittsburgh Steelers 20, Miami Dolphins 17
Miami struck first late in the second quarter when kicker Riley Patterson nailed a career-long 54-yard field goal, giving the visitors a 3-0 lead. But Pittsburgh responded just before halftime with a grinding drive capped by fullback Connor Heyward's 1-yard touchdown plunge on a tush-push play, sending the Steelers into the locker room up 7-3.The third quarter saw Pittsburgh seize momentum. Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers connected with recent additions Marquez Valdes-Scantling on a 19-yard touchdown and DK Metcalf on another score, pushing the lead to 21-3 at one point. The Steelers' remade receiving corps, bolstered by midseason moves, finally clicked in the primetime spotlight.Miami refused to fold, mounting a late rally. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who threw a costly interception earlier and later exited with an injury, engineered drives that pulled the Dolphins within striking distance. Running back De'Von Achane, playing through a rib issue, provided sparks on the ground, but Pittsburgh's stout defense—led by linebackers Payton Wilson and Patrick Queen—held firm in the fourth quarter.
A dominant pass rush and secondary play limited Tagovailoa to minimal yardage through the air, while the Steelers controlled the clock with runs from Kenneth Gainwell and Jaylen Warren. Cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. sealed the game with a key interception.Key Performances:
- Aaron Rodgers (PIT): Efficient in the cold, finding new weapons for crucial touchdowns.
- DK Metcalf & Marquez Valdes-Scantling (PIT): Combined for big-play scores that swung momentum.
- Tua Tagovailoa (MIA): Battled but hampered by interceptions and injury; Miami leaned heavily on the pass late.
- Steelers Defense: Forced turnovers and sacks, holding Miami without a big play.
