After taking last week off, the Steelers return to action against the Dolphins on Monday Night Football, with Miami Dolphins Vs Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats highlighting key player updates. De’Von Achane of Miami left last week’s game due to a rib injury but is expected to play this one as well.
Aaron Rodgers and DK Metcalf have started to develop an on-field bond. Metcalf had his season high of 148 receiving yards against Baltimore.
| Date | Winner | Score | Key Player (Steelers) | Steelers Stats | Key Player (Dolphins) | Dolphins Stats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 Dec 2025 | Steelers | PIT 28–15 MIA | Aaron Rodgers | 224 YDS, 2 TD | Tua Tagovailoa | 253 YDS, 2 TD |
| 16 Dec 2025 | Steelers | PIT 28–15 MIA | DK Metcalf | TD + big plays | De’Von Achane | 127 total YDS |
| 15 Dec 2025 | Steelers | PIT 28–15 MIA | Marquez Valdes-Scantling | TD reception | Darren Waller | 2 TD, 66 YDS |
| 23 Oct 2022 | Dolphins | MIA 16–10 PIT | Kenny Pickett | Passing effort | Tua Tagovailoa | Solid QB performance |
| 28 Oct 2019 | Steelers | PIT 27–14 MIA | Mason Rudolph | Passing TDs | Ryan Fitzpatrick | Passing yards |
Defensive Line
The defensive line is composed of players that line up directly along the line of scrimmage, responsible for sacking quarterbacks on passing plays and stopping running backs on running defense. They must be strong enough to take on multiple blockers quickly while also understanding gaps and their responsibilities to effectively stop runs; furthermore, this group works in concert with linebackers in occupying and blocking offensive lines as they work against running plays.
The nose tackle is typically the largest defensive player on a defensive line and weighs in at 315 pounds. They are responsible for covering both shoulder and gap space on either side, including protecting the center’s shoulder as well as not blocking linebackers into their own backfield. A successful nose tackle should occupy his body to force back the center into his own gap thereby closing running lanes off and keeping linebackers unobstructed into their positions.
Two defensive tackles typically make up the four-player defensive front. Their responsibility on run plays includes closing either one or both gaps to stop any offensive players who try to pass. They must also guard their gaps if running backs attempt to cut through them. Furthermore, they will rush the quarterback on pass plays but don’t always generate as many sacks as a defensive end does.
On pass plays, DTs must read and understand the quarterback in order to use all available tools to create pressure. Blitzing can help them attempt a sack or drop back into coverage to protect receivers such as tight ends. Some hybrids might play both sides.
Linebackers
The Dolphins successfully sacked the Steelers twice in the opening half. Led by linebacker Jordyn Brooks – who entered with six career sacks entering this game – their defense helped limit Steelers offense to just 224 yards while simultaneously blocking two field goals.
The Steelers took the lead early in the second quarter on Marquez Valdes-Scantling’s 19-yard touchdown catch. Their drive was helped along by two successful fourth-and-1 conversions: first by Connor Heyward with 1-yard run, followed by Ben Roethlisberger’s 10-yard pass to Markus Wheaton for another conversion attempt on fourth down – this TD being their third consecutive in three games!
On the ensuing possession, Pittsburgh extended their lead when Roethlisberger connected with Valdes-Scantling again for a 25-yard touchdown pass. Following that play, Roethlisberger forced a three-and-out on Miami’s next possession and their defense held strong to give Pittsburgh a 14-3 advantage at halftime.
Even with their uncharacteristically slow start, the Dolphins were able to gain momentum in the second half. Riley Patterson kicked a 42-yard field goal before recovering Connor Heyward’s fumble on punt return and setting up Jonnu Smith for a 22-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. Additionally, an onside kick recovered by Payton Wilson was key in helping seal victory late in the fourth.
The win improved the Dolphins to 4-2, gave them a 72% chance of winning their division and earned at least one playoff berth – although that may not be enough to capture AFC North glory. Meanwhile, Steelers fell to 6-5-1 with no playoff berth secured and just 1% chance of claiming AFC North supremacy.
Wide Receivers
The 2026 NFL draft is approaching quickly and Pittsburgh Steelers possess many talented players that could help them move up into the first round. Rumors indicate they could seek trade partners to help move up in round one and secure another high-impact player. Here are three teams who may be willing to make deals with Pittsburgh.
An integral component of football games is time of possession control, since the team that keeps possession for an extended period usually dominates. One effective strategy to keep time of possession under your control is running the ball successfully – not only will this wear down defenses quickly but will keep opposing offenses sitting out longer.
That is why having reliable running backs and wide receivers on any team is of such great significance; wide receivers can stretch the field while running backs provide protection for quarterbacks while creating big plays in short yardage situations. A great team always possesses these assets and knows how best to utilize them for optimal results.
The Steelers wide receiver core has been instrumental in their rise as playoff contenders. After an inconsistent training camp and start of season that raised questions about depth, Adam Thielen and Marquez Valdes-Scantling have proven invaluable additions; now averaging over 100 yards per game and scoring touchdowns virtually every play.
Though the Steelers possess several talented receivers, their roster needs a boost of depth. That is why they should consider trading for Green Bay Packers wideout Romeo Doubs as a fourth-round selection four years ago; his speed and versatility would provide significant upgrades for their top receivers on offense.
The Steelers have shown considerable interest in Doubs for some time now, and could receive an exceptional return for him in exchange. Expect them to demand at least one first-round pick as part of any agreement; nonetheless it would be well worth their while investing in such an elite talent that could strengthen their existing receiving corps.
Running Backs
This offseason, the Dolphins added depth to their backfield with Alexander Mattison as running back Alexander Mattison is an ideal fit for their run system and his strength and downhill mentality will provide them with an edge on third and fourth down, as well as in short yardage situations.
Finding the most outstanding running backs in Steelers history can be a difficult feat, given their roster’s long list of talented athletes from different eras. Still, it can be fun exploring each runner on this list to see who were the best runners for Pittsburgh franchise.
Jerome Bettis was one of the greatest running backs in NFL history. A pivotal part of two Super Bowl-winning Pittsburgh Steeler teams, Bettis was known as an intimidating force on the ground that always managed to gain some yards while having an eye for extra yards as a run. He became one of the league’s premier running backs while with Pittsburgh Steelers.
De’Von Achane
De’Von Achane is an invaluable asset to the Dolphins as their second-year running back, being capable of breaking tackles, producing yardage after contact and even scoring when he runs refined routes from wide receiver alignments.
Kenneth Gainwell: Jaylen Warren’s Backup The Steelers signed Kenneth Gainwell in free agency as their primary back up to Jaylen Warren and he’s performed admirably since. He has rushed for over 1,000 yards this season while trailing Warren by just one touchdown rushing total; in addition, Gainwell has proven himself an effective receiver as well. Gainwell has made multiple big rushing and receiving plays this season that have left opponents reeling.
Kaleb Johnson, the Steelers’ rookie running back, is an attractive prospect to lead them as lead back going forward, boasting both speed and power in equal measures. Not afraid of contact from opposing defenders when needed and capable of running through holes when required, Johnson has shown his ability to catch the ball even in traffic and has made several impressive catches this season.
