The Pittsburgh Steelers’ 28-15 victory over the Miami Dolphins was one of their most complete performances of the season, showcasing balance on offense, resilience on defense, and leadership from Aaron Rodgers. With the win, Pittsburgh improved to 8-6 and strengthened its grip on the AFC North. The Steelers have now won 23 straight home games on Monday Night Football.
The Monday Night Football clash at Acrisure Stadium started slowly, but the Steelers found their rhythm in the second quarter and never looked back. After a Cam Heyward one-yard touchdown run gave them a halftime lead, Pittsburgh exploded in the third quarter with back-to-back touchdown passes from Aaron Rodgers to Marquez Valdes-Scantling and DK Metcalf. By the time Jonnu Smith capped off the scoring with a 14-yard run in the fourth, the Steelers had strung together four straight touchdown drives.
Aaron Rodgers was the steady hand guiding the offense. The four-time MVP completed 23 of 27 passes for 224 yards and 2 touchdowns, posting one of his most efficient outings of the year. His poise in the pocket and ability to spread the ball around kept Miami’s defense guessing. Rodgers’ leadership has been pivotal in Pittsburgh’s turnaround, as the team now sits at 8-6 with control of its playoff destiny.
Equally important has been the emergence of Kenneth Gainwell, who has become a vital piece of the Steelers’ ground game. Against Miami, Gainwell rushed for 80 yards on 18 carries, leading all players in rushing yards. His ability to grind out tough yards and keep the chains moving gave Pittsburgh the balance it has often lacked in recent seasons. Gainwell’s consistency has made him a trusted weapon alongside Rodgers. Gainwell also hauled in 7 catches for 46 yards, including a clutch 4th and 3.
The team stats underline just how complete this win was. Pittsburgh outgained Miami 336 to 285 yards, dominated time of possession (33:33 to 26:27), and converted all three of their red-zone opportunities. The Steelers also rushed for 135 yards compared to Miami’s 63, showing their physical edge at the line of scrimmage. Perhaps most impressively, Pittsburgh committed zero turnovers while forcing an interception and coming up close on several others.
Defensively, the Steelers held the Dolphins to just three points through three quarters before Miami added two late touchdowns. Pittsburgh’s pass rush sacked Tua Tagovailoa four times and limited Miami to 2-of-8 on third downs. It was a textbook example of complementary football: the offense built a lead, and the defense slammed the door shut until garbage time.
Looking ahead, the Steelers’ path to the AFC North crown is clear but challenging. At 8-6, they likely need to win two of their final three games to secure the division. Crucially, one of those victories must come against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18. That matchup looms as the deciding factor, with Pittsburgh currently holding a slim lead in the standings. This week they travel to Detroit to play a Lions team that is in must win mode at 8-6.
In sum, the 28-15 triumph over Miami was more than just another win, it was a statement. Rodgers’ precision, Gainwell’s emergence, and the defense’s stinginess combined to deliver one of the Steelers’ most complete games of 2025. If they can replicate this formula in the final stretch, Pittsburgh should clinch the division and host a round one playoff game.
(photo courtesy of Steelers.com)