In a bitterly cold Monday Night Football showdown, the Pittsburgh Steelers delivered a decisive blow to the Miami Dolphins' fading playoff aspirations, securing a 28-15 victory at Acrisure Stadium.
Rodgers Shines in Freezing Conditions
Aaron Rodgers, the 42-year-old quarterback, turned back the clock with a masterful performance, completing 23 of 27 passes for 224 yards and two crucial touchdowns. The veteran looked entirely at home in the frigid, sub-20-degree temperatures, connecting with Marquez Valdes-Scantling for a 19-yard score and finding DK Metcalf for a 28-yard touchdown where Metcalf emphatically shoved aside former Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.
Steelers' Dominant Second Half Surge
The game's momentum shifted decisively before halftime. Connor Heyward capped a long drive with a classic 'tush push' to cross the goal line, giving Pittsburgh a lead they would not relinquish. The Steelers then scored touchdowns on four consecutive possessions, overwhelming a Dolphins defence that had no answer.
Running back Kenneth Gainwell provided vital support for Rodgers, amassing 126 total yards. Despite the notable absence of star linebacker TJ Watt, the Steelers' defence stepped up, sacking Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa four times and forcing a key interception by Asante Samuel Jr.
Dolphins' Hopes Frozen Out
For Miami, the loss was a stark end to their recent resurgence. Their four-game winning streak was snapped, and their slim playoff hopes officially vanished in the Pennsylvania chill. Despite practising in the snow ahead of the game, the Dolphins' offence stalled catastrophically in the third quarter, recording minus-20 total yards.
Tagovailoa finished with 254 passing yards and two late, consolation touchdowns, but also threw his NFL-leading 15th interception of the season. The defeat extends his winless record in games where the kickoff temperature is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
The victory marks Pittsburgh's 23rd consecutive home win on Monday night, a remarkable streak dating back to 1992. Improving to 8-6, the Steelers keep their own playoff ambitions firmly alive, while the Dolphins, now 6-8, must look to an uncertain future, with questions likely to intensify around head coach Mike McDaniel's position.
