Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers mounted a dominant 28-point surge to overwhelm the Miami Dolphins in primetime on Monday, effectively shutting down Miami’s previously unstoppable rushing attack and ending their playoff hopes. The Steelers held the Dolphins to just three points until the fourth quarter, snapping their four-game winning streak in a 28-15 victory in Pittsburgh.
Steelers quarterback Rodgers praised the contributions of “castoff” players—athletes who had been released or overlooked by other teams—highlighting their impact on the win. Kenny Gainwell, Connor Heyward, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Adam Thielen, and Asante Samuel Jr. all made key plays that fueled the victory. The Dolphins struck first with a 54-yard field goal by Riley Patterson, but the Steelers responded with a 12-play, 60-yard drive capped by Heyward’s 1-yard touchdown run. Rodgers then connected with Valdes-Scantling for a 19-yard score and later threw a 28-yard touchdown to DK Metcalf. Jonnu Smith added a 14-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter, extending Pittsburgh’s lead to 28-3. Miami scored twice late, with Tua Tagovailoa throwing touchdown passes to Darren Waller, but failed both 2-point conversions.
Tagovailoa finished 22 of 28 for 253 yards with two touchdowns and an interception, while De’Von Achane rushed for 127 yards on 18 touches. Rodgers completed 23 of 27 passes, including 13 consecutive completions, for 224 yards and two touchdowns, and Gainwell added 126 yards from scrimmage. Defensively, Jalen Ramsey, Payton Wilson, Cameron Heyward, and Esezi Otomewo recorded sacks. Pittsburgh outgained Miami 336-285 in total yards, dominated the ground game 135-63, and controlled time of possession.
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin praised the team’s strategy, emphasizing the importance of stopping Miami’s run game while establishing their own. With the win, the Steelers improve to 8-6, holding the No. 4 seed in the AFC and first place in the AFC North, and will face the Detroit Lions next Sunday. The Dolphins fall to 6-8, eliminated from postseason contention, but linebacker Jordyn Brooks said the team remains focused on finishing the season strongly, with three games left on the schedule.
First INT in the Black & Gold 💪 @godschild3_
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 16, 2025
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WHAT A THROW. WHAT A CATCH. 🤯@dkm14 powers his way in for six! #ProBowlVote
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 16, 2025
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