On a shivering Monday night at Acrisure Stadium, the Steelers delivered a knockout blow to the Miami Dolphins with a physical display of bully ball in a 28-15 win.
The loss knocked the Dolphins (6-8) out of playoff contention, while the Steelers, with their second consecutive win, improved to 8-6 to retain their hold on first place in the AFC North Division.
The Steelers did it by pounding the ball with the run game, throwing over the middle to DK Metcalf, Darnell Washington, and Pat Freiermuth, converting all three of their fourth-down attempts, and turning in one of their most dominating defensive performances of the season.
"A football mission accomplished," said Mike Tomlin. "Certainly, we wanted to engineer victory, but we wanted to do it in a certain way. That was a hot football team and it rode their run game over the last month or so. … And so we needed to stop the run, and certainly we needed to run the ball in the effort to flip that component of it, and I think that made the engineering of victory more fluid."
The game also showed off Aaron Rodgers' savvy in utilizing a variety of tempos, and even catching the Dolphins with 12 men on the field on a third-and-3 quick snap during a third-quarter touchdown drive. Rodgers completed 23 of 27 passes for 224 yards and 2 touchdowns. His passer rating of 125.9 was his best since his 136.7 in the opener.
The Steelers outrushed the Dolphins, 135 to 63, and held De'Von Achane – who entered the week as the NFL's No. 3 rusher – to 60 yards.
Game action photos from the Steelers' Week 15 game against the Miami Dolphins at Acrisure Stadium
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. (22) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jack Sawyer (33) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. (22) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. (22) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Troy Fautanu (76) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers center Zach Frazier (54) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jack Sawyer (33) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Esezi Otomewo (93) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Malik Harrison (50) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ben Skowronek (15) and defensive back Chuck Clark (21) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (80) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (80) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end DeMarvin Leal (98), safety Jabrill Peppers (40), and linebacker Carson Bruener (44) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Malik Harrison (50) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) and linebacker Payton Wilson (41) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ben Skowronek (15) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (80) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Troy Fautanu (76) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (80) and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (80) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
A general view during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) and tight end/fullback Connor Heyward (83) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end/fullback Connor Heyward (83) and running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell (9) and punter Corliss Waitman (3) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers center Zach Frazier (54) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end/fullback Connor Heyward (83) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end/fullback Connor Heyward (83) and running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end/fullback Connor Heyward (83) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end/fullback Connor Heyward (83) and Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end/fullback Connor Heyward (83) and Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell (9) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (11) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (11) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (80) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers center Zach Frazier (54), Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Malik Harrison (50) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Brandin Echols (26) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) and running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Malik Harrison (50) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) and linebacker Payton Wilson (41) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers punter Corliss Waitman (3) and Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell (9) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) and Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Dylan Cook (60) and Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (11) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers guard Mason McCormick (66) and offensive tackle Troy Fautanu (76) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith (81) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) and linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) and linebacker Patrick Queen (6) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Dylan Cook (60) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Spencer Anderson (74) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) and linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) and linebacker Payton Wilson (41) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Scotty Miller (13) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Kyle Dugger (29) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) and running back Kaleb Johnson (20) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson (20) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson (20) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) and defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Carson Bruener (44) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. (22) and linebacker Patrick Queen (6) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers fans during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers fans during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ben Skowronek (15) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ben Skowronek (15) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ben Skowronek (15) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Carson Bruener (44) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Esezi Otomewo (93) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Esezi Otomewo (93) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers guard Mason McCormick (66) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers punter Corliss Waitman (3) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Brandin Echols (26) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ben Skowronek (15) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Esezi Otomewo (93) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end/fullback Connor Heyward (83) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) and wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) and linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith (81) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Logan Lee (91) and linebacker Patrick Queen (6) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56), linebacker Payton Wilson (41) and defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56), linebacker Payton Wilson (41) and defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Both teams started slowly. In spite of Asante Samuel's first interception with the Steelers, the game was scoreless through the first quarter.
The Dolphins got on the board first with a 54-yard Riley Patterson field goal with 5:11 left in the half. Patrick Queen's tackle-for-loss on a third-and-1 run by Ollie Gordon preceded the kick and in effect ended the Miami drive.
The Steelers took the lead late in the half on the "Steel City Shove," so dubbed by radio play-by-play man Rob King.
Connor Heyward, the QB of "The Shove," plunged into the end zone from 1-yard out with 17 seconds left for the touchdown and 7-3 halftime lead. Heyward handed the ball to left tackle Dylan Cook for the ceremonial spike.
For Heyward, the rushing touchdown was the first of his NFL career. Heyward carried 4 times for 4 yards in the half. He converted a pair of fourth-and-1s along with the touchdown on a third-and-goal snap.
It was the third time this season the Steelers did not allow a first-half touchdown. Minnesota and Cleveland were the others.
Taking the first possession of the second half, the Steelers scored another touchdown, this by wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling, a 19-yard catch from Aaron Rodgers.
On the drive, the Steelers ran the ball five consecutive times for 52 yards – the long being 38 by Kenneth Gainwell – and then Rodgers caused the Dolphins to bite with a play-action fake before delivering the TD pass to Valdes-Scantlying, Rodgers' former teammate with the Packers. It was Valdes-Scantling's first reception with the Steelers and gave them a 14-3 lead with 11:20 left in the third quarter.
"It's always big to bookend halftime," Tomlin said. "That was big today."
The Steelers scored their third consecutive touchdown on their next possession. On third-and-6, Rodgers found Metcalf over the middle for a 28-yard touchdowns. Metcalf caught the ball at the 14 and bulled his way into the end zone to give the Steelers a 21-3 lead with 4:58 left in the third quarter.
While the red-hot Rodgers had his streak of 12 consecutive completions snapped during the drive, he came back after the rare incompletion to hit Freiermuth on a seam route for 16 yards in one of the drive's key plays.
A Payton Wilson third-down sack gave the Steelers the ball back and they embarked on a fourth-consecutive scoring drive early in the fourth quarter. This one was about the tight ends. Three plays after Freiermuth caught a 22-yard pass, Jonnu Smith ran 14 yards around right end for the fourth consecutive touchdown. It gave the Steelers a safe 28-3 lead with 13:01 remaining.
The Dolphins converted their initial first down since the middle of the second quarter on their first touchdown drive of the fourth quarter. Tight end Darren Waller caught a 6-yard touchdown pass from Tua Tagovailoa with 9:41 to play. The two-point conversion pass failed and the Steelers held a 28-9 lead.
The Dolphins added a late touchdown, this one on a 13-yard pass to Waller from Tagovailova. Once again the two-point conversion attempt failed, and with 2:32 left the Steelers held a 28-15 lead.
"It took us a while there to get going, but you got to give a lot of credit to the Dolphins," Tomlin said. "They've been really stingy in the red area, only about 20% of those possessions were touchdowns. And so we didn't expect it to be easy, but certainly, after we got it going, we had a little bit of fluidity there."
Heyward recovered the onside kick, Ben Skowronek downed the ensuing punt at the Miami 2, and the Steelers made a final defensive stand to lock up the win.
Gainwell led the Steelers with 80 yards rushing on 13 carries. He also led with 7 receptions (for 46 yards). Metcalf led with 55 receiving yards on 3 catches. Queen was the leading tackler with 10.
The back-to-back wins are the first for the Steelers since a three-game win streak ended on Oct. 12. Tomlin was asked if his team's "getting there" with the wins in December.
"See you next week," he said. "Keep watching."
