Aaron Rodgers and Steelers freeze out Dolphins, stay atop AFC North with 28-15 win
Man, we love Monday Night Football, um, mission accomplished. Um, certainly we wanted to engineer victory, but we wanted to do it in *** certain way. Um, that was *** hot football team and they rode their run game over the last month or so. I think they had averaged 192 *** game over the last 5 weeks and, and so we needed to stop the run and certainly we need to run the ball, uh, in the effort to flip that component of it, and I think that made the engineering of victory more fluid, um. Couple of injuries. Isaac Simalu’s got *** tricep injury that’s been evaluated, uh, Nick Herbert’s got *** hamstring that’s been evaluated. The others are just bumps and bruises associated with play. I’d also like to recognize our Hall of Honor, uh, inductees, man, just quality, black and gold Steelers men, um, great, uh, to not only, uh, welcome, welcome them into that fold, but also see many of their teammates, uh, here in town. Supporting them, uh, that never gets old, um, seeing those guys and hopefully they had *** really good weekend, man. Thankful that we’re able to perform and entertain them as well. Questions of performances you had offensively 4 consecutive touchdown possessions, running and throwing them. Yeah, um, it took us *** while there to get going, um, but, but you got to give *** lot of credit to the, to the Dolphins. Um, over that same five game stretch, I think they’d averaged given up 13.2 points *** game. Um, they’ve been really stingy in the red area. Only about 20% of those possessions were touchdowns, and so, um, we didn’t expect it to be easy, but certainly after we got it going, um, we had *** little bit of fluidity there. What was the significance of bookending those touchdowns and getting the one at the end of the first minute it’s always, um, it’s always big to to book in halftime and certainly we we’ve had, you know, some success there, um. In in some instances, but that was big today. Is it important? Did you talk to the players about, I know you’re always talking about stacking wins, but that was your first back to back since October. It’s that time of year. It doesn’t need to be said. That’s just really how your defense did against the running game for the Dolphins. You know, um, obviously, um, we were at less than full strength, but everybody is, you know, and, and we embrace that that component of it. Um, we believe in the strength of the pack and, and *** lot of guys stepped up certainly and, and, and made that *** truism. You talked about the importance of playing well in December. Do you feel like your team’s getting there? You know, see you next week. Keep watching. Coach, no TJ Watt today. First of all, how’s he doing and also how did Herb Big as well as Sawyer play in place of, uh, TJ? Um, last things first, um, we got *** lot of confidence in our, in our edge group as *** collective, um, and so we’re not surprised when they play well. Um, you know, we view Herbert as starter alike, certainly, um, excited about the the bright side and the future of Jack Sawyer, and so, like not surprised that they’re able to step in and hold the standard. Um, man, also we’ll be excited to get TJ back and, uh, I texted him pregame just to let him know that he was missed and um I’m sure he’s excited about getting back around his teammates sooner rather than later. Could you talk *** little bit about Dylan Cook? Do you have any evaluation from what he was able to do? You know, I, I definitely thought he was above the line, but it was also our job to assist him schematically and so, you know, um, both things happened, um, but he’s another example of *** of *** guy upholding the standard, man. We’ve absorbed some attrition, to say the least, at that position, um, but he was *** part of *** winning effort tonight, um, and, and he’s deserving of congratulations for that. What were your thoughts on Asante Samuel Jr. uh, performance with that interception in the first quarter? You know, I’m not surprised by what I see from that young man. Um, that’s why we were so excited to get him. Um, we did our draft evals on him when he came out and, and really liked him when he came out of Tallahassee. Um, he’s *** global starter and, and so, you know, we’re appreciative of his efforts but certainly not surprised by it. Mike, how about the spark the game gave you guys offensively tonight. You know, when things are less than ideal, um, you know, that’s what we’ve come to expect from him. Uh, Jalen missed Dublin, for example, and he played big out there. Um, he brings that energy, man. He’s *** football player, and uh we’re thankful to have him on our, on our team. Mike, when Minka went down, you and some of his former teammates went out there to to show kind of show support for him. How important for you was that foreman and what went into that? We care about him, um, it’s simple as that, um, you know, we care about Mika Fitzpatrick. Mike, did you have to change much with Warren getting sick today as far as how you distributed playing time? We, we made natural necessary adjustments based on, you know, uh, the tools available to us and certainly Jalen was, was under the weather, um, but we appreciate him showing and being available and, and putting his hand in the pile and contributing and we also appreciate Kenny Gamewell stepping up. Mike, specifically with Queen, uh, the leadership you showed 11 tackles tonight and his impact in this game. You know, he’s going to tell you he could have played better, and I agree with him. Um, he and I just had *** brief conversation. He’s got *** big week next week, man. We got to go to Detroit, um, and you know what they’re capable of, particularly with their backs and so forth. And so, uh, stay tuned and keep watching. Thanks guys. Yeah
It felt a little bit like Green Bay. And for Aaron Rodgers, it looked a little like Green Bay, too.Frigid conditions. High stakes. The number of games dwindling.During the four-time MVP’s long run with the Packers, this was the time of year that Rodgers thrived. And while Pittsburgh is not Green Bay and the 2025 version of Rodgers is not quite the 2015 version, he offered a reminder on Monday night against Miami that there’s still life in his 42-year-old right arm, and in his maddeningly hot-and-cold team.Rodgers passed for 224 yards and two touchdowns and Pittsburgh kept its grasp on the top spot in the AFC North with a clinical 28-15 victory over the Dolphins, who were eliminated from playoff contention.VIDEO ABOVE: Steelers coach Mike Tomlin speaks about win over Miami on Monday nightWhile Rodgers wasn’t quite in what he called a “flow state,” he certainly looked comfortable while becoming the oldest quarterback in league history to complete at least 85% of his passes. Rodgers connected on 23 of 27 against the Dolphins, including third-quarter touchdown throws of 19 yards to Marquez Valdes-Scantling and 28 yards to DK Metcalf.“I think he’s the best quarterback to ever play this game,” said Valdes-Scantling, who played alongside Rodgers with the Packers and signed with Pittsburgh’s practice squad earlier this season. “I don’t care if he’s 65 years old or not, he can still spin the ball and he’s always playing chess with the defense.”Throwing short passes that got the ball out of his hands quickly, Rodgers was fine working underneath and letting Pittsburgh’s skill position players do the work. Running back Kenneth Gainwell had 126 total yards, including a team-high seven receptions. Metcalf’s touchdown catch — he shoved former Steeler Minkah Fitzpatrick out of the way en route to the end zone — came on a pass between two defenders that echoed Rodgers in his prime.The Steelers (8-6) maintained their one-game lead over Baltimore in the division with three weeks to go. As spotty as Pittsburgh has looked at times, everything remains on the table as Christmas approaches.“It’s been a while since I’ve been a part of stuff like this,” said Rodgers, who last made the playoffs in 2021. “Nothing changes. It’s just, I feel real comfortable in this environment.”VIDEO: Steelers defensive captain Cam Heyward talks about win against MiamiDone DolphinsMiami (6-8) saw its slim playoff hopes vanish in the chill as its four-game winning streak was snapped. The Dolphins prepped by practicing in the snow at nearby Robert Morris University over the weekend, but it didn’t help.While Miami took a 3-0 lead during a sluggish first half on Riley Patterson’s career-long 54-yard field goal, Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins’ offense had no answer once Rodgers heated up.Tagovailoa completed 22 of 28 passes for 254 yards with two garbage-time touchdowns to Darren Waller and his NFL-leading 15th interception. De’Von Achane, who had powered Miami’s recovering from a 1-6 start, ran for 60 yards and caught six passes for 68 more but was a nonfactor during the middle portion of the game, when the Steelers scored touchdowns on four straight possessions to remain unbeaten at home on Monday nights since 1992.Tagovailoa remained winless in games where the temperature at kickoff was under 40 degrees. Miami had minus-20 yards of total offense in the third quarter.“It’s disapppointing we didn’t get the outcome we wanted to, and everything that goes on with the playoffs,” Tagovailoa said. “When you start the season the way we did, we made it hard on ourselves.”VIDEO: QB Aaron Rodgers breaks down MNF win against the DolphinsWinning without WattPittsburgh won for the second time in 13 tries without outside linebacker T.J. Watt during the perennial All-Pro’s nine-year career. Watt is out indefinitely after having surgery to repair a collapsed lung sustained during a dry-needling treatment last week.For a night anyway, Watt’s absence didn’t matter. Steelers defensive captain Cam Heyward paid tribute to his teammate after collecting one of Pittsburgh’s four sacks. The 36-year-old Heyward stood up and attempted to emulate Heyward’s signature leg kick, though Heyward said he probably didn’t get his leg up high enough.“We’ve got all the confidence in our guys to go out there and play a hell of a game,” linebacker Patrick Queen said. “Obviously they did.”It helped that Asante Samuel Jr. thwarted an early Miami drive with an interception, his first for Pittsburgh after joining its practice squad in October, six months after neck surgery. “It’s a blessing (to get a second chance),” Samuel said. “You can’t take nothing for granted. None of the hard days. None of the long days. You just take everything and appreciate it.”VIDEO: Kenneth Gainwell talks to Pittsburgh’s Action Sports reporter Ashley Liotus after big winMcDaniel’s future is murkyThe Dolphins’ improved play of late solidified — temporarily, anyway — coach Mike McDaniel’s status. With the playoffs out of reach, Miami will turn its attention to the future, one that might not include the bespectacled 42-year-old whose idiosyncratic approach may be wearing thin. “We have three (more) opportunities with this team,” McDaniel said. “I think really the character of the locker room has been tested all year. My expectation is that we’re going to bounce back regardless of how much it hurts.”InjuriesDolphins: RB Ollie Gordon II left in the second quarter with a left ankle injury. … Fitzpatrick went down in the third quarter with a calf injury.Steelers: LG Isaac Seumalo exited in the third quarter with a triceps injury and did not return. … OLB Nick Herbig was evaluated for a hamstring injury late.Up nextDolphins: Host Cincinnati on Sunday.Steelers: At Detroit on Sunday.VIDEO: Adam Thielen talks about joining the Steelers mid-season
PITTSBURGH —
It felt a little bit like Green Bay. And for Aaron Rodgers, it looked a little like Green Bay, too.
Frigid conditions. High stakes. The number of games dwindling.
During the four-time MVP’s long run with the Packers, this was the time of year that Rodgers thrived. And while Pittsburgh is not Green Bay and the 2025 version of Rodgers is not quite the 2015 version, he offered a reminder on Monday night against Miami that there’s still life in his 42-year-old right arm, and in his maddeningly hot-and-cold team.
Rodgers passed for 224 yards and two touchdowns and Pittsburgh kept its grasp on the top spot in the AFC North with a clinical 28-15 victory over the Dolphins, who were eliminated from playoff contention.
VIDEO ABOVE: Steelers coach Mike Tomlin speaks about win over Miami on Monday night
While Rodgers wasn’t quite in what he called a “flow state,” he certainly looked comfortable while becoming the oldest quarterback in league history to complete at least 85% of his passes. Rodgers connected on 23 of 27 against the Dolphins, including third-quarter touchdown throws of 19 yards to Marquez Valdes-Scantling and 28 yards to DK Metcalf.
“I think he’s the best quarterback to ever play this game,” said Valdes-Scantling, who played alongside Rodgers with the Packers and signed with Pittsburgh’s practice squad earlier this season. “I don’t care if he’s 65 years old or not, he can still spin the ball and he’s always playing chess with the defense.”
Throwing short passes that got the ball out of his hands quickly, Rodgers was fine working underneath and letting Pittsburgh’s skill position players do the work. Running back Kenneth Gainwell had 126 total yards, including a team-high seven receptions. Metcalf’s touchdown catch — he shoved former Steeler Minkah Fitzpatrick out of the way en route to the end zone — came on a pass between two defenders that echoed Rodgers in his prime.
The Steelers (8-6) maintained their one-game lead over Baltimore in the division with three weeks to go. As spotty as Pittsburgh has looked at times, everything remains on the table as Christmas approaches.
“It’s been a while since I’ve been a part of stuff like this,” said Rodgers, who last made the playoffs in 2021. “Nothing changes. It’s just, I feel real comfortable in this environment.”
VIDEO: Steelers defensive captain Cam Heyward talks about win against Miami
Done Dolphins
Miami (6-8) saw its slim playoff hopes vanish in the chill as its four-game winning streak was snapped. The Dolphins prepped by practicing in the snow at nearby Robert Morris University over the weekend, but it didn’t help.
While Miami took a 3-0 lead during a sluggish first half on Riley Patterson’s career-long 54-yard field goal, Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins’ offense had no answer once Rodgers heated up.
Tagovailoa completed 22 of 28 passes for 254 yards with two garbage-time touchdowns to Darren Waller and his NFL-leading 15th interception. De’Von Achane, who had powered Miami’s recovering from a 1-6 start, ran for 60 yards and caught six passes for 68 more but was a nonfactor during the middle portion of the game, when the Steelers scored touchdowns on four straight possessions to remain unbeaten at home on Monday nights since 1992.
Tagovailoa remained winless in games where the temperature at kickoff was under 40 degrees. Miami had minus-20 yards of total offense in the third quarter.
“It’s disapppointing we didn’t get the outcome we wanted to, and everything that goes on with the playoffs,” Tagovailoa said. “When you start the season the way we did, we made it hard on ourselves.”
VIDEO: QB Aaron Rodgers breaks down MNF win against the Dolphins
Winning without Watt
Pittsburgh won for the second time in 13 tries without outside linebacker T.J. Watt during the perennial All-Pro’s nine-year career. Watt is out indefinitely after having surgery to repair a collapsed lung sustained during a dry-needling treatment last week.
For a night anyway, Watt’s absence didn’t matter. Steelers defensive captain Cam Heyward paid tribute to his teammate after collecting one of Pittsburgh’s four sacks. The 36-year-old Heyward stood up and attempted to emulate Heyward’s signature leg kick, though Heyward said he probably didn’t get his leg up high enough.
“We’ve got all the confidence in our guys to go out there and play a hell of a game,” linebacker Patrick Queen said. “Obviously they did.”
It helped that Asante Samuel Jr. thwarted an early Miami drive with an interception, his first for Pittsburgh after joining its practice squad in October, six months after neck surgery.
“It’s a blessing (to get a second chance),” Samuel said. “You can’t take nothing for granted. None of the hard days. None of the long days. You just take everything and appreciate it.”
VIDEO: Kenneth Gainwell talks to Pittsburgh’s Action Sports reporter Ashley Liotus after big win
McDaniel’s future is murky
The Dolphins’ improved play of late solidified — temporarily, anyway — coach Mike McDaniel’s status. With the playoffs out of reach, Miami will turn its attention to the future, one that might not include the bespectacled 42-year-old whose idiosyncratic approach may be wearing thin.
“We have three (more) opportunities with this team,” McDaniel said. “I think really the character of the locker room has been tested all year. My expectation is that we’re going to bounce back regardless of how much it hurts.”
Injuries
Dolphins: RB Ollie Gordon II left in the second quarter with a left ankle injury. … Fitzpatrick went down in the third quarter with a calf injury.
Steelers: LG Isaac Seumalo exited in the third quarter with a triceps injury and did not return. … OLB Nick Herbig was evaluated for a hamstring injury late.
Up next
Dolphins: Host Cincinnati on Sunday.
Steelers: At Detroit on Sunday.
VIDEO: Adam Thielen talks about joining the Steelers mid-season