Pittsburgh keeps hold of its lead in the AFC North, while Miami's postseason dreams are dashed



The Pittsburgh Steelers moved to 8-6 on the season and continue to hold firm atop the AFC North with a 28-15 victory over the Miami Dolphins (6-8) on Monday night. While the win moves Pittsburgh one step closer to the playoffs, the loss officially eliminates Miami from postseason contention.

Despite the Steelers scoring nearly 30 points, it was a sluggish start offensively for both teams as the defensive units flexed early. Pittsburgh went nearly the entire first half without a score before Connor Heyward barreled in a goal-line touchdown with 17 seconds remaining in the second quarter to give the Steelers a 7-3 lead at the break.

That score broke the dam for Aaron Rodgers and Co., as it sparked a stretch of four straight touchdown drives that helped Pittsburgh blow the game open. To open the second half, Rodgers led back-to-back touchdown drives. The first was capped by a 19-yard scoring pass to former Green Bay Packers teammate Marquez Valdes-Scantling, followed by a 28-yard touchdown that required a herculean effort from DK Metcalf.

Those scores not only tipped the scales in the Steelers' favor but also helped Rodgers pass Peyton Manning for the third-most career games with multiple passing touchdowns in NFL history (166). Rodgers finished the night completing 23 of 27 passes for 224 yards and two touchdowns.

Meanwhile, Miami couldn't find much rhythm offensively while the game was within reach, continuing the narrative that the Dolphins struggle in cold weather. Tua Tagovailoa completed 22 of 28 passes for 254 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, though much of that production came in garbage time.

The Steelers will spend the next two weeks on the road, starting with a Week 16 matchup against the Detroit Lions before visiting the Cleveland Browns. They then return home for a potential division-defining showdown with the Baltimore Ravens. As for the Dolphins, they'll play out the string beginning next week by hosting the Cincinnati Bengals, who were also eliminated from playoff contention in Week 15.

For more on this matchup, check out our takeaways below

Third-quarter separation
The story of this game can be told simply by what we saw in the third quarter. While Pittsburgh finally found the end zone just before halftime to take a slim 7-3 lead, it was the third quarter where it truly pulled away thanks to strong play on both sides of the ball. Overall, Pittsburgh outscored Miami 14-0 in the quarter, with Aaron Rodgers leading the way offensively with two passing scores.

Even more jarring was the yardage disparity. As the Steelers gained 163 yards over that stretch, the Dolphins totaled minus-20 yards in the third quarter and went three-and-out on both possessions. Both drives saw the Pittsburgh defense get home, sacking Tua Tagovailoa before Miami punted the ball away.

By the time we got to the fourth quarter, it was a 28-3 lead in favor of the Steelers, and the victory was effectively in hand.

Must-see play: DK Metcalf goes full beast-mode
The play of the night goes to DK Metcalf, who caught Rodgers' second touchdown pass of the contest. The Steelers receiver refused to go down on the 28-yard score. He caught the ball at around the 15-yard line and began throwing defenders aside like rag dolls as he powered his way in for the touchdown. It was Metcalf's first receiving touchdown since Week 8. (He had a rushing score in Week 12.)

Mike Tomlin, Steelers extend stellar 'MNF' record
If the Steelers and/or Rodgers are playing on "Monday Night Football," it's safe to say they're going to come out on the winning end. The franchise has now won 22 straight home games on "Monday Night Football," which is the longest streak all time. Their last loss on this stage came in 1991 to the Giants during Chuck Noll's final season as head coach.

Speaking of coaches, the win moves Mike Tomlin to 12-0 at home on "Monday Night Football." That's the most home wins without a loss by a head coach in the game's history.

Meanwhile, Aaron Rodgers moved to 11-2 at home in his career on "Monday Night Football."

Dolphins officially eliminated from playoffs
It was a long shot for Miami to get into the playoffs coming into Week 15, but those hopes were officially dashed Monday with the loss. Now it faces a harsh reality about how to proceed moving forward. This is Miami's second straight season missing the playoffs and will extend its playoff win drought. The franchise hasn't won a playoff game since 2000, which is the longest active streak in the NFL.

Moreover, the loss continues to show the Dolphins' inability to beat teams above .500. Under Mike McDaniel, Miami is 4-16 against teams entering with a record above .500 (30-15 vs. .500 or below teams). That's the largest win percentage differential (-.467) by a head coach in the Super Bowl era (minimum 50 games).

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