Big Third Quarter Lifts The Steelers To A Big Win Over The Dolphins
- Kelly Anozie
- 2 minutes ago
- 3 min read
On a cold Monday night at Acrisure Stadium, with playoff hopes hanging in the balance for both teams, the Pittsburgh Steelers seized control with a dominant third quarter. Their surge propelled them to an impressive 28-15 victory over the Miami Dolphins.
The win improved Pittsburgh’s record to 8-6, strengthening their postseason position, while the loss effectively ended Miami’s playoff aspirations.
Game Recap -
The Dolphins opened the scoring midway through the second quarter with a 7-play, 33-yard drive that culminated in a 54-yard field goal, giving them a 3-0 lead. The drive was highlighted by a tackle for loss from Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen, which stalled Miami’s momentum and forced the kick.
Late in the quarter, the Steelers answered back with an extended 12-play, 60-yard drive. They capped it off with a 1-yard touchdown run by Steelers tight end Connor Heyward, seizing a 7-3 advantage heading into halftime.
The Steelers came out blazing at the start of the third quarter, engineering an impressive 71-yard drive. Running back Kenneth Gainwell broke free for a 38-yard run to spark the series, and quarterback Aaron Rodgers capped it off with a 19-yard touchdown strike to wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling. The score extended Pittsburgh’s lead to 14-3.
After another stalled Dolphins possession, the Steelers responded with authority, marching 77 yards on a 10-play drive. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers connected with wide receiver D.K. Metcalf on a 28-yard touchdown strike, pushing Pittsburgh’s lead to 21-3.
In the fourth quarter, the Steelers kept their foot on the gas, orchestrating another touchdown drive. Tight end Jonnu Smith hauled in a 14-yard scoring pass to cap the series, stretching Pittsburgh’s lead to a commanding 28-7.
The Dolphins finally broke through with a quick and efficient 65-yard drive, capped by a touchdown pass to tight end Darren Waller. However, their two-point conversion attempt came up short, leaving Pittsburgh with a 28-9 lead midway through the fourth quarter.
Late in the fourth quarter, the Dolphins would see them on another big drive, culminating in a 13-yard touchdown to Waller. Their two-point conversion would fail again, keeping Pittsburgh lead to 13.
In all, the Dolphins third quarter would end up being their demise and the Pittsburgh would win with a final score of 28-13.
Defense Rises To The Occasion -
Despite missing All-Pro linebacker T.J. Watt, the Steelers’ defense delivered a dominant performance, recording four sacks, seven tackles for loss, and an interception. Linebacker Patrick Queen set the tone with 11 tackles, including two for loss.
Veteran defensive tackle Cameron Heyward was equally impactful, finishing with three solo tackles, a sack, and two tackles for loss. Defensive back Jalen Ramsey added four solo tackles and a sack, while cornerback Asante Samuel Jr., stepping in for James Pierre, contributed two solo tackles and an interception.
On offense, quarterback Aaron Rodgers turned in one of his most efficient outings of the season, completing 23 passes for 224 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Kenneth Gainwell continued his strong play with 126 total yards, while fellow back contributed 48 yards despite battling illness.
Wide receiver D.K. Metcalf made his presence felt with 55 yards on three receptions, including a touchdown. Tight end Pat Freiermuth chipped in with 45 yards on three catches, and veteran receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling recorded his first touchdown in a Steelers uniform, finishing with 19 yards.