Rodgers and the Steelers Eliminate Miami from Playoff Contention

PITTSBURGH, PA — The Pittsburgh Steelers kept their playoff ambitions alive with a win over Miami on Monday night, 28-15. Frigid conditions did not stop Rodgers from delivering a vintage performance, throwing for 224 yards and two touchdowns to keep Pittsburgh atop the AFC North with the win over the Dolphins. The victory also eliminated Miami from playoff contention.

Rodgers, 42, completed 23 of 27 passes — an 85.2% rate that made him the oldest quarterback in NFL history to finish a game with at least an 85% completion percentage. The four-time MVP found Marquez Valdes-Scantling for a 19-yard touchdown and DK Metcalf for a 28-yard score in the third quarter, helping the Steelers (8-6) pull away with four consecutive touchdown drives.

Rodgers repeatedly worked underneath Miami’s coverage, relying on quick throws and yards after the catch. Running back Kenneth Gainwell finished with 126 total yards and a team-high seven receptions. The win keeps Pittsburgh one game ahead of Baltimore in the AFC North with three weeks remaining.

Miami (6-8) saw its four-game winning streak snapped as its slim postseason hopes disappeared in the cold. The Dolphins practiced in the snow over the weekend, but it didn’t translate into success on offense.

Tua Tagovailoa completed 22 of 28 passes for 254 yards with two late touchdowns and his league-leading 15th interception. Miami managed negative 20 yards in the third quarter and remained winless in games with temperatures under 40 degrees at kickoff during Tagovailoa’s tenure.

De’Von Achane totaled 128 yards but was largely neutralized during the stretch when Pittsburgh scored on four consecutive possessions.

Up Next

Dolphins: Host Cincinnati on Sunday.
Steelers: Visit Detroit on Sunday.