Dolphins’ push to stay hot in Pittsburgh hinges on flipping the script against familiar faces — and avoiding a repeat of one major 2024 shortcoming
Who comes out on top between the Dolphins and Steelers in Week 15?
The Miami Dolphins are going to see a few familiar faces on the sideline for Monday night’s primetime showcase against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith will be suited up in black, while Miami looks to keep their momentum rolling on the opposite sideline. Ramsey is playing a new position, whereas Smith is an ancillary part of the Steelers’ offense. Neutralizing both would be useful in a bid for a Miami win.
How, exactly, will this game play out? What can the Dolphins do to keep their recent trend going? How can they slow down QB Aaron Rodgers after two strong showings against Miami last season? I checked in with my teammate, Rob Gregson of A to Z Sports Pittsburgh, to feel out the biggest angles for Miami in this week’s matchup with Pittsburgh.
Steelers vs. Dolphins Monday Night Football preview and final score predictions
What has gone wrong with Pittsburgh’s run defense and why would it be different on Monday night?
“The struggles of the Steelers’ rush defense over the last two weeks can be attributed to one man. Rookie DT Derrick Harmon. It sounds crazy to say, and the fact that the Steelers’ run defense turns to water through a sieve without a rookie is concerning, but that’s the case with Pittsburgh. Without their rookie first-rounder in there, the Steelers simply haven’t been able to keep teams from running straight at them. Honestly, even perimeter runs have been successful, as (TJ) Watt and (Alex) Highsmith have struggled to set the edge. Teams have gone for 200 + yards in back-to-back games and are averaging almost 5 yards per carry without Harmon in the game.” – Gregson
The outlook for Pittsburgh stopping the run this week could be even more in question, too. Watt, per a statement released by the Steelers on Thursday, is currently hospitalized due to discomfort at the team’s facility on Wednesday. His status for Monday night is, currently, unknown.
If the Steelers run game continues to struggle, how well can QB Aaron Rodgers carry the offense?
“You know, Kyle, if you asked me this same question last week, before the Ravens game, I would have said my confidence level was like a 3 or 4. But we saw the exact scenario you asked about in the Ravens game. The Steelers offense ran for less than 40 yards on the ground, and were down to a fourth-string LT, and Aaron Rodgers played arguably his best game of the year. The ball location and velocity on his passes look the best they have since the Chargers game. A lot of that may be due to what we saw from the Ravens defense, but it feels repeatable against Miami.” – Gregson
Rodgers lit the Dolphins up in 2024 with the Jets — he posted two strong showings against Miami and the Dolphins must ensure he does not find the same comfort in this game. Disrupting Rodgers early feels like a major piece of the puzzle for Miami. The veteran quarterback had seven games in 2024 with a passer rating over 100. Two of those came against the Dolphins.
Pittsburgh Steelers’ worst run defense performances of 2025
- Week 13: 249 yards allowed versus Buffalo
- Week 14: 217 yards allowed versus Baltimore
- Week 1: 182 yards allowed versus New York (Jets)
What is your final score prediction for Monday Night?
“The Steelers are 21-4 on Monday Night Football under Mike Tomlin. Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins have never won a game when the kickoff temperature is below 40 degrees. Monday night in Pittsburgh is forecasted to be in the teens. The Dolphins are red hot, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see a high-scoring affair, but I think Mike Tomlin and the Steelers’ defense find a way to cool down the Dolphins.
Steelers: 25 — Dolphins: 22″ – Gregson
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