The Steelers defense ranks seventh-best in forcing punts per drive and also allow the fewest rushing yards per drive.
Heyward scored his inaugural rushing touchdown of the season from one yard out in the second quarter, giving Pittsburgh a 7-3 edge in the Pittsburgh Steelers Vs Miami Dolphins Match Player Stats.
| Date | Winner | Score | Key Player Stats | Match Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 Dec 2025 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 28–15 | Aaron Rodgers (TD passes), DK Metcalf (55 yds, TD), De’Von Achane (67 rec yds) | Steelers dominated 2nd half with 4 straight TD drives |
| 23 Oct 2022 | Miami Dolphins | 16–10 | Tua Tagovailoa (passing leader), Steelers offense struggled | Defensive game; Dolphins controlled tempo |
| 28 Oct 2019 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 27–14 | Steelers offense balanced; strong defensive stops | Steelers capitalized on turnovers |
| 08 Jan 2017 (Playoffs) | Pittsburgh Steelers | 30–12 | Steelers dominant rushing + defense | Playoff blowout win by Pittsburgh |
| 16 Oct 2016 | Miami Dolphins | 30–15 | Dolphins rushing attack led game | Miami controlled ground game throughout |
Marquez Valdes-Scantling
The Pittsburgh Steelers rank seventh in scoring among NFL teams and their running backs have amassed 1,385 yards for an incredible total. Four out of their last five games saw over 20 points scored and that trend appears likely to continue in 2015.
Once again, after an inauspicious first quarter start, the Steelers came storming out in the second. Aaron Rodgers guided their offense on an impressive six-play, 71-yard drive which resulted in a 19-yard touchdown strike to wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling before they followed it up with another nine-play, 81-yard drive which featured wide receiver D.K. Metcalf scoring a 28-yard touchdown catch.
Both drives were propelled forward by excellent field position from both teams’ offenses, and ended with key defensive plays from each. Miami forced a punt on its initial possession before scoring their first touchdown on their subsequent drive.
Valdes-Scantling started the 2025 season in San Francisco and saw limited action behind DK Metcalf. But he made an immediate impactful debut for Pittsburgh Steelers and averages 8.3 yards per target there while boasting one of the fourth best contested catch rates in league.
Within his first two weeks with the team, Antonio Brown has been targeted 23.9% of the time – which is significantly more than his average of 10.5% over his past three seasons. Brown is currently one of only two Steelers receivers who has seen more deep pass targets this season and currently leads in red zone targets among his teammates.
The Steelers have enjoyed an outstanding rushing attack lately, averaging an average of 89.2 yards per game over their last four games and ranking fifth for explosive run rate and yards after contact per attempt. Their explosive run rate ranks fifth best among NFL teams; only three others average more after contact per attempt.
On defense, however, opponents have thrived. They allowed opponents rushing attacks a whopping 1.23 billion yards last season with 30th explosive run rate allowed and only four teams average more rushing yards after contact per attempt against them while ranking 30th for explosive run rate allowed while having 4.24 yards per carry in red zone which they could count upon thanks to strong linebackers including Jordyn Brooks who have helped defend these attacks from opposing running attacks by opposing running attacks; unfortunately however their defense has suffered as much.
DeVon Achane
DeVon Achane has been an effective running back for the Dolphins this season. A former third-round pick out of Texas A&M, Achane ranked as RB6 in half-PPR scoring last season and one of the league’s most explosive dual-threat backs – though his production may dip next season with Miami’s ever-evolving offense.
The Dolphins employ three-receiver sets with various formations and utilize an aggressive run defense, allowing more rushing yards per carry than any other NFL team. However, they have had difficulty converting on third downs and are giving up an excessive number of passing yards.
After an uneventful first quarter, Pittsburgh scored three touchdowns to take control of the game in the second. Achane was limited to seven carries before leaving with a rib injury during the second quarter and Jaylen Wright saw an exponentially greater carry increase to rack up 107 rushing yards.
Although the Dolphins boast an effective running game, they have proven unable to stop opposing teams from scoring points on them – only forcing a punt once out of every four drives, which ranks seventh-lowest among NFL teams.
The Steelers have established themselves as having one of the top five overall rushing defenses in the NFL. Over four games they allowed only 461 rushing yards for total of four games played – which ranks them lowest mark ever seen by any NFL team – while their rush defense has only permitted three touchdown runs, the lowest total in league.
Conversely, the Dolphins are averaging 269 passing yards per game and have slightly below-average offensive efficiency; nonetheless they manage to put the ball into the end zone at an effective rate.
While the Dolphins have made some strides forward, there remains much work for them to do before improving their record. Their running game needs more production while third down performance needs improvement as well as their offensive line having more consistent plays that enable running plays to thrive.
T.J. Watt
Miami still leads the AFC East, remaining unbeaten at home despite their loss to Pittsburgh. They opened with an early touchdown drive followed by defensive stops and another scoring drive before Pittsburgh scored four consecutive drives to put away this contest in the second half and put Miami out of reach.
Miami’s rushing attack relies heavily on DeVon Achane, as he has contributed 68% of their rushing yards since Week 10. Additionally, Tua Tagovailoa has amassed 42 rushing yards while only throwing for 127.
When considering their ability to perform in freezing temperatures during most games of the season, Miami’s impressive rushing numbers become even more astounding. Last week against New York without Achane playing.
On the other side of things, however, the Steelers’ defense has proven effective at limiting big plays recently. They’re currently allowing only 2.19 rushing yards before contact per attempt – fourth best in the league! Furthermore, their third down defense forces opponents to punt at seventh lowest rate per drive.
Steelers pass defense has proven itself formidable against all forms of pass threats, ranking sixth in the NFL for quick passes defended, seventh at preventing deep completions, and 10th for keeping tight ends from getting open.
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ secondary is among the best at identifying receivers’ routes, while their front line has done a fantastic job creating pressure this year. Their pass rush has been led by star linebacker J.J. Watt who has seven sacks this season.
The Steelers boast a formidable blitzing scheme on defense, often sending multiple players at the same time into the backfield to rush. This unit has been very productive this season and will likely prove a key asset when competing in playoff races.
They boast an undefeated record against Dolphins during regular season play at Heinz Field as they remain undefeated against them this postseason.
Jaylen Warren
Following a scoreless first quarter and close first half, the Steelers suddenly took control by scoring two straight touchdowns to start the third. While Miami attempted to battle back but were ultimately defeated 28-15 by Pittsburgh.
As Miami failed to convert on a fourth-and-goal early in the second quarter, Miami opened up the second half with an extended drive that eventually stalled in the red zone after two-yard run by Jaylen Warren. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh responded with an extended march covering 60 yards over 12 plays before finally converting on another fourth-and-goal with kicker Riley Patterson making good on another field goal attempt.
The Dolphins had an opportunity to take the lead later in the third quarter, but their one possession of that period was cut short when Tua Tagovailoa was intercepted by Artie Burns for an interception that led directly to Antonio Brown catching a 21-yard touchdown reception from Pittsburgh’s six-play, 65-yard drive.
The Steelers have become one of only three teams to regularly rush for less than 100 yards over their last four games, thanks to an offensive line allowing an industry-leading 2.19 yards before contact per attempt over this stretch. Furthermore, their defense allows the sixth highest explosive run rate.
Conversely, the Dolphins have struggled in the red zone this season and rank 26th overall with only seven touchdowns scored from 10 games – fourth worst red zone scoring percentage among NFL teams.
Tagovailoa drove the Dolphins downfield in the fourth quarter to tie the game by connecting with Darren Waller on a 13-yard touchdown pass that tied it at 21-21, marking his two consecutive performances of recording receiving touchdowns late in a game.
The Dolphins haven’t won on the road against Pittsburgh since 2022, falling for five straight times here. These teams will meet again in 2023; Pittsburgh currently leads this series 15-3; their only losses coming in a shutout loss in the 2021 AFC Championship game and divisional matchup in 2022.
