The Pittsburgh Steelers hosted the Miami Dolphins on Monday Night Football last night. With the temperatures dropping to the teens and without their best player, their 22-game home winning streak on MNF was in jeopardy. However, Aaron Rodgers played one of his most efficient games of the season as the Steelers controlled the game en route to a 28-15 win. Let’s dive into last night’s game and how this affects their chances in the AFC North.
Steelers Offense Finding Rhythm
For the second consecutive week, Pittsburgh’s offense looked like a modern-day offense, well, kind of. They scored on four consecutive offensive drives last night, spanning the 2nd and 4th quarters. Interesting stat. Last night was the first time in NFL history a team had two rushing touchdowns by tight ends. One came from a Conner Hayward Tush Push; the other was a 14-yard rush by Jonnu Smith.
Aaron Rodgers was vintage Rodgers in the cold. He completed 23 of his 27 passes for 224 yards and two TDs. He connected with DK Metcalf on a 12-yard pass that resulted in Metcalf breaking tackles and taking it 28 yards for the score. A Rod would hit Marquez Valdez-Scantling, yes, you read that right, for a 19-yard TD on his first catch as a Steeler. Rodgers to MVS in the big 25, who had that on their bingo card?
Defense Steps Up
We know Tua Tagovailoa’s history in cold weather; last night was no different until the game was out of hand. The Steelers’ defense engulfed the Dolphins‘ offense in the first three quarters. Holding them to 116 yards was very impressive considering what Miami has done over the past month. They also sacked Tua four times, and Asante Samuel Jr. picked him off, his first INT as a Steeler.
Having that level of play was a sight to see for the Pittsburgh faithful. What made it sweet was that they had that strong a showing without their best player, TJ Watt. Watt missed this game due to a lung injury he suffered last week which necessitated surgery. His status is currently week-to-week. Now, as a Steelers fan, I would love to see him return and have this defense put it all together.
AFC North Title Incoming?
It’s been a long time since there was playoff football in the Steel City. The last time the Pittsburgh Steelers won the division, it ended in a flameout. In the 2020 season, they started 11-0, finished 12-4, and were blown out by the Cleveland Browns in the Wild Card. For a team and a city that have long craved it, playoff football appears to be on the horizon.
What does the win do for their division title hopes? With their remaining games against the Detroit Lions, Cleveland Browns, & Baltimore Ravens, they have a solid chance. With the Ravens’ other two games against the Patriots and the Green Bay Packers, there’s a chance their Week 18 game doesn’t matter. If the Steelers beat either the Lions or the Browns while Baltimore loses its next two games, Pittsburgh wins the division.
Final Thoughts
The Pittsburgh Steelers need to carry this momentum into what will be a difficult challenge this weekend against the Lions. Will Aaron Rodgers get one more vintage moment against the NFC North? As a Steelers fan, I hope so. I am excited about how the team is coming together, and I hope they get TJ Watt back sooner rather than later.
As always, thank you so much for checking out my thoughts on the Pittsburgh Steelers inching closer to an AFC North title! Be sure to check out our other amazing content here at New Leaf News! We hope you’re enjoying your day, and we look forward to seeing you all again soon.
