PITTSBURGH — The Miami Dolphins were eliminated from playoff contention Monday night after a 28-15 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Miami (6-8) entered the game riding a four-game winning streak and looking to return to .500, but the offense struggled to find consistency. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa threw his league-leading 15th interception on the Dolphins’ second drive and Miami failed to generate sustained momentum.
Tagovailoa fell to 0-5 in games played in temperatures under 40 degrees. The Dolphins have now lost 14 straight games in those conditions.
The Dolphins leaned on the running game early with De’Von Achane, but an underthrown ball by Tagovailoa intended for receiver Jaylen Waddle was intercepted by Asante Samuel Jr.
The Steelers capitalized on the turnover by moving the ball into Dolphins territory, though Miami’s defense initially held. Linebacker Jordyn Brooks recorded a 10-yard sack on Aaron Rodgers on third down to force a punt, giving him 3.5 sacks on the season.
Miami opened the scoring with a career-long 54-yard field goal by Riley Patterson after Tagovailoa connected with Achane on a 24-yard reception.
Pittsburgh took the lead late in the first half.
A facemask penalty to Kenneth Gainwell set up first-and-goal for the Steelers at the 1-yard line, and Connor Heyward scored on a quarterback sneak, also known as the tush push, with under 17 seconds remaining to give the Steelers a 7-3 halftime advantage.
At the break, Miami had rushed for 52 yards on 12 carries, while Tagovailoa threw for just 61 yards. Rodgers completed 13 of 14 passes for 105 yards in the first half.
Pittsburgh pulled away in the second half before the Dolphins made a last-ditch effort to keep the game close.
Rodgers led a methodical drive capped by a 28-yard touchdown pass to DK Metcalf after the receiver broke a tackle over the middle. The Steelers extended the lead to 21-3.
Former Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith added to the lead with a 14-yard rushing touchdown — his first since 2020 — to make it 28-3.
Miami found the end zone with 9:41 remaining in the fourth quarter when Tagovailoa lofted a 6-yard touchdown pass to tight end Darren Waller. A failed two-point conversion made it 28-9.
The Dolphins scored again late when Tagovailoa connected with Waller for a 13-yard touchdown, Waller’s second of the night. Miami again failed to convert the two-point attempt, cutting the deficit to 28-15.
Tagovailoa finished 22 of 28 for 254 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Rodgers went 23 of 27 for 224 yards and two touchdowns without a turnover.
Waller was one of the bright spots on the Miami offense after finishing the game with 7 catches for 65 yards and two touchdowns.
Miami’s onside kick attempt was unsuccessful but the Steelers went three-and-out on the next possession. The Dolphins were unable to score on their final possession of the game.
Miami’s loss eliminated them from playoff contention, marking the second consecutive season under Mike McDaniel that the team has missed the playoffs.
Up next:
The Dolphins will host the Cincinnati Bengals (4-10) on Sunday at 1 p.m.
Pittsburgh travels to face Baltimore (7-7) at M&T Bank Stadium.
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