Cold Reality: Dolphins, Tua Tagovailoa Head into Frigid Monday Night Matchup vs. Steelers
The Miami Dolphins are heading north for a primetime clash with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but it’s not just the Steelers’ defense that could pose a problem - it’s the weather. Monday Night Football in December at Acrisure Stadium is setting up to be a teeth-chattering affair, with temperatures expected to hover around 20 degrees and a "Real Feel" dipping into single digits.
According to forecasts, wind gusts could reach up to 18 miles per hour, adding another layer of discomfort for a Dolphins team not exactly built for the cold. There's only an 11 percent chance of precipitation, but snow showers are expected in the days leading up to the game, which could impact field conditions and overall footing.
Tua’s Cold-Weather Struggles Are Hard to Ignore
This isn’t just another weather note - it’s a real storyline for Miami. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has struggled mightily in cold conditions throughout his career. After the Dolphins’ Week 14 win over the Jets - a game played in 41-degree weather at MetLife Stadium - Tua’s record in games played at 46 degrees or colder now stands at 1-7.
Let’s break that down a bit more:
- 40 degrees or colder: 0-5
- 45 degrees or colder: 1-6
- 50 degrees or colder: 2-8
- 55 degrees or colder: 4-13
Those numbers paint a pretty clear picture: when the temperature drops, so does Miami’s success rate with Tua under center. And while it’s fair to argue that wins and losses aren’t solely a quarterback stat, the trend is hard to overlook. Especially when you consider the caliber of opponents in those cold-weather losses - road games at Buffalo (twice), Tennessee, Kansas City, and Green Bay - all playoff-caliber teams with notoriously tough environments.
What It Means for Monday Night
This game isn’t just another test for Miami’s playoff push; it’s a chance to rewrite the narrative around Tua and cold-weather performance. The Dolphins’ offense is built on timing, speed, and rhythm - all things that can be disrupted by freezing temperatures and swirling winds. If the forecast holds, Miami will need to lean on its run game and short passing attack to neutralize the conditions and keep Pittsburgh’s defense honest.
For Tua, this is an opportunity to show growth in an area that’s been a consistent thorn in his side. The numbers are what they are, but Monday night gives him a chance to flip the script - in one of the toughest settings the AFC has to offer.
Bundle up - this one’s going to be cold, physical, and potentially season-defining.