Dolphins Head to Pittsburgh Early, Embrace the Cold Ahead of Monday Night Clash with Steelers
The Miami Dolphins are switching things up this week - and it’s all by design. Instead of sticking to their usual routine in South Florida, the team is heading to Pittsburgh two days early to get a jump on prepping for their Monday Night Football showdown with the Steelers.
Head coach Mike McDaniel confirmed the early travel was planned well before the season began. The bonus?
A chance to get acclimated to the cold - and we’re not talking about a mild breeze. Forecasts are calling for temperatures around 21 degrees with a chance of snow on Saturday, and it could dip to near 20 by kickoff Monday night.
“Doing it this way allows us to have our final full-speed practice about 48 hours from kickoff,” McDaniel explained. It’s a calculated move - one that could pay off in a game where every edge matters, especially for a team that’s trying to claw back to .500 with a 7-7 record on the line.
Key Players Trending Toward Playing
The good news for Miami: reinforcements are on the way. Running back De’Von Achane is expected to suit up, giving the Dolphins backfield a much-needed boost. His speed could be a game-changer, even in frigid conditions.
Cornerback Jack Jones, who’s been dealing with a knee issue, is also on track to play. That’s a big plus for a secondary that will need to be sharp against a Steelers offense that’s shown flashes of life in recent weeks.
Center Aaron Brewer, who’s been nursing an ankle injury, gave a simple but reassuring update: he’s good to go. That’s critical for an offensive line that will be tasked with protecting the quarterback and establishing the run - two things that get even tougher when the ground is frozen and defenders are flying downhill.
One player who won’t be activated this week is offensive lineman Andrew Meyer. He’s coming off a solid week of practice as he works his way back from a triceps injury, but McDaniel said he’s not expected to be active for the game.
Adapting to the Elements
With snow in the forecast and temperatures hovering around the freezing mark, weather could be a real factor Monday night. But McDaniel isn’t sweating it - at least not figuratively.
“I think you adjust for what the players are able to execute,” McDaniel said. “So if the surface of the ground is a certain way, you adjust.
If there’s a lot of wind, you adjust. If people are struggling to possess the ball... the biggest thing is being a team that can adjust to any environment.”
That adaptability will be put to the test in prime time. The Dolphins have shown flashes of offensive brilliance this season, but handling the elements - and a physical Steelers team - will require more than just speed and scheme. It’ll take toughness, discipline, and the kind of situational awareness McDaniel has been preaching since day one.
With a playoff push still very much in play, this Monday night matchup could be a defining moment. The Dolphins are betting that getting to Pittsburgh early, embracing the cold, and locking in their game plan under the lights of Acrisure Stadium will give them the edge they need.
We’ll find out soon enough.