Dolphins Collapse on Monday Night as Familiar Issues Resurface in Loss to Steelers
After stringing together four straight wins and clawing their way back from a 2-7 start, the Miami Dolphins looked like a team finally turning the corner. But under the bright lights of Monday Night Football, old habits came roaring back. Against a physical Pittsburgh Steelers squad, the Dolphins delivered a flat, frustrating performance that felt all too familiar.
Miami managed just three points in the first half, sputtering on offense while Pittsburgh took full advantage. Aaron Rodgers, still capable of carving up defenses when given time, led back-to-back touchdown drives that put the Steelers up 21-3. For the Dolphins, it was a gut punch - not just because of the score, but because of how it happened.
Tua Struggles in the Cold, Again
Tua Tagovailoa’s performance was a major concern. Once again, the cold-weather narrative reared its head - and not in a good way.
When conditions are ideal, Tua can look like a top-tier distributor. But when the temperature drops, so does his effectiveness.
His arm strength - long debated - looked limited, and the offense never found rhythm.
The Dolphins’ passing game was virtually non-existent for long stretches, and without Tyreek Hill in the lineup, Miami lacked a true game-breaking threat. That absence was felt not just on the field, but off it too.
Watching from home, Hill was vocal on social media, pleading with his teammates to avoid letting former Dolphins star Jalen Ramsey make a game-changing play. “We won’t hear the end of it,” Hill warned, clearly aware of the narrative stakes.
Familiar Faces, Familiar Frustrations
Adding salt to the wound, two former Dolphins - tight end Jonnu Smith and cornerback Jalen Ramsey - were in Steelers uniforms. While Smith didn’t make much noise until a late gadget touchdown, and Ramsey wasn’t exactly a headline-stealer in coverage, both were part of a Pittsburgh team that looked better prepared and better coached.
For Miami fans, it was a tough pill to swallow. These were players once seen as part of the solution. Now, they’re helping another AFC contender stay in the playoff hunt.
Coaching, Depth, and Third-Down Woes
Mike McDaniel’s offense has shown flashes of brilliance this season, but the inconsistencies remain glaring. Third-down play-calling was a mixed bag again - too often putting the offense in tough spots without the personnel to overcome them.
The lack of wide receiver depth really showed, especially with Hill out. And while Jaylen Waddle remains a weapon, the drop-off behind him is steep.
Defensively, the second-half collapses are becoming a troubling trend. The Dolphins couldn’t get off the field when it mattered, and their inability to adjust mid-game continues to haunt them. Whether it’s scheme, fatigue, or execution, the defense simply didn’t hold up under pressure.
Front Office Fallout Still Looms
Even with Chris Grier now out as general manager, the ripple effects of his tenure are still being felt. The trades involving Ramsey and Smith - both of whom are now contributing to a division rival - didn’t yield much in return. It’s the kind of roster mismanagement that lingers, especially when those same players help beat you on national television.
Where Does Miami Go From Here?
At 6-8, the Dolphins are still technically alive in the playoff race, but nights like this make it hard to believe in a deep run. The inconsistency at quarterback, the lack of depth, and the defensive lapses are all issues that have plagued this team for years. Monday night wasn’t just a loss - it was a reminder of how much work still needs to be done.
For Mike McDaniel and this Dolphins roster, the path forward is clear but steep. If they’re going to take the next step, they’ll need more than just a few wins strung together. They’ll need to shake off the ghosts of December collapses past - and prove they can play winning football when it matters most.