Steelers vs. Dolphins: Three Defensive Keys for Pittsburgh on Monday Night Football
It’s Monday night under the lights, and the Pittsburgh Steelers are set for a prime-time showdown against the Miami Dolphins - a matchup that could have big implications for playoff positioning. For a Steelers team that’s been grinding through an up-and-down season, this is one of those games you simply can’t afford to let slip. And if they want to come out of Week 15 with a win, it starts with the defense stepping up in a big way.
Here are three critical things Pittsburgh’s defense needs to do to handle business in Miami.
1. Keep De’Von Achane in Check
Let’s be clear: De’Von Achane is a problem. The rookie running back has been electric all season, racking up over 1,500 yards from scrimmage while averaging a ridiculous 6.1 yards every time he touches the ball. That’s not just efficient - that’s game-breaking.
For a Steelers defense that’s been inconsistent against the run, this is a major test. Achane’s speed and vision make him dangerous both between the tackles and in space, and if he gets going early, it opens up everything else Miami wants to do. Mike Tomlin and defensive coordinator Teryl Austin will need to throw multiple looks at him - stacking the box, disguising run blitzes, and making sure their linebackers and safeties are disciplined in gap control.
This isn’t just about limiting yardage - it’s about making sure Achane doesn’t flip the game with one of his signature explosive plays. If Pittsburgh can keep him contained, they’ll force Miami into situations they don’t want to be in.
2. Win the Third-Down Battle
This one’s a bit of a paradox. Miami’s offense has struggled mightily on third downs this season - one of the worst conversion rates in the league. But Pittsburgh’s defense hasn’t exactly been lights-out in those spots either, often letting opponents extend drives when they should be getting off the field.
So what gives?
This is where the Steelers have an opportunity to tilt the game in their favor. The key is getting the Dolphins into third-and-long situations. That means winning on first and second down - stopping the run, limiting short passes, and avoiding penalties that give Miami free yardage.
Once they get to third down, the Steelers need to bring the heat. Whether it’s sending an extra rusher or mixing up coverages to confuse the quarterback, Pittsburgh has to take advantage of Miami’s third-down woes. If they can flip the script and dominate this area, they’ll control the tempo and keep their own offense in favorable field position.
3. Make Tua Tagovailoa Uncomfortable
Tua Tagovailoa hasn’t had the season Miami hoped for. The sixth-year quarterback has been shaky through 13 games, and the numbers back it up - he’s tied for the league lead in interceptions with 14.
That’s a stat the Steelers defense needs to circle in red.
Pittsburgh’s pass rush has long been its calling card, and this is the kind of matchup where it needs to shine. Whether it’s T.J. Watt off the edge or pressure up the middle from the interior line, the goal is simple: disrupt Tua’s timing and force him into mistakes.
But it’s not just about sacks - it’s about pressure. Rushing throws, collapsing the pocket, getting hands in throwing lanes - all of it adds up. The more uncomfortable Tua is, the more likely he is to give the Steelers’ opportunistic secondary a chance to make a game-changing play.
The Bottom Line
This is a classic Steelers formula: run the ball, play tough defense, and win the turnover battle. But against a speed-heavy Dolphins team that can score in bunches, the defense has to lead the way. If Pittsburgh can bottle up Achane, dominate on third down, and rattle Tua early and often, they’ll put themselves in prime position to come out of Monday Night Football with a crucial win.
It’s December football - and for the Steelers, the margin for error is razor-thin. Time to see if the defense is ready to rise to the moment.