Miami Dolphins vs Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats

The Miami Dolphins vs Pittsburgh Steelers match player stats tell the complete story of a game where efficiency, physical rushing, and disciplined defense proved more valuable than explosive passing numbers. On December 16, 2025, the Pittsburgh Steelers earned a convincing 28-15 victory at home despite Miami’s quarterback producing an excellent statistical performance. While Tua Tagovailoa threw for over 250 yards and two touchdowns, Pittsburgh controlled the game through balanced offense, timely defensive plays, and dominance on the ground. This detailed breakdown examines every major statistic, explains what those numbers truly mean, and highlights the performances that shaped the outcome.

Match Overview

Category	Details
Game	Miami Dolphins vs Pittsburgh Steelers
Date	December 16, 2025
Competition	NFL
Venue	Steelers Home Stadium
Final Score	Pittsburgh Steelers 28, Miami Dolphins 15
Winning Team	Pittsburgh Steelers
Miami Record	6-8 (2-5 Away)
Pittsburgh Record	8-6 (5-3 Home)

Playing at home, Pittsburgh improved its playoff hopes with one of its most balanced performances of the season. Miami entered the matchup looking to strengthen its record but struggled to establish a consistent rushing attack and failed to create defensive turnovers.

Miami Dolphins vs Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats Overview

The Miami Dolphins vs Pittsburgh Steelers match player stats reveal two very different offensive approaches.

Miami relied heavily on Tua Tagovailoa’s accurate passing game, while Pittsburgh combined efficient quarterback play with an effective rushing attack that steadily wore down the Dolphins’ defense.

Team Offensive Comparison

Category	Miami Dolphins	Pittsburgh Steelers
Passing Yards	253	224
Passing TD	2	2
Rushing Yards	63	135
Rushing TD	0	2
Total Passing Completions	22	23
Turnovers	1	0
Sacks Allowed	4	3

Although Miami finished with more passing yards, Pittsburgh generated nearly twice as many rushing yards while protecting the football throughout the contest.

Quarter by Quarter Breakdown

First Quarter

Both defenses dominated the opening quarter.

Neither offense found much rhythm, resulting in a scoreless first period. Defensive pressure limited explosive plays, while both quarterbacks patiently worked underneath routes instead of forcing risky throws.

Score after Q1

• Pittsburgh: 0
• Miami: 0

Second Quarter

Pittsburgh finally broke through with the game’s first touchdown.

Miami answered with a long 54-yard field goal from Riley Patterson, but the Steelers maintained momentum heading into halftime.

Second Quarter Points

• Pittsburgh: 7
• Miami: 3

Halftime Score

Pittsburgh Steelers 7

Miami Dolphins 3

Third Quarter

The third quarter proved to be the turning point.

Pittsburgh scored 14 unanswered points, combining efficient passing from Aaron Rodgers with an increasingly dominant rushing attack.

Miami’s offense struggled to sustain drives despite moving the football through the air.

Third Quarter Points

• Pittsburgh: 14
• Miami: 0

Fourth Quarter

Miami attempted a late comeback by scoring two touchdowns through the passing game, but Pittsburgh answered with another touchdown of its own to comfortably preserve the lead.

Fourth Quarter Points

• Pittsburgh: 7
• Miami: 12

Final Score:

Pittsburgh Steelers 28

Miami Dolphins 15

Passing Leaders Analysis

Quarterback efficiency became one of the most interesting aspects of this matchup.

Tua Tagovailoa

Stat	Value
Completions/Attempts	22/28
Passing Yards	253
Touchdowns	2
Interceptions	1
Sacks Taken	4
Passer Rating	113.2

Tua completed nearly 79 percent of his passes and consistently found open receivers underneath. His two touchdown passes kept Miami competitive, but the lone interception proved costly because Pittsburgh converted momentum into points.

Additionally, four sacks disrupted several promising drives.

Aaron Rodgers

Stat	Value
Completions/Attempts	23/27
Passing Yards	224
Touchdowns	2
Interceptions	0
Sacks Taken	3
Passer Rating	125.9

Aaron Rodgers delivered one of his cleanest performances of the season.

Rather than forcing difficult throws, he consistently took high-percentage completions while avoiding turnovers entirely. His outstanding 125.9 passer rating reflected excellent decision-making throughout the game.

Comparing the Quarterbacks

Although Tua threw for more yards, Rodgers produced the more efficient performance.

Key differences included:

• Rodgers avoided interceptions.
• Rodgers completed over 85 percent of his passes.
• Pittsburgh consistently stayed ahead of the chains.
• Miami’s passing attack became more one-dimensional because of its ineffective running game.
• Rodgers capitalized on favorable field position after Pittsburgh’s defense created the game’s only takeaway.

The official NFL statistics database provides additional information about player and team performance trends across every regular-season game through the NFL Stats section.

Team Offense Comparison

Perhaps the clearest difference came on the ground.

Category	Dolphins	Steelers
Team Rush Attempts	16	32
Team Rush Yards	63	135
Average per Rush	3.9	4.2
Rushing TD	0	2

Pittsburgh doubled Miami’s rushing attempts.

That balance prevented Miami from focusing exclusively on stopping the passing game and allowed the Steelers to control both possession and tempo throughout the second half.

Early Takeaways from the Statistics

Several important observations stand out immediately.

• Pittsburgh won despite throwing for fewer passing yards.
• Miami generated respectable offensive numbers but struggled in critical situations.
• The Steelers dominated rushing production.
• Pittsburgh committed zero turnovers.
• Miami allowed four sacks.
• Pittsburgh converted scoring opportunities into touchdowns instead of settling for field goals.
• Ball security ultimately separated the two teams.

The opening statistical picture already explains much of the final score. While Miami displayed efficiency through the air, Pittsburgh played a more complete game by combining balanced offense, disciplined defense, and mistake-free football, laying the foundation for a deserved 28-15 victory.

Individual Player Performance Breakdown

The Miami Dolphins vs Pittsburgh Steelers match player stats become even more meaningful when each player’s contribution is examined individually. While the final score favored Pittsburgh, several Miami players delivered impressive individual performances that kept the contest competitive until the closing stages.

Statistics alone never tell the complete story. Context matters. Some players accumulated impressive numbers while playing from behind, whereas others produced timely plays that directly influenced the outcome.

Miami Dolphins Passing Performance

Tua Tagovailoa carried much of Miami’s offensive workload.

Statistic	Value
Completions	22
Attempts	28
Completion Percentage	78.6%
Passing Yards	253
Passing Touchdowns	2
Interceptions	1
Sacks Taken	4
Passer Rating	113.2

His completion percentage demonstrated excellent accuracy throughout the game. Miami consistently moved the football through short and intermediate passes, limiting incompletions and keeping drives alive.

However, one interception shifted momentum toward Pittsburgh at a critical point. Combined with four sacks, that turnover prevented Miami from capitalizing on several promising possessions.

What Tua Did Well

Several aspects of his performance deserve recognition.

• Maintained excellent accuracy throughout the game.
• Distributed the football efficiently.
• Connected for two touchdown passes.
• Stayed composed despite consistent defensive pressure.
• Produced over 250 passing yards against a disciplined defense.

Areas That Hurt Miami

Despite his strong numbers, several factors limited his overall impact.

• Four sacks stalled drives.
• One interception became the game’s only turnover.
• The offense became predictable because the running game never established consistency.
• Pittsburgh’s defense forced Miami into obvious passing situations during the second half.

Pittsburgh Steelers Passing Performance

Aaron Rodgers demonstrated why efficiency often outweighs volume.

Statistic	Value
Completions	23
Attempts	27
Completion Percentage	85.2%
Passing Yards	224
Passing Touchdowns	2
Interceptions	0
Sacks Taken	3
Passer Rating	125.9

Although Rodgers threw for fewer yards than Tagovailoa, his performance was nearly flawless.

He consistently identified favorable matchups before the snap, avoided risky throws, and allowed Pittsburgh’s balanced offense to dictate the pace.

Why Rodgers Was So Effective

Several elements defined his performance.

• Outstanding decision making.
• Excellent ball placement.
• Zero turnovers.
• High completion percentage.
• Strong execution inside the red zone.
• Smart management of game situations.

Rather than chasing explosive plays, Rodgers repeatedly accepted safe completions that moved the chains and extended drives.

Rushing Leaders Analysis

The running game created the biggest statistical difference between the two teams.

Miami Dolphins Rushing Leader

De’Von Achane

Statistic	Value
Carries	12
Rushing Yards	60
Average	5.0 Yards
Touchdowns	0

Achane remained productive whenever he received the football.

His average of five yards per carry suggests efficiency, but Miami simply did not give him enough opportunities. The Dolphins rushed only sixteen times as a team, making the offense heavily dependent on the passing game.

Pittsburgh Steelers Rushing Leader

Kenny Gainwell

Statistic	Value
Carries	13
Rushing Yards	80
Average	6.2 Yards
Touchdowns	0

Gainwell consistently generated positive yardage.

His ability to break through the first level of Miami’s defense created manageable third-down situations and allowed Pittsburgh to control possession throughout the second half.

Team Rushing Comparison

Category	Miami	Pittsburgh
Attempts	16	32
Yards	63	135
Average	3.9	4.2
Touchdowns	0	2

This comparison highlights why Pittsburgh maintained control.

Doubling Miami’s rushing attempts kept the offense balanced while wearing down defenders as the game progressed.

Receiving Leaders

Passing success depends on receivers creating separation and finishing plays.

Miami Dolphins Receiving Leaders

Darren Waller

Statistic	Value
Receptions	7
Receiving Yards	66
Receiving Touchdowns	2

Waller produced Miami’s biggest offensive moments.

Both Dolphins touchdowns came through him, making him the team’s most productive scoring threat.

His route running allowed Tagovailoa to find reliable targets in critical situations.

De’Von Achane

Statistic	Value
Receptions	6
Receiving Yards	67

Achane contributed both as a runner and receiver.

His versatility created matchup problems for Pittsburgh’s linebackers, and he actually finished with slightly more receiving yards than Waller.

Pittsburgh Steelers Receiving Leaders

DK Metcalf

Statistic	Value
Receptions	3
Receiving Yards	55
Receiving Touchdowns	1

Metcalf needed only three catches to make a major impact.

His touchdown reception provided one of Pittsburgh’s biggest offensive plays while stretching Miami’s secondary vertically.

Kenny Gainwell

Statistic	Value
Receptions	7
Receiving Yards	46

Gainwell’s production extended beyond the running game.

His seven receptions gave Rodgers another dependable option, especially on short passes designed to keep drives alive.

Receiving Comparison

Category	Miami	Pittsburgh
Total Receptions	22	23
Receiving Yards	253	224
Receiving Touchdowns	2	2

The receiving numbers were remarkably close.

Miami generated slightly more yardage, but Pittsburgh’s offense consistently produced timely completions in situations that mattered most.

Defensive Standouts

Defense ultimately influenced the game’s outcome.

Miami Defensive Leader

Jordyn Brooks

Statistic	Value
Total Tackles	13
Solo Tackles	7
Sacks	1
Tackles for Loss	2
Pass Deflections	1
Quarterback Hits	1

Brooks delivered an energetic performance.

His tackling limited several potentially explosive runs, while his sack provided one of Miami’s best defensive moments.

Pittsburgh Defensive Leader

Patrick Queen

Statistic	Value
Total Tackles	10
Solo Tackles	9
Tackles for Loss	2

Queen anchored Pittsburgh’s front seven with disciplined tackling and physical play around the line of scrimmage.

His ability to diagnose running plays helped limit Miami’s ground attack throughout the evening.

Defensive Team Comparison

Category	Miami	Pittsburgh
Total Tackles	76	53
Sacks	3	4
Tackles for Loss	5	7
Pass Deflections	2	2
Quarterback Hits	3	5
Interceptions	0	1

Miami recorded more tackles largely because Pittsburgh possessed the football longer.

The more meaningful statistics favored Pittsburgh.

Their defense generated:

• More sacks.
• More tackles for loss.
• More quarterback pressure.
• The game’s only interception.

Those impact plays proved far more valuable than total tackle numbers alone.

The Game’s Only Turnover

One defensive play stood above the rest.

Asante Samuel Jr.

Statistic	Value
Interceptions	1
Return Yards	0
Touchdowns	0

Samuel’s interception prevented a potential Miami scoring drive and shifted momentum toward the Steelers.

Although it produced no return yardage, it represented one of the defining moments reflected in the Miami Dolphins vs Pittsburgh Steelers match player stats.

Special Teams Performance

Special teams rarely receive the same attention as quarterbacks or defensive stars, yet they often influence field position, momentum, and scoring opportunities. In this game, both teams received dependable contributions from their kickers, return specialists, punters, and coverage units.

Miami Dolphins Special Teams

Kick Returns

Dee Eskridge

Statistic	Value
Returns	3
Return Yards	74
Average	24.7
Long Return	33

Eskridge consistently provided respectable starting field position. While he did not break away for a game-changing return, his average of nearly 25 yards per return helped Miami avoid beginning drives deep in its own territory.

Punt Returns

Malik Washington

Statistic	Value
Returns	2
Return Yards	14
Average	7.0

Washington handled his opportunities safely and avoided costly mistakes. Although the returns were modest, maintaining possession remained important in a game where every drive mattered.

Kicking

Riley Patterson

Statistic	Value
Field Goals	1/1
Long Field Goal	54 Yards
Total Points	3

Patterson’s 54-yard field goal was one of Miami’s highlights. Long-distance kicks require both power and accuracy, and converting from beyond 50 yards demonstrated confidence under pressure.

Punting

Jake Bailey

Statistic	Value
Punts	4
Total Yards	194
Average	48.5
Long Punt	55

Bailey delivered an impressive average of 48.5 yards per punt, frequently flipping field position and giving Miami’s defense opportunities to force stops.

Pittsburgh Steelers Special Teams

Kick Returns

Jaylen Warren

Statistic	Value
Returns	2
Return Yards	54
Average	27.0
Long Return	30

Warren’s efficient returns consistently placed Pittsburgh’s offense in favorable field position. Even without a breakaway return, his average exceeded Miami’s and helped shorten the field.

Punt Returns

Calvin Austin III

Statistic	Value
Returns	3
Return Yards	9
Average	3.0

Austin’s role focused more on securing possession than producing explosive returns. Avoiding turnovers on punt returns proved valuable in a tightly contested game.

Kicking

Chris Boswell

Statistic	Value
Extra Points	4/4
Points	4

Boswell converted every extra point attempt, ensuring Pittsburgh capitalized on each touchdown without leaving points on the field.

Punting

Corliss Waitman

Statistic	Value
Punts	5
Total Yards	231
Average	46.2
Long Punt	52

Waitman consistently pinned Miami into less favorable field position, complementing Pittsburgh’s defensive effort throughout the evening.

Statistical Comparison by Unit

Passing

Category	Miami	Pittsburgh
Passing Yards	253	224
Passing Touchdowns	2	2
Completion Percentage	78.6%	85.2%
Interceptions Thrown	1	0

Miami finished with more passing yards, but Pittsburgh’s superior efficiency and mistake-free football provided the greater impact.

Rushing

Category	Miami	Pittsburgh
Attempts	16	32
Yards	63	135
Average	3.9	4.2
Touchdowns	0	2

The rushing battle clearly favored Pittsburgh and became the foundation of its offensive success.

Defense

Category	Miami	Pittsburgh
Sacks	3	4
Tackles for Loss	5	7
Quarterback Hits	3	5
Interceptions	0	1

Pressure on the quarterback and the game’s only takeaway separated Pittsburgh’s defense from Miami’s.

Key Turning Points

Several moments shifted momentum toward the Steelers and ultimately decided the contest.

Pittsburgh’s Third Quarter Surge

The Steelers scored 14 unanswered points after halftime.

This stretch transformed a competitive game into one where Miami had to abandon offensive balance and rely almost exclusively on passing.

Dominance on the Ground

Pittsburgh rushed for 135 yards compared to Miami’s 63.

By consistently moving the chains on the ground, the Steelers controlled possession, reduced pressure on Aaron Rodgers, and limited opportunities for Miami’s offense.

The Only Turnover

Asante Samuel Jr.’s interception was the lone takeaway of the game.

In closely contested NFL games, winning the turnover battle often determines the outcome. Pittsburgh protected the football while forcing Miami’s only mistake.

Defensive Pressure

The Steelers recorded four sacks and five quarterback hits.

Although Tagovailoa completed a high percentage of his passes, repeated pressure disrupted timing and prevented several drives from developing into scoring opportunities.

Why Pittsburgh Won

Looking beyond the box score, Pittsburgh excelled in the areas that often determine NFL victories.

Balanced Offensive Strategy

Instead of relying solely on Rodgers, Pittsburgh successfully mixed passing and rushing plays. This prevented Miami’s defense from anticipating play calls and kept the offense unpredictable.

Ball Security

Turnovers frequently decide games between evenly matched teams.

Pittsburgh committed none, while Miami surrendered possession once. That single difference proved significant because it shifted momentum and denied Miami a scoring opportunity.

Winning in the Trenches

Football games are often decided at the line of scrimmage.

Pittsburgh’s offensive line created running lanes for Kenny Gainwell, while the defensive front generated four sacks and seven tackles for loss. Success in both trenches allowed the Steelers to dictate the flow of the game.

Efficient Red Zone Execution

Whenever Pittsburgh reached scoring position, it consistently converted opportunities into touchdowns rather than settling for field goals. That efficiency created separation on the scoreboard despite similar passing production.

Expert Analysis

From an analytical perspective, this game serves as an excellent reminder that passing yards alone rarely determine NFL success.

Miami actually produced more passing yards than Pittsburgh, yet several complementary factors worked in the Steelers’ favor:

• A stronger rushing attack.
• Better quarterback efficiency.
• Superior defensive pressure.
• Excellent ball security.
• Greater success in situational football.
• Consistent execution during the second half.

These factors combined to produce a complete team performance rather than one built around a single standout statistic.

The Miami Dolphins vs Pittsburgh Steelers match player stats illustrate how balanced football often outperforms one-dimensional offensive production. Pittsburgh did not dominate every statistical category, but it excelled in the categories that most directly influence winning: rushing efficiency, turnover margin, quarterback decision-making, and defensive disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the final score of the Miami Dolphins vs Pittsburgh Steelers game?

The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Miami Dolphins 28-15 on December 16, 2025. Pittsburgh took control during the third quarter and maintained its advantage through a balanced offensive performance and disciplined defense.

Who had the best passing performance in the game?

Aaron Rodgers led Pittsburgh by completing 23 of 27 passes for 224 yards, two touchdowns, no interceptions, and a 125.9 passer rating. Tua Tagovailoa threw for 253 yards and two touchdowns, but one interception and four sacks affected Miami’s overall offensive efficiency.

Who was the leading rusher?

Kenny Gainwell led Pittsburgh with 80 rushing yards on 13 carries, averaging 6.2 yards per attempt. Miami’s leading rusher was De’Von Achane, who recorded 60 yards on 12 carries.

Which receiver made the biggest impact?

For Miami, Darren Waller finished with seven receptions for 66 yards and two touchdowns. Pittsburgh’s leading receiver was DK Metcalf, who caught three passes for 55 yards and one touchdown.

What was the biggest difference between the two teams?

The most significant difference was Pittsburgh’s rushing attack. The Steelers rushed for 135 yards and two touchdowns, while Miami managed only 63 rushing yards and did not score on the ground. Pittsburgh also forced the game’s only turnover.

Who was the top defensive player?

Jordyn Brooks led Miami with 13 tackles, one sack, two tackles for loss, one pass deflection, and one quarterback hit. Patrick Queen anchored Pittsburgh’s defense with 10 tackles, including nine solo tackles and two tackles for loss.

Conclusion

The Miami Dolphins vs Pittsburgh Steelers match player stats highlight how balanced football often produces winning results. Although Miami generated more passing yards, Pittsburgh excelled in the areas that mattered most throughout the game. Aaron Rodgers delivered an efficient, turnover-free performance, Kenny Gainwell powered a productive rushing attack, and the Steelers’ defense consistently pressured the quarterback while forcing the game’s only takeaway.

Miami received quality performances from Tua Tagovailoa, Darren Waller, and De’Von Achane, but limited rushing production, four sacks allowed, and a costly interception prevented the Dolphins from keeping pace. Pittsburgh’s ability to control the clock, establish the run, and capitalize on scoring opportunities ultimately secured a deserved 28-15 victory.