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Steeler Nation is a world-wide army that follows the legendary Pittsburgh Steelers. The Six-Time Super Bowl Champions are a franchise whose tradition dictates a standard of excellence, and their fans expect nothing less year in and year out. Those very same ideals translate to the ultimate Pittsburgh Steelers GameDay Preview, an all-inclusive guide that all Steelers fans read weekly to learn everything they need to know about their team and Pittsburgh’s opponent!
Mike Drakulich, the man behind Pittsburgh SportsNation (@PghSportsNation), who covers both Pitt football and the Steelers for NGSC Sports, brings you inside the huddle with The Pittsburgh SportsNation Game Commentary, Game Prediction, Game Day and Broadcast Information, and complete breakdown of each team, complete with stats. Heck, you’ll even know the weather at kickoff!
The Pittsburgh SportsNation Game Commentary
The up and down saga that is the 2025 Pittsburgh Steelers continues. Last week the Steelers stunned Baltimore 27-22, retaking a one game advantage over the Ravens in the AFC North.
Previous to that win, the Steelers had lost five of their last seven games, and were looking like a team headed for an early off-season. Now they once again control their own destiny to win the division and make the playoffs.
In regards to last week’s Preview in which yours truly said the entire organization was “spineless”, I said what I said.
Yes, the Steelers did manage to go into enemy territory and pull off the upset, but it was not without the very same issues I wrote about. It was great to see my strategy to win the game, come to fruition in the form of Aaron Rodgers taking control, being aggressive, pushing the ball downfield, and feeding his best weapon in D.K. Metcalf.
It was mesmerizing to watch, and before you knew it, the Steelers had a 17-3 lead.
At the half, it was 17-9.
Entering the 4th quarter, Pittsburgh held a 27-16 advantage.
Historically, when the Steelers had an eleven point lead or more at any point of the game, it was lights out for the opposing team.
Not under Mike Tomlin, especially when the team reverts to playing “Tomlin Ball”– that being afraid to take any chances on offense, and passive on defense.
In the 4th quarter, the Steelers were out gained by Baltimore 220-8. They had three possessions, all of which were three-and-outs. The Ravens had the ball for 10 minutes and 41 seconds, compared to just four minutes and 19 seconds for themselves.
If the NFL’s stupid catch rules didn’t screw Isaiah Likely out of a touchdown with 2:47 left, it’s highly possible it would have been the Ravens who walked out of M&T Bank Stadium with a soul-crushing comeback win.
Thankfully, it all worked out for the best, and one can only hope Tomlin and the team learned a valuable lesson that you cannot take your foot off the gas until the game is truly over.
Good luck with that one.
This week the Steelers (7-6) get another chance to win in Prime Time, as the Miami Dolphins (6-7) visit Acrisure Stadium for Monday Night Football on ESPN. Kickoff is set for 8:15 PM.
The Dolphins come into this contest winning five out of their last six games, and four straight overall.
That’s a nice streak to be on, but the last three wins were against the Commanders, Saints, and Jets, who are a combined 9-30.
When the Steelers have the ball: Aaron Rodgers has passed for 2,370 yards, 20 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He’s been sacked 20 times. Currently playing through a micro-fracture on his non-throwing wrist.
D.K. Metcalf is the Steelers top receiver, pulling down 52 receptions for 753 yards and five touchdowns. Calvin Austin III has 27 catches for 309 yards and two touchdowns. Roman Wilson, who had 12 receptions for 166 yards and two scores, was deactivated. Marquez Valdes-Scantling finally saw action against Baltimore. Adam Thielen also debuted against the Ravens and had one reception for four yards. Scotty Miller and Ben Skowronek are rarely utilized.
It’s the Pittsburgh tight ends that get the most action when Rodgers drops back to pass. Jonnu Smith leads the way with 30 catches for 190 yards and two touchdowns. Darnell Washington excels at helping in the run game with his blocking, but has become a danger catching the ball, as he has 23 receptions for 288 yards a touchdown. Not many corners want to see that guy running at full speed at them when he has the ball. Pat Freiermuth has been up and down all season, and has 28 receptions for 307 yards and four touchdowns.
Jaylen Warren continues to be a dual threat at running back, rushing for 652 yards and four touchdowns, adding 30 receptions for 277 yards and two touchdowns. Kenneth Gainwell comes in to spell Warren, and is 2nd on the team with 371 yards, and has found the end zone four times. Gainwell is 2nd on the team with 50 receptions for 286 yards and two touchdowns. Rookie Kaleb Johnson has yet to be utilized by Tomlin, gaining just 65 yards so far.
When the Dolphins have the ball: Tua Tagovailoa has played better of late, passing for 2,407 yards, with 18 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. He’s been sacked 26 times.
Jaylen Waddle is the Dolphins best receiver with 57 receptions for 812 yards and six touchdowns. Malik Washington is 3rd on the team with 40 catches for 274 yards and two touchdowns. Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and Cedric Wilson see an occasional pass thrown their way.
Tight end Darren Waller has 13 receptions for 177 yards and four touchdowns. Greg Dulcich has 13 catches for 154 yards.
De’Von Achane is one of the top backs in the game, rushing for 1,126 yards and seven touchdowns, adding 55 catches for 383 yards and four touchdowns. Ollie Gordon III has 191 yards and three touchdowns. Jaylen Wright stepped in for Achane vs the Jets and rushed for 107 yards and a TD.
The Steelers path to victory: There is just one priority for the Steelers defense this Monday night, albeit a very difficult one.
Stop De’Von Achane and the Miami rushing attack.
That is a task easier said than done, as Achane is the NFL’s 4th leading rusher, is 2nd on the team with 55 receptions, and he’s found the end zone 11 times.
With temps expected to be in the low teens, I don’t expect Tua Tagovailoa to be dropping back like he’s the 2nd incarnation of Dan Marino. When he does pass, he’ll be looking for Jaylen Waddle, Darren Waller, and Achane out of the backfield. Malik Washington will see a few throws in his direction, too.
Linebacker T.J. Watt will miss the game as he had surgery to repair a partially collapsed lung, so Nick Herbig will get his chance to shine in his absence. James Pierre is also out, so it might be Asante Samuel, Jr. time at corner for Pittsburgh. The defensive line and run defense could be bolstered by the return of Derrick Harmon, who is questionable, but expected to play.
If the Steelers can be successful in keeping Achane under wraps, it would force the Fish to rely on Tagovailoa, who is prone to producing some juice turnovers when under duress.
On offense, it’s Aaron Rodgers time. No matter how cold it is, the weather isn’t going to affect a guy who played the majority of his Hall of Fame career in Green Bay. The pass game has to stay aggressive attacking downfield, and feeding D.K. Metcalf early and often.
“Obviously, when he’s making plays like that, we’re a better football team,” Rodgers said regarding Metcalf. “Getting him involved in the first play wasn’t exactly the play call, but I kind of felt when he told me he was thinking about that play Saturday night, I was hoping for a certain coverage so I could give him a shot to get us going.”
If there ever was a time to get the run game going, it would be against the Miami defense that is allowing 131.9 yards a game on the ground, which ranks 26th in the league.
The offensive line will be down their 4th string tackle, as Dylan Cook will have to elevate his game with Broderick Jones, Andrus Peat, and Calvin Anderson all injured.
Who wouldn’t love to see a little 70’s style football on a very cold Monday night, where the offense hits some deep shots, plays physical up front and is able to pound the ball and control the clock, while the defense is aggressive, stopping the run, and pressuring the quarterback every time he drops back to pass?
When this game kicks off, the Steelers could be playing to maintain a one game lead, or even a two game division advantage over Baltimore, depending on the outcome of their game at Cincinnati on Sunday afternoon.
Regardless, this is a must-win game for the Steelers if they want to be a factor in the AFC Playoffs.
Prediction: Steelers 27 Dolphins 17
Game Day Information
NFL Week 15
Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6) vs Miami Dolphins (6-7)
Game-time: Monday, December 15th, at 8:15 PM
Venue: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA.
Field Surface: Kentucky Bluegrass
Vegas line: Pittsburgh -3
Weather at Kickoff: Partly cloudy and 15. Winds out of the WNW at 11 MPH.
Broadcast Information
TV: ESPN {Xfinity: Channel 850 | Dish: 141 | DirecTV: 206} | Local TV: WTAE-TV {Xfinity: Channel 804}
- Announcers: Joe Buck (play-by-play) Troy Aikman (analyst) | Lisa Salters and Laura Rutledge (field reporters)
Local Radio: Pittsburgh- 102.5 WDVE-FM & 970 WBGG-AM
- Announcers: Rob King (play-by-play) Max Starks (analyst) | Missi Matthews (sideline)
National Radio: Compass Media Networks
- Announcers: Kevin Harlan (play-by-play) Kurt Warner (analyst) | N/A (sideline)
Internet Broadcast: Steelers Nation Radio (SNR) on Steelers.com
Scouting the Pittsburgh Steelers
Overall record: 7-6 (1st in AFC North)
Last game: Steelers 27 Ravens 22
Head Coach: Mike Tomlin
- 19th Season with Steelers
- Overall regular-season record: 190-113-2
- Playoff record: 8-11 (Qualified for playoffs 12 times)
Team Links
Steelers Offense
- Offensive Coordinator: Arthur Smith
Offensive Stats
- Points per game: 25.7 (13th)
- Total yards per game: 295.4 (29th)
- Passing yards per game: 206.2 (24th)
- Rushing yards per game: 89.2 (29th)
QUARTERBACK
Aaron Rodgers | #8
Rodgers may be 41, but the arm and his wits are still top notch. Currently tied for 11th in the NFL with 20 touchdown passes. Suffered a micro-fracture on his non-throwing wrist vs Bengals.
Passing Yards: 2,370 | TD Passes: 20 | INT’s: 7 | Sacked: 20
Rushing Yards: 26 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Back-up: Mason Rudolph | #2
Passing Yards: 310 | TD Passes: 2 | INT’s: 2 | Sacked: 2
Rushing Yards: 6 | Rushing TD’s: 0
RUNNING BACKS
Jaylen Warren | #30
Warren is a wrecking ball that always seems to get positive yardage. Dual threat out of the backfield, with 639 yards rushing and has 30 catches for 277 yards receiving.
Rushing Yards: 652 | Rushing TD’s: 4
Receptions: 30 | Receiving Yards: 277 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Kenneth Gainwell | #14
Gainwell is a Swiss Army knife that can step in at any time. Great hands, as he’s 2nd on the team with 50 receptions.
Rushing Yards: 371 | Rushing TD’s: 4
Receptions: 50 | Receiving Yards: 286 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Kaleb Johnson | #20
Johnson, a 2025 3rd round pick, has been barely utilized so far this year. Sadly, sees maybe a carry or two a game.
Rushing Yards: 65 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 9 | Receiving TD’s: 0
WIDE RECEIVERS
D.K. Metcalf | #4
Metcalf is a big, physical receiver, that is considered Aaron Rodgers’ top weapon. Leads the team with 52 catches for 753 yards and five touchdowns.
Receptions: 52 | Receiving Yards: 753 | Receiving TD’s: 5
Calvin Austin III | #19
Austin, now in his 4th year, is slowly losing his grip as the #2 receiver. Averaging 11.4 yards per catch.
Receptions: 27 | Receiving Yards: 309 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Roman Wilson | #10
Wilson is barely used in the Pittsburgh passing game. Averaging 13.8 yards per catch. Had two receptions for 35 yards and a touchdown vs Chargers.
Receptions: 12 | Receiving Yards: 166 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Brian Skowronek | #15
Great blocker and special teams player, Skowronek had five catches for 69 yards last season. Was the recipient of Aaron Rodger’s first TD pass as a Steeler.
Receptions: 4 | Receiving Yards: 69 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Adam Thielen | #16
Signed off waivers after being released by Minnesota. Will the Steelers find a way to use him in their offense?
Receptions: 9 | Receiving Yards: 73 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Marquez Valdes-Scantling | #11
Signed as a free agent, made season debut for Steelers vs Ravens.
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Rushing Yards: 11 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Scotty Miller | #13
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 9 | Receiving TD’s: 0
TIGHT ENDS
Pat Freiermuth | #88
Freiermuth is another guy being under-used in the offense. 2nd on the team with four touchdown receptions.
Receptions: 28 | Receiving Yards: 307 | Receiving TD’s: 4
Jonnu Smith | #81
Smith is a hybrid tight end/receiver… leads all tight ends with 30 receptions.
Receptions: 30 | Receiving Yards: 190 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Darnell Washington | #80
Mount Washington is an imposing figure at 6’7, 264 pounds. Big part of the offense, aiding the run game with his blocking, but now contributing with 23 receptions for 288 yards. There’s not a corner on this planet that wants this guy running at full speed at them with the ball.
Receptions: 23 | Receiving Yards: 288 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Conner Heyward | #83
Heyward will be utilized in a fullback/tight end role.
Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 18 | Receiving TD’s: 1
KICKER
Chris Boswell | #9
Extra Points: 33-33
Field Goals: 21-24
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 4-4
- 30-39 yards: 2-3
- 40-49 yards: 8-9
- 50+ yards: 7-8
OFFENSIVE LINE
LT: Dylan Cook | #60
LG: Isaac Seumalo | #73
C: Zach Frazier | #54
RG: Mason McCormick | #66
RT: Troy Fautanu | #76
Steelers Defense
- Defensive Coordinator: Teryl Austin
- Defensive System: 3-4
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 23.9 (19th)
- Total offensive yards per game allowed: 369.3 (28th)
- Passing yards allowed: 244 (28th)
- Rushing yards allowed: 125.3 (21st)
- Sacks: 36 (7th)
- Interceptions: 11 (11th)
DEFENSIVE LINE
DT: Cam Heyward | #97
Tackles: 57 | Sacks: 1.5
NT: Keeanu Benton | #95
Tackles: 38 | Sacks: 4.5
DE: Derrick Harmon | #99
Tackles: 22 | Sacks: 2
LINEBACKERS
LOLB: T.J. Watt* | #90
Tackles: 53 | Sacks: 7 | INT: 1
LILB: Patrick Queen | #6
Tackles: 96 | Sacks: 1
RILB: Payton Wilson | #41
Tackles: 97 | Sacks: 1 | INT: 1
ROLB: Alex Highsmith | #56
Tackles: 37 | Sacks: 6.5
OR Nick Herbig | #51
Tackles: 28 | Sacks: 6.5 | INT: 1
SECONDARY
LCB: James Pierre* | #42
Tackles: 27 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
OR Asante Samuel, Jr. | #22
Tackles: 3 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
FS: Kyle Dugger | #29
Tackles: 24 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1 | TD: 1
SS: Jalen Ramsey | #25
Tackles: 68 | Sacks: 2 | INT: 1
RCB: Joey Porter, Jr. | #24
Tackles: 40 | Sacks: 1 | INT: 1
NB: Brandin Echols | #26
Tackles: 40 | Sacks: 1 | INT: 2
*Injured/Out
Scouting the Miami Dolphins
Overall record: 6-7 (3rd in AFC East)
Last game: Miami 34 NY Jets 10
Head Coach: Mike McDaniel
- 4th Season with Miami
- Overall regular-season record: 34-30 | 34-30 with Dolphins
- Playoff Record: 0-2
Team Links
Dolphins Offense
Offensive Stats
- Points per game: 21.6 (22nd)
- Total Offense per game: 318.8 (24th)
- Passing yards per game: 192.3 (30th)
- Rushing yards per game: 126.5 (8th)
QUARTERBACK
Tua Tagovailoa | #1
Tagovailoa has heated up after a slow start. Still prone to bad throws when under pressure.
Passing Yards: 2,407 | TD Passes: 18 | INT’s: 14 | Sacked: 26
Rushing Yards: 42 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Back-up: Zach Wilson | #0
Passing Yards: 32 | TD Passes: 0 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 0
Rushing Yards: 1 | Rushing TD’s: 0
RUNNING BACKS
De’Von Achane | #28
Achane has blazing speed and is 4th in the NFL with 1,126 yards rushing.
Rushing Yards: 1,126 | Rushing TD’s: 7
Receptions: 55 | Receiving Yards: 383 | Receiving TD’s: 4
Ollie Gordon III | #31
Rushing Yards: 191 | Rushing TD’s: 3
Receptions: 6 | Receiving Yards: 30 | TD’s: 1
Jaylen Wright | #5
Rushing Yards: 172 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Alec Ingold (FB) | #30
Rushing Yards: 9 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 5 | Receiving Yards: 36 | Receiving TD’s: 0
WIDE RECEIVERS
Jaylen Waddle | #17
Waddle has elevated his play with Tyreek Hill out for the season. 1st on the team with 57 receptions.
Receptions: 57 | Receiving Yards: 812 | Receiving TD’s: 6
Rushing Yards: 21 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Malik Washington | #6
Averaging just 6.8 yards per catch.
Receptions: 40 | Receiving Yards: 274 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Rushing Yards: 78 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine | #18
Receptions: 11 | Receiving Yards: 89 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Cedrick Wilson, Jr. | #19
Receptions: 3 | Receiving Yards: 25 | Receiving TD’s: 0
TIGHT ENDS
Darren Waller | #83
Walker is showing age is but a number. Missed some games on IR but still 2nd on the team with four touchdown receptions.
Receptions: 13 | Receiving Yards: 177 | Receiving TD’s: 4
Greg Dulcich | #85
Receptions: 13 | Receiving Yards: 154 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Julian Hill | #89
Receptions: 11 | Receiving Yards: 91 | Receiving TD’s: 0
KICKER
Riley Patterson | #47
Extra Points: 28-29
Field Goals: 23-25
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 4-4
- 30-39 yards: 7-8
- 40-49 yards: 11-11
- 50+ yards: 1-2
Dolphins Defense
- Defensive System: 4-3
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 22.8 (16th)
- Total offensive yards per game allowed: 334.5 (19th)
- Passing yards allowed: 202.6 (12th)
- Rushing yards allowed: 131.9 (26th)
- Sacks: 31 (15th)
- Interceptions: 7 (25th)
DEFENSIVE LINE
LDE: Matthew Judon | #8
Tackles: 15 | Sacks: 0
LDT: Zach Sieler | #92
Tackles: 37 | Sacks: 3.5
RDT: Benito Jones | #95
Tackles: 13 | Sacks: 1
RDE: Bradley Chubb | #2
Tackles: 35 | Sacks: 6.5
LINEBACKERS
WLB: Jordyn Brooks | #20
Tackles: 142 | Sacks: 2.5 | INT:0
MLB: Tyrel Dodson | #25
Tackles: 98 | Sacks: 4 | INT: 1
SLB: Cameron Goode | #53
Tackles: 2 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
SECONDARY
LCB: Jack Jones | #23
Tackles: 51 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
SS: Ashtyn Davis | #21
Tackles: 43 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
FS: Minkah Fitzpatrick | #29
Tackles: 68 | Sacks: 1 | INT: 1
RCB: Jason Marshall, Jr. | #33
Tackles: 10 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
*Injured/Out
Steelers vs Dolphins History
Series History: Began in 1971
Overall Record: 15-14
- Home: 9-4
- Away: 6-10
- Postseason: 2-2
Streak: Miami won the last game.
Last regular-season meeting: Dolphins Win, 16-10 (Oct. 23, 2022)
Last postseason meeting: Steelers Win, 30-12 (Jan. 8, 2017)
Injury Report (12/13/25)
Pittsburgh Steelers
IR: OT Broderick Jones (Neck), OL Calvin Anderson (Knee), S DeShon Elliot (Knee)
Out: LB T.J. Watt (Lung) CB James Pierre, OL Andrus Peat (Concussion)
Doubtful: None
Questionable: DT Derrick Harmon (Knee), TE Darnell Washington (Concussion)
Miami Dolphins
Out: None
Doubtful: DB Elijah Campbell (Ankle/Knee)
Questionable: OL Andrew Meyer (Tricep)
Pittsburgh Steelers Schedule
2025 REGULAR-SEASON SCHEDULE (7-6)
Sun. Sept. 7 at N.Y. Jets | W- 34-32
Sun. Sept. 14 vs Seattle | L- 31-17
Sun. Sept. 21 at New England | W- 21-14
Sun. Sept. 28 vs Minnesota | W- 24-21
BYE WEEK
Sun. Oct. 12 Cleveland | W- 23-9
Thur. Oct. 16 at Cincinnati | L- 33-31
Sun. Oct. 26 vs Green Bay | L- 35-25
Sun. Nov. 2 vs Indianapolis | W- 27-20
Sun. Nov. 9 at L.A. Chargers | L- 25-10
Sun. Nov. 16 vs Cincinnati | W- 34-12
Sun. Nov. 23 at Chicago | L- 31-28
Sun. Nov. 30 vs Buffalo | L- 26-7
Sun. Dec. 7 at Baltimore | W- 27-22
Mon. Dec. 15 vs Miami 8:15 p.m.
Sun. Dec. 21 at Detroit* 4:25 p.m.
Sun. Dec. 28 at Cleveland* 1 p.m.
Sun. Jan. 4 vs Baltimore* 1 p.m.
* *Times and TV network may change due to flexible scheduling
Author Profile
- Your source for Pittsburgh sports!
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From Midland, "The Basketball Capital of Pennsylvania", located 35 miles NW of Pittsburgh along the Ohio River. This former steel town was home to storied athletes such as Dave Alston, Norm Van Lier, Simmie Hill, and the legendary 1965 Midland High School Basketball Team.
There's nowhere on earth that is more dedicated to its sports teams like Western Pennsylvania and the city of Pittsburgh. The passion and pride of Pittsburgh's fan base is second to no one. From the NFL, NHL, MLB, NCAA football and basketball, to W.P.I.A.L. high school sports, "The City of Champions" has it all!
As Editor of Pittsburgh SportsNation, Mike Drakulich provides top notch opinions and coverage of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Pittsburgh Pirates, Pitt Panthers football & basketball, Robert Morris Colonials basketball, and Duquesne Dukes basketball, as well as all sports teams that represent Western Pennsylvania, including WPIAL High School Football.
For a refreshing view of sports, mixed with humor and uncensored opinions, check out Pittsburgh SportsNation today on Facebook, Twitter @PghSportsNation and videos with over 1,000,000 views on YouTube!
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