The Miami Dolphins aim to extend their winning streak as they face off against the Pittsburgh Steelers in a Monday Night Football clash. Miami has been on fire recently, winning all five of their games since early November, including impressive victories against notable teams like the Buffalo Bills and the New York Jets.
Miami Dolphins’ Winning Streak
The Dolphins have showcased their resolve with a physical style of smashmouth football. Their current streak includes:
- Wins against the Buffalo Bills (9-4) and the New York Jets
- An international game victory
Head Coach Mike McDaniel emphasized the need for a strong week of preparation to tackle the formidable Steelers. “We have to earn the win; it will not be handed to us,” McDaniel noted, reflecting on his past experiences against Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh Steelers Overview
The Steelers are riding the momentum of their latest win, a 27-22 triumph over the Baltimore Ravens, which has put them at the top of the AFC North. However, they face challenges with injuries in their lineup. Notably, star linebacker T.J. Watt is out for this match, and they have been struggling against the run game, having allowed:
- 217 rushing yards to the Ravens
- 249 rushing yards to the Bills
Key Player Injuries
As the Steelers prepare for the Dolphins, they need to adjust due to several injuries:
- Andrus Peat was the third left tackle for Pittsburgh but exited last week’s game.
- Dylan Cook, who made his NFL debut last week, is expected to start against Miami’s Bradley Chubb.
- Defensive tackles Keanu Benton and Yahya Black may also miss the game.
Dolphins Versus Steelers: Matchup Highlights
Miami’s outside linebacker Bradley Chubb has been a dominant force, accumulating 19 pressures, 9 hits, and 2.5 sacks during the Dolphins’ winning streak. On the offensive side, running back De’Von Achane is nursing a ribs injury but had a strong showing, along with second-year running back Jaylen Wright, who rushed for 107 yards in the last game.
Miami leads the NFL in rushing yards per game, averaging 192.3 since their Week 10 victory over the Bills, underlining their effective ground game.
Looking Ahead
This match on December 15 at 8:15 p.m. ET promises to deliver excitement, as both teams strive to keep their postseason hopes alive. A win for Miami would even their record to 7-7, making history as just the fifth team to recover to a .500 winning percentage after a challenging start to the season.
Be sure to check the Injury Report and follow the Dolphins’ official social media for updates 90 minutes before kickoff. Fans can watch the game live on ESPN and listen via the Dolphins Radio Network.
