Miami Dolphins vs Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats
The Miami Dolphins vs Pittsburgh Steelers match player stats from the 2025 Week 15 meeting tell a much clearer story than the final score alone. Pittsburgh defeated Miami 28-15 at Acrisure Stadium, using a balanced offensive attack, strong second-half execution, and mistake-free quarterback play to pull away after a relatively tight opening half.
The game was played on Monday, December 15, 2025, in Pittsburgh, with coverage and reporting continuing into December 16. Miami entered at 6-7 and moved to 6-8 after the loss, while Pittsburgh improved to 8-6.
For readers researching individual performances, the most important numbers are straightforward. Tua Tagovailoa completed 22 of 28 passes for 253 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Aaron Rodgers completed 23 of 27 for 224 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. De’Von Achane led Miami in rushing and receiving yardage, while Kenneth Gainwell led Pittsburgh in rushing. Darren Waller produced both of Miami’s touchdowns, while Pittsburgh received touchdown contributions from Connor Heyward, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, DK Metcalf and Jonnu Smith.
Miami Dolphins vs Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats: Game Overview
| Category | Miami Dolphins | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| Final Score | 15 | 28 |
| Record After Game | 6-8 | 8-6 |
| Total Yards | 285 | 336 |
| Passing Yards | 222 net | 201 net |
| Rushing Yards | 63 | 135 |
| Total Plays | 48 | 62 |
| First Downs | 16 | 22 |
| Third Down | 2/8 | 4/13 |
| Fourth Down | 1/1 | 3/3 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Time of Possession | 26:27 | 33:33 |
| Red Zone | 2/2 | 3/3 |
The raw yardage difference was not enormous, but Pittsburgh controlled the shape of the game. The Steelers ran 62 offensive plays compared with Miami’s 48 and held the ball for 33:33. Their 135 rushing yards also more than doubled Miami’s 63 rushing yards.
That distinction matters when analyzing player statistics. Miami’s passing numbers look productive, but Pittsburgh’s ability to stay on schedule with the run allowed the Steelers to sustain drives and keep Miami’s offense off the field.
Quarterback Player Stats
Tua Tagovailoa
Tua Tagovailoa completed 22 of 28 passes for 253 yards, averaging 9.0 yards per attempt, with two touchdowns and one interception. He was also sacked four times for 31 yards. His official passer rating was 113.2.
| Statistic | Tua Tagovailoa |
| Completions | 22 |
| Attempts | 28 |
| Completion Rate | 78.6% |
| Passing Yards | 253 |
| Yards per Attempt | 9.0 |
| Touchdowns | 2 |
| Interceptions | 1 |
| Sacks | 4 |
| Sack Yards | 31 |
| Passer Rating | 113.2 |
At first glance, this was an efficient passing performance. Tagovailoa completed nearly four out of every five attempts and averaged 9.0 yards per attempt.
The problem was that the passing efficiency did not translate into enough scoring opportunities before the fourth quarter.
Miami scored only three points through the first three quarters. The offense then generated two fourth-quarter touchdown drives, both ending with passes to Waller. The late production improved the statistical profile but came after Pittsburgh had already established a 28-3 advantage.
Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers completed 23 of 27 passes for 224 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. He was sacked three times for 23 yards and finished with a 125.9 passer rating.
| Statistic | Aaron Rodgers |
| Completions | 23 |
| Attempts | 27 |
| Completion Rate | 85.2% |
| Passing Yards | 224 |
| Yards per Attempt | 8.3 |
| Touchdowns | 2 |
| Interceptions | 0 |
| Sacks | 3 |
| Sack Yards | 23 |
| Passer Rating | 125.9 |
Rodgers’ completion percentage was one of the defining quarterback statistics of the night. He completed 13 consecutive passes at one point and finished at 85.2 percent, which was the second-highest completion percentage of his career.
The biggest difference between the quarterbacks was not simply passing yards. Rodgers protected the football. Pittsburgh did not commit a turnover, while Miami threw one interception.
That single turnover became more important because the Steelers also dominated the ground game and possession battle.
Rushing Player Stats
The rushing statistics are among the clearest explanations for Pittsburgh’s victory.
The Steelers finished with 135 rushing yards on 32 attempts, averaging 4.2 yards per carry. Miami managed 63 rushing yards on 16 attempts, averaging 3.9 yards per carry.
De’Von Achane
De’Von Achane was Miami’s leading rusher:
- 12 carries
- 60 yards
- 5.0 yards per carry
- 15-yard long
- 0 rushing touchdowns
Achane also became an important part of Miami’s passing game, catching six passes for 67 yards. That gave him 127 combined rushing and receiving yards.
His workload illustrates one of the most interesting aspects of the game. Achane was productive when Miami got the ball into his hands, but the Dolphins did not run the ball often enough to match Pittsburgh’s rushing volume.
Kenneth Gainwell
Kenneth Gainwell led Pittsburgh with:
- 13 carries
- 80 yards
- 6.2 yards per carry
- 38-yard long
- 0 rushing touchdowns
His 38-yard run was the longest rushing play recorded by either team.
Gainwell’s average of 6.2 yards per carry was particularly useful because Pittsburgh did not need to rely exclusively on Rodgers. The Steelers could create favorable down-and-distance situations through the ground game.
Other Pittsburgh Rushers
Jaylen Warren carried 12 times for 33 yards. Jonnu Smith added 14 yards and a touchdown on one rushing attempt, while Connor Heyward scored another rushing touchdown. Kaleb Johnson contributed four yards on two carries.
That distribution is important. Pittsburgh’s 135 rushing yards did not come from one player alone. The Steelers used multiple players to keep the offense moving.
Receiving Player Stats
Miami Dolphins Receiving Leaders
De’Von Achane led Miami with six receptions for 67 yards.
Darren Waller was the game’s most important Miami receiver from a scoring perspective. He caught seven passes for 66 yards and two touchdowns.
| Miami Receiver | Receptions | Yards | Average | TD |
| De’Von Achane | 6 | 67 | 11.2 | 0 |
| Darren Waller | 7 | 66 | 9.4 | 2 |
| Greg Dulcich | 2 | 46 | 23.0 | 0 |
| Jaylen Waddle | 2 | 26 | 13.0 | 0 |
| Julian Hill | 2 | 25 | 12.5 | 0 |
| Malik Washington | 1 | 10 | 10.0 | 0 |
Waller’s two touchdowns came in the fourth quarter. His first scoring reception covered six yards, while his second covered 13 yards. Miami failed on both two-point conversion attempts.
Greg Dulcich also deserves attention because his two catches produced 46 yards, including a 29-yard reception. That made him Miami’s most efficient big-play receiver by yardage per catch among players with multiple receptions.
Pittsburgh Steelers Receiving Leaders
DK Metcalf led Pittsburgh in receiving yardage with three catches for 55 yards and one touchdown.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling added one reception for 19 yards and a touchdown.
| Pittsburgh Receiver | Receptions | Yards | Average | TD |
| DK Metcalf | 3 | 55 | 18.3 | 1 |
| Kenneth Gainwell | 7 | 46 | 6.6 | 0 |
| Pat Freiermuth | 3 | 45 | 15.0 | 0 |
| Darnell Washington | 3 | 25 | 8.3 | 0 |
| Marquez Valdes-Scantling | 1 | 19 | 19.0 | 1 |
| Jaylen Warren | 3 | 15 | 5.0 | 0 |
| Jonnu Smith | 2 | 12 | 6.0 | 0 |
Metcalf’s 28-yard touchdown was one of Pittsburgh’s most important explosive plays. Rodgers also connected with Valdes-Scantling for a 19-yard touchdown during the third quarter.
The Steelers did not need one receiver to dominate targets. Instead, Rodgers distributed the ball across the offense while Pittsburgh’s rushing attack handled a substantial portion of the workload.
Miami Dolphins Defensive Player Stats
Jordyn Brooks led Miami’s defense with 13 total tackles, including seven solo tackles. He also recorded one sack, two tackles for loss, one pass defended and one quarterback hit.
His performance stands out because Pittsburgh’s offense repeatedly extended drives and generated 336 total yards. Brooks was frequently involved in stopping plays and limiting additional damage.
Miami’s defensive challenge was not simply tackling. The larger issue was limiting Pittsburgh’s consistency.
The Steelers converted three of three fourth-down attempts and produced eight rushing first downs. Miami generated only one rushing first down.
That difference shows why tackle totals should not be viewed in isolation. A defender can record a large number of tackles while the opposing offense still controls the game.
Pittsburgh Steelers Defensive Player Stats
Patrick Queen led Pittsburgh with 10 total tackles, including nine solo tackles and two tackles for loss.
Asante Samuel Jr. recorded Pittsburgh’s only interception.
That interception was particularly important because Pittsburgh did not turn the ball over itself. The turnover margin finished at plus one for the Steelers.
Pittsburgh also recorded four sacks of Tagovailoa, compared with three sacks of Rodgers. The sack numbers were relatively close, but the turnover and rushing differences helped Pittsburgh turn its defensive work into better overall game control.
How the Game Changed Quarter by Quarter
First Quarter
Neither team scored in the opening quarter.
The lack of scoring did not mean there was no offensive movement. Both teams moved the ball at different points, but neither could finish a drive with points.
The game therefore entered the second quarter tied 0-0.
Second Quarter
Miami opened the scoring with Riley Patterson’s 54-yard field goal.
Pittsburgh responded just before halftime when Connor Heyward scored on a one-yard rushing touchdown. Chris Boswell added the extra point, giving Pittsburgh a 7-3 lead.
At halftime, the game remained within one possession.
Third Quarter
The third quarter was the turning point.
Pittsburgh scored twice.
Rodgers first connected with Marquez Valdes-Scantling for a 19-yard touchdown. Later, Rodgers found DK Metcalf for a 28-yard touchdown.
The Steelers entered the fourth quarter with a 21-3 lead.
This period demonstrates why a final box score needs game-flow context. Rodgers’ overall passing line was efficient, but his most consequential throws came during the period when Pittsburgh created separation.
Fourth Quarter
Jonnu Smith extended Pittsburgh’s lead with a 14-yard rushing touchdown, making the score 28-3.
Miami then mounted a late response. Waller caught two touchdown passes, but Miami failed to convert either two-point attempt.
The Dolphins therefore finished with 15 points, while Pittsburgh held on for a 28-15 victory.
Why Pittsburgh Won
The Miami Dolphins vs Pittsburgh Steelers match player stats reveal several connected factors behind Pittsburgh’s victory.
1. Pittsburgh Won the Rushing Battle
The Steelers produced 135 rushing yards compared with 63 for Miami.
The 72-yard difference was significant.
Pittsburgh also ran twice as many rushing attempts, 32 compared with 16. That helped the Steelers maintain possession and reduce the number of opportunities available to Miami’s offense.
2. Rodgers Protected the Football
Rodgers threw two touchdowns without an interception.
Tagovailoa also threw two touchdowns, but he had one interception.
The Steelers finished with zero turnovers, while Miami finished with one.
3. Pittsburgh Controlled Possession
The Steelers held the ball for 33:33, compared with Miami’s 26:27.
That seven-minute difference becomes especially meaningful when combined with Pittsburgh’s 62 offensive plays against Miami’s 48.
4. Pittsburgh Finished Drives
The Steelers went 3-for-3 in the red zone.
Miami also went 2-for-2 in the red zone, but Pittsburgh created more opportunities and converted them into touchdowns.
The Steelers also went 3-for-3 on fourth down. Miami converted its only fourth-down attempt.
5. The Third Quarter Created Separation
The biggest scoring difference came in the third quarter.
Pittsburgh scored 14 points in the period while Miami scored none. That changed the game from a competitive 7-3 contest into a 21-3 Pittsburgh advantage entering the final quarter.
Passing Statistics Need to Be Read Carefully
One detail that can confuse readers comparing different box scores is the difference between quarterback passing yards and team passing yards.
Tagovailoa officially threw for 253 yards, while Miami’s team passing figure was 222 yards after accounting for sack yardage.
Rodgers threw for 224 yards, while Pittsburgh’s team passing figure was 201 yards after accounting for sack losses.
This is normal box-score accounting. Passing yards describe the quarterback’s completed passing production, while the team passing total accounts for sacks and resulting lost yardage.
For anyone comparing the Miami Dolphins vs Pittsburgh Steelers match player stats, using the wrong column can make the numbers appear inconsistent when they are actually describing different measurements.
Total Offensive Production
Pittsburgh finished with 336 total yards.
Miami finished with 285.
The 51-yard difference was noticeable, but the more revealing numbers were the play count and rushing production.
| Offensive Category | Miami | Pittsburgh |
| Total Plays | 48 | 62 |
| Total Yards | 285 | 336 |
| Passing | 222 net | 201 net |
| Rushing | 63 | 135 |
| Yards per Play | 5.9 | 5.4 |
| First Downs | 16 | 22 |
| Possession | 26:27 | 33:33 |
Miami actually averaged more yards per play, 5.9 to 5.4.
That statistic is worth highlighting because it prevents an overly simple interpretation. Pittsburgh did not win because every offensive efficiency number favored the Steelers. Miami produced more yards per play, but Pittsburgh generated more total plays, more rushing yards, more first downs and more possession time.
In other words, Pittsburgh’s advantage was more about sustaining offense and controlling volume than simply producing more yards on every snap.
Special Teams Statistics
Special teams also contributed several useful numbers.
Miami
Riley Patterson made his only field-goal attempt, a 54-yard kick.
Dee Eskridge returned three kickoffs for 74 yards, averaging 24.7 yards per return with a 33-yard long.
Malik Washington returned two punts for 14 yards.
Jake Bailey punted four times for 194 yards, averaging 48.5 yards per punt, with a long of 55 yards.
Pittsburgh
Chris Boswell made all four extra-point attempts.
Jaylen Warren returned two kickoffs for 54 yards, averaging 27.0 yards per return.
Calvin Austin III returned three punts for nine yards.
Corliss Waitman punted five times for 231 yards, averaging 46.2 yards with a long of 52 yards.
Neither team lost a fumble. Pittsburgh’s only turnover was the interception thrown by Miami.
The Most Important Player Performances
When the complete box score is considered, several players stand out for different reasons.
Aaron Rodgers
Rodgers delivered the cleanest quarterback performance statistically. His 23-of-27 passing, two touchdowns and zero interceptions gave Pittsburgh reliable production through the air.
Kenneth Gainwell
Gainwell’s 80 rushing yards and 6.2 yards per carry helped establish Pittsburgh’s ground game. His 38-yard run was also the longest rushing play of the contest.
DK Metcalf
Metcalf had only three receptions, but those catches produced 55 yards and a touchdown. His 18.3 yards per catch made him one of Pittsburgh’s primary explosive threats.
Darren Waller
Waller was Miami’s leading touchdown producer with two receiving scores. His seven catches and 66 yards also made him one of Tagovailoa’s most reliable targets.
De’Von Achane
Achane contributed as both a runner and receiver. His 60 rushing yards plus 67 receiving yards gave him 127 yards from scrimmage.
Jordyn Brooks
Brooks’ 13 tackles led Miami’s defense, along with one sack and two tackles for loss.
Patrick Queen
Queen led Pittsburgh with 10 tackles and recorded two tackles for loss. His nine solo tackles showed how frequently he was involved in defensive stops.
What the Box Score Says About Miami
Miami’s offensive numbers were not poor across the board.
The Dolphins completed 78.6 percent of their passes, averaged 9.0 yards per attempt through Tagovailoa, scored twice in the red zone and finished with 285 total yards.
The bigger problem was timing.
Miami scored only three points during the first three quarters. By the time the offense found the end zone twice, Pittsburgh had already created a 25-point lead.
This is an important distinction when evaluating player performance. A quarterback can produce strong completion and yardage numbers while his team still loses comfortably because scoring opportunities, turnovers, rushing balance and game situation matter.
What the Box Score Says About Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh’s statistical profile was built around balance.
Rodgers completed 85.2 percent of his passes. Gainwell averaged 6.2 yards per carry. The team rushed 32 times. Pittsburgh converted all three fourth-down attempts and all three red-zone possessions resulted in touchdowns.
The Steelers also avoided turnovers.
That combination made it difficult for Miami to recover once Pittsburgh built its third-quarter lead.
A Closer Look at the Fourth-Quarter Comeback Attempt
Miami’s late scoring drive is worth studying even though it did not change the outcome.
The Dolphins scored their first fourth-quarter touchdown with 9:41 remaining. Waller caught a six-yard touchdown pass from Tagovailoa.
After Pittsburgh failed to generate a first down on its next possession, Miami moved 86 yards on nine plays and scored again with 2:32 remaining.
Waller again caught the touchdown, this time on a 13-yard reception.
Miami attempted a two-point conversion after each touchdown but failed both times.
The second touchdown made the score 28-15, but Pittsburgh recovered the ensuing onside kick and was able to drain the remaining time.
That sequence shows why the fourth-quarter score should not be interpreted as a full-game offensive turnaround. Miami’s offense was productive late, but Pittsburgh had already done the decisive work earlier.
Statistical Takeaways for Fantasy and Player Analysis
For fantasy football and player-performance research, several individual lines deserve attention.
De’Von Achane: 60 rushing yards plus 67 receiving yards created a strong all-purpose workload, even without a touchdown.
Darren Waller: Seven receptions, 66 yards and two touchdowns made him Miami’s most productive scoring receiver.
Aaron Rodgers: 224 passing yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions represented a highly efficient passing day.
Kenneth Gainwell: 80 rushing yards on 13 carries showed strong efficiency and included a 38-yard explosive run.
DK Metcalf: Three catches for 55 yards and a touchdown demonstrated high-impact production despite limited reception volume.
These numbers also demonstrate why total receptions alone do not tell the entire story. Metcalf had fewer catches than several teammates, but his 18.3-yard average and touchdown gave his three receptions substantial value.
Common Mistakes When Reading These Match Stats
Mistake 1: Comparing Only Passing Yards
Passing yards do not tell the entire story.
Rodgers had fewer gross passing yards than Tagovailoa, but Pittsburgh won by 13 points. Rodgers also avoided interceptions and operated within a more balanced offensive structure.
Mistake 2: Ignoring Rushing Attempts
Miami ran only 16 times compared with Pittsburgh’s 32 attempts.
That difference shaped possession, play volume and offensive balance.
Mistake 3: Treating Late Touchdowns as Game-Changing Scores
Miami’s two fourth-quarter touchdowns were statistically meaningful, but they came after Pittsburgh had established a 28-3 advantage.
Mistake 4: Confusing Passing and Net Passing Numbers
Tagovailoa’s 253 passing yards and Miami’s 222 team passing yards are not contradictory. The team total reflects sack losses.
The same applies to Rodgers’ 224 passing yards compared with Pittsburgh’s 201 team passing figure.
Mistake 5: Looking Only at the Final Score
The 28-15 score is useful, but the quarter-by-quarter breakdown provides more context:
- First quarter: 0-0
- Second quarter: Pittsburgh 7, Miami 3
- Third quarter: Pittsburgh 14, Miami 0
- Fourth quarter: Pittsburgh 7, Miami 12
The third quarter was the defining period.
Miami Dolphins vs Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats Summary
The Miami Dolphins vs Pittsburgh Steelers match player stats show a game in which both quarterbacks produced efficient passing performances, but Pittsburgh controlled more of the game’s structure.
Tagovailoa completed 22 of 28 passes for 253 yards and two touchdowns, while Rodgers completed 23 of 27 for 224 yards and two touchdowns without an interception.
Achane led Miami’s rushing attack with 60 yards and also caught six passes for 67 yards. Waller produced two receiving touchdowns.
For Pittsburgh, Gainwell led the rushing game with 80 yards, while Metcalf led the receiving group with 55 yards and a touchdown. Rodgers also threw a touchdown to Valdes-Scantling. Pittsburgh’s rushing touchdowns came from Connor Heyward and Jonnu Smith.
The decisive statistical differences were Pittsburgh’s 135 rushing yards, 22 first downs, 62 offensive plays, 33:33 time of possession and zero turnovers.
Miami had productive individual performances, but Pittsburgh was more consistent across the entire game.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the Dolphins vs Steelers game?
The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Miami Dolphins 28-15 in the 2025 Week 15 matchup. The game was played in Pittsburgh on December 15, 2025.
How many yards did Tua Tagovailoa pass for against the Steelers?
Tua Tagovailoa completed 22 of 28 passes for 253 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. He was sacked four times for 31 yards.
How many yards did Aaron Rodgers pass for against Miami?
Aaron Rodgers completed 23 of 27 passes for 224 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. He was sacked three times for 23 yards.
Who led the Dolphins in rushing?
De’Von Achane led Miami with 12 carries for 60 yards, averaging 5.0 yards per carry.
Who led the Steelers in rushing?
Kenneth Gainwell led Pittsburgh with 13 carries for 80 yards and averaged 6.2 yards per carry. His longest run covered 38 yards.
Who scored the Dolphins’ touchdowns?
Darren Waller scored both of Miami’s touchdowns on receptions from Tua Tagovailoa. Miami attempted two-point conversions after both scores but failed both times.
Conclusion
The Miami Dolphins vs Pittsburgh Steelers match player stats provide a detailed picture of why Pittsburgh finished with a 28-15 victory.
Aaron Rodgers delivered an efficient and turnover-free passing performance, while Kenneth Gainwell helped establish a rushing attack that produced 135 yards. DK Metcalf and Marquez Valdes-Scantling provided important touchdown receptions, while Connor Heyward and Jonnu Smith contributed rushing scores.
Miami received strong individual production from Tua Tagovailoa, De’Von Achane, Darren Waller and Jordyn Brooks. Tagovailoa passed for 253 yards and two touchdowns, Achane generated 127 combined rushing and receiving yards, Waller caught two touchdowns, and Brooks led the defense with 13 tackles.
The broader team numbers explain the result. Pittsburgh ran 62 plays to Miami’s 48, rushed for 135 yards to Miami’s 63, held the ball for more than 33 minutes and finished without a turnover. Miami’s late fourth-quarter production made the final margin closer, but Pittsburgh’s third-quarter surge had already established control.
