Kenneth Gainwell's 126 all-purpose yards and scoring rushes from tight ends Connor Heyward and Jonnu Smith powered Pittsburgh's balanced attack in their 28-15 victory over Miami, with Aaron Rodgers orchestrating four straight TD drives amid strong use of 11-personnel sets.
Amid their dominant 28-15 win over the Dolphins—improving to 8-6 and reclaiming AFC North atop via tiebreaker—the Steelers leaned on offensive versatility. Aaron Rodgers efficiently led four consecutive touchdown drives, utilizing 11-personnel groupings on 53% of plays to open opportunities for receivers DK Metcalf (3 receptions, 55 yards, TD) and Marquez Valdes-Scantling (19-yard TD catch).
RB Kenneth Gainwell excelled with 80 rushing yards on 13 carries and 46 receiving yards on seven catches. The tight ends were pivotal: Connor Heyward and Jonnu Smith each plunged in for short-yardage rushing TDs, showcasing depth praised by Mike Tomlin: "We’ve got a deep and diverse tight end group. Darnell [Washington] is a point of attack run blocker. Jonnu [Smith] is good run after [catch]... And Connor’s a jack of all trades."
Pittsburgh's run defense smothered Miami's ground game, forcing Tua Tagovailoa into prolonged drops and contributing to a 2-of-8 third-down mark. The unit faltered late, yielding two fourth-quarter TDs. Injuries loomed: G Isaac Seumalo exited with a tricep issue, while OLB T.J. Watt sat out (lung concern, unclear return).
This cohesion sets up a pivotal Week 16 clash at Detroit.
